Under the Laser

Going for a laser treatment comes with a lot of questions. DR AJAY RANA bursts myths related to it & dos and don’ts that follow

As we move into the new millennium, it is becoming increasingly clear that the usage of laser and modern technologies are entering the most exciting phase of their development. Laser treatment is commonly used for removing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities. The pulsating beams of light are concentrated on the irregular skin which removes the unwanted skin layer by layer. In short, it helps in improving the skin texture and the appearance as a whole. Laser treatment should always be performed by trained and certified practitioners under the supervision of the dermatologist maintaining strict hygiene standards.

Laser treatments are different from laser surgery. Laser treatment for beautification does not involve any kind of surgery. Laser surgery is generally related to stone removal and for eye diagnoses.

Below some popular myths related to laser treatment and the truths behind it:

• Myth 1: Laser treatments expose your skin to infections
• Fact: Laser treatments don’t cause infections as the skin is not cut open to expose the internal layers or veins. There is very little risk of infection as the treatment's nature is very different.
• Myth 2: Lasers expose you to radiation
• Fact: Laser treatments are safe as only light is used in the process and no harmful ionising radiation. In fact, normal sunlight contains more radiation than most modern lasers used for medical practices.
• Myth 3: Lasers can cause burns
• Fact: All modern lasers use the theory of selective photo-thrombolysis formulated at the famous Harvard medical school. This actually means that laser light specifically searches and destroys only the intended target and acts likes magic bullets.
• Myth 4: Lasers cause thinning of the skin
• Fact: In contrary, skin thickens after Lasertreatments. Skin is a living tissue and due to laser treatment controlled gentle heating in the dermis induces new collagen and elastin formation, replacing the older damaged tissue. That is why laser treatments have a rejuvenating effect on the skin, reducing wrinkles to become plumper. Of course, your laser therapist should have in-depth knowledge of laser physics to achieve the desired results.
• Myth 5: Lasers are unnecessary
• Fact: There are many physical problems and diseases for which lasers are indispensable. There are no medications or creams which can permanently remove scars, birthmarks, tattoos, remove unwanted hair, varicose veins, port-wine stains and others. Laser technology is similarly indispensable for many other internal medical conditions too.
• Myth 6: Lasers cause cancers
• Fact: Lasers are used to remove all kinds of skin and other cancers. Laser light does not contain wavelengths which can trigger cancers.
• Myth 7: Laser hair treatment is harmful to health
• Fact: The depth of laser penetration is 1-4 mm; it reaches only the hair follicles, and then is completely dissipated and does not penetrate deeper! Laser destroys only the hair bulb.
• Myth 8: Laser hair reduction hurts

Fact: A little pin-prick, that’s all the pain involved in this treatment. But this depends on individual pain barrier. For particularly sensitive parts of the body like bikini and underarms. an anaesthetic cream can be used. It can be applied everywhere,If your pain threshold is less.

The writer is Founder & Director of ILAMED