[dropcap]L[/dropcap]asers are used in many industries today. In the skincare industry, they are especially helpful. In fact, there are lasers available to treat all sorts of skincare concerns. It is the variations in the different laser skincare tools available that makes that wide range of treatments possible.
Light consists of what are called wavelengths. The wavelengths each produce different colors our eyes can see. In some cases, combinations of wavelengths produce different colors. However, laser beams consist of single wavelengths of focused light, rather than combinations of light wavelengths. The wavelength used by each laser often determines or partially determines the strength and specialization of that laser.
Technological advancements can also create differences in laser skin treatments. The types of aesthetic lasers equipment to heal skin available in clinics are constantly changing. As new treatments emerge, the skincare field is streamlined and refined. Those changes allow for the treatment of more patients with wider ranges of skin conditions.
How Laser Beams Differ from One Another
An Example of Laser Technology Advancement
One notable example of laser technology advancement is in the colors of treatable skin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color. Years ago, most laser devices were best used on light skin. That is because they could disrupt the melanin distribution in darker skin, causing discoloration. Many lasers were also calibrated to focus more easily on dark areas against light backgrounds. Meaning that, for procedures like scar lightening or hair removal, it was best if the hairs or scars in question were darker than the surrounding skin, not lighter.
In recent years that has all changed. With the addition of Nd: YAG and other laser devices, you can now potentially have laser treatment performed, even if your skin is dark. Those and other specific laser devices can now be calibrated for darker skin. However, if you are dark-skinned, you still need to be careful to choose a clinic with machinery designed to treat you.
Many laser treatments are divided into two major categories. There are those affecting the epidermis (outer skin layer) and those that bypass it. Respectively, they are called ablative and non-ablative tools. Ablative devices work to reduce scarring and other issues near or on the surface. Non-ablative tools help with strengthening all skin cells in and around the treated area over time.
Within the laser skincare world, there are also different types of laser treatment. In one situation, extremely short pulses of laser light are directed at your skin. In another, the beam contacts your skin uninterrupted for for a comparatively long amount of time. Pulsed laser treatments typically have shorter recover time and fewer side effects. However, all laser procedures have much faster recovery periods than many other skincare options, especially surgery.
Standard and Pulsed Laser Treatments
CO2 Laser Treatments (Old and New)
One pulsed laser treatment that is quite popular today is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser treatment. Although CO2 lasers have been around for quite a while, newer models are far different from older ones. New CO2 lasers are easier to direct and control. Technicians now have access to more hand tools for accuracy. The modern pulsing techniques have also greatly reduced downtime after treatment.
As you can see, laser treatment selection is complicated. However, if you work with your clinician to select the right machine and the correct laser procedure, the projected prognosis is excellent. The majority of today’s laser treatments are performed quickly and require you to take no time off work. Their side effects are usually temporary and minimal. Nevertheless, it may take multiple appointments for maximum skin healing.
