Laser treatment – Types and Benefits

What is Laser treatment?

Laser surgery is a type of surgery that performs treatments with specific light beams without the involvement of medical equipment.

Laser surgery has a significant impact on medical and surgical operations, which use powerful laser beams for treatment. The laser used in medical fields is not the same laser that is used to cut steel or shape diamonds.

In medicine, lasers enable surgeons to work with high precision by focusing on a small area while inflicting less damage to surrounding tissue.

When compared to standard surgery, laser treatment is widely used for less pain, oedema and scars. On the other hand, laser therapy can be costly and requires proper doctor’s advice.

Types of laser treatment  

Lasers are used in surgery for different reasons. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are as follows:

Refractive eye surgery  

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery is the most well-known and widely used laser refractive surgery for vision correction.  

A particular form of cutting laser is used during LASIK surgery to accurately alter the shape of the dome-shaped transparent tissue at the front of your eye (cornea) in order to improve vision.

Tooth whitening

A bleaching process performed by the dentist with the help of a laser is known as laser teeth whitening. It differs from conventional tooth-whitening procedures that involve the usage of bleaching gel and a laser.  

Teeth whitening with lasers is a process that brightens your teeth. It is commonly called Laser teeth whitening.

Operation of laser tooth whitening

A whitening gel is applied to your teeth during the operation. The gel is then heated by a laser that is directed onto your teeth. This triggers the whitening qualities of the product and causes stain molecules on the teeth to change.

The purpose of laser teeth whitening is to whiten your teeth and decrease discolouration.

Cosmetic scar  

A scar can be made less apparent with laser treatment, but it cannot be completely removed. When you get laser scar treatment, a big scar is replaced with a smaller scar.

For treating the scar, Fraxel laser treatment is used, which uses a beam of light to penetrate deeper into the skin to stimulate the generation of new collagen for treating the scar.

Cataract  

Laser cataract surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure in which a cataract (eye lens) is removed from the eyes and replaced with an artificial lens to restore clear vision.

Refractive defects such as short-sightedness and long-sightedness are treated with laser eye surgery with the help of eye surgeons.  

Uses of laser therapy

Destroy tumours  

To shrink or eliminate cancer cells, laser treatment uses an extremely narrow and focused beam of light to remove tumours without causing damage to the nearby tissues.

Laser therapy removes or destroys abnormal cells that have the potential to become cancerous cells using a powerful narrow beam of light.

Relieving symptoms of cancer 

Lasers can also be utilised to treat advanced cancer symptoms like bleeding and obstructions. A laser is primarily used to eliminate tumour sections that are obstructing the windpipe, neck, colon or stomach.

Remove kidney stones

For removing kidney stones, a method called Laser lithotripsy is used. Through this method, kidney stones are broken into very little fragments to remove the stones.  

After successful laser lithotripsy treatment, you can resume regular activities within two to three days.  

Remove part of the prostate  

An enlarged prostate can be removed with holmium laser prostate surgery. The operation involves removing tissue that is obstructing urine flow.

Repair a detached retina  

Laser treatment plays an important role in restoring the detached retina. A doctor will inject a small air bubble into your eye during the treatment.

The air bubble will press your retina back into position, allowing your ophthalmologist to heal any holes or rips using a laser or freezing treatment.

The healing process for patients who have just had laser surgery for a retinal tear or detachment could take anywhere from one to four weeks.  

Improve vision

For vision problems, laser vision surgery is a prominent therapeutic option that has the potential to lessen or even remove the requirement for spectacles or contact lenses.

Also, refractive defects can also be corrected with laser techniques.  

Hair loss due to alopecia  

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune ailment that leads to loss of hair throughout the body. People of all ages and genders can be affected by this disorder. Through the application of laser treatment, hair loss problems can be resolved effectively.

Treat pain  

Laser therapy is a relatively new therapeutic option for musculoskeletal disorders, but it is proven to be more successful than Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or cryotherapy.

Benefits of laser treatment

Less pain  

The laser reduces nerve sensitivity by lowering the level of bradykinin (a pain-inducing hormone). It is recommended to follow the protocols below before undergoing laser treatments:

• Keep yourself hydrated and take your medication before your appointment
• Scratching should be avoided
• Select the appropriate pain relievers
• Use sunscreen and wear loose clothes

Swelling  

Swelling is to be expected following laser skin resurfacing. To avoid getting affected by swelling, your doctor may prescribe steroids to lower the side effects.

Scaring  

Laser treatment is also known as laser-scar revision or laser-skin resurfacing. Skin problems like wrinkles, dark spots, skin lesions, as well as scars are cured with this treatment.

Side effects of laser treatment

Redness, swelling, itching and pain

Skin that has been treated by laser treatment may swell, itch or burn. The redness may be extreme and last for months.

Acne  

Applying thick lotions and bandages to your face after treatment can aggravate acne or cause little white lumps on your treated skin.

Infection  

Fungal growth is a rapidly spreading infection that can be aggravating and difficult to treat after laser treatment. Laser is the ideal therapy recommended for curing even the most obstinate illnesses because it is both safe and effective.

The laser kills and destroys the fungus by delivering high quantities of light energy.

Changes in skin colour  

Hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) can occur as a result of laser resurfacing (hypopigmentation).

People with dark brown or black complexion are more likely to experience permanent colour changes.  

What to expect after laser treatment for scars?

Avoid direct sunlight after a laser procedure

It’s advisable to stay out of the sun for 7-14 days before and after your laser treatment. Sometimes, UV radiation produces pigment changes in the skin that are irreversible.  

It is advised to avoid being exposed to the sun for approximately two months before and after therapy. You can also apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day for the greatest benefits.

Apply a moist cloth to the area to reduce swelling

During the first 24 to 48 hours after laser treatment, apply a cool compress or a wrapped ice pack for nearly 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the swelling.

Over-the-counter pain medications 

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help reduce pain and reduce a fever. Medications like acetaminophen, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are the most frequent OTC pain relievers.

Wash and apply moisturiser daily

Develop the habit of frequently washing your hands to avoid being affected by bacteria infections. It is very mandatory to follow this habit, especially after laser treatment.

Avoid makeup for a few days

Generally, doctors or health care professionals advise women to refrain from makeup right after laser treatment. This is to avoid the side effects of laser treatment.  

Laser treatment for Scar preparation

Stop smoking  

After laser eye treatment, your eye will be sensitive, and the smoke from cigarettes will irritate them greatly. This can make your eyes watery, or if you have dry eye following surgery, it might cause serious eye irritation.

Don’t take aspirin

Ibuprofen and aspirin should not be taken as they may react with laser light. This medication may increase the risk of scars.

Don’t use skincare products

Refrain from using skin care products for at least post the laser treatment. This diminishes the chances of skin complications due to laser treatment.

• You can follow the skin safety tips given below to avoid being affected by skin disease
• Keep your distance from the sun
• Reduce swelling by gently cleaning the area
• Ensure that your skin is well hydrated
• Don’t use strong ingredients
• Maintain a positive attitude

Wear sunblock  

Even if you plan to stay indoors, try to always wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Sunblocks act as a good skin protector not only from the sun but also from other skin bacterial infections.

When to see a doctor?  

You can consult your doctor under the following conditions:

• When you spot tumours, polyps and precancerous growth on your body
• When you suspect cancer symptoms, kidney stones and retina problems
• When you have a hair loss problem and spinal nerve discomfort

Summing up

Laser surgery recovery is similar to that of traditional surgery. Doctors may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers until the discomfort and swelling subside.

The time it takes for you to recover from laser therapy depends on the type of treatment you had and how much of your body was impacted.

You may suffer swelling, itching and rawness surrounding the treated area if you had laser therapy on your skin. Your doctor may apply an ointment to the area and dress it up to make it infection-free.

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