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LASER stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser is a beam of light with a single colour that travels in one direction. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) on the other hand is a beam of light with a broad spectrum of colours that can be pulsed to a specific duration, intensity as well as wavelengths.
While conventional Lasers or Intense Pulse Light (IPL) targets a large portion of the skin (about 1 cm - 2 cm diameter) in a single Laser beam, Fractional Laser, on the other hand is a newer technology that uses numerous microscopic Laser beams which create tiny Laser “punctures” (each of about 0.05 mm in diameter) onto the skin. This allows the skin to heal faster since the untreated tissue helps to regenerate new cells.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation (LSR) is becoming the treatment of choice to manage most aesthetic skin conditions, such as acne, pigmentation, scars, open pores, dull texture & complexion, stretch marks and photo aged skin; for both the face and body. LSR is a safe and effective procedure to rejuvenate the skin with minimal downtime.
The procedure
Laser Skin Rejuvenation (LSR) is a skincare treatment performed by certified personnel using Lasers or IPL technology. The physician upon assessing the skin type and concern shall decide on the type of Laser and its settings (wavelength, energy, spot size, pulse, pulse width, etc). LSR treatments are well tolerated, safe and effective. During the treatment, Laser energy is distributed underneath the problem skin and leaves the outer skin untouched. The heat generated by the Lasers exfoliates dead cell, improves micro circulation and promotes new cell growth.
The treatment can be continued for a prolonged duration at regular intervals of 3 - 5 weeks to maintain a healthier, radiant looking skin and to prevent the recurrence of the initial condition. There is no restriction of daily activities after the treatment. However, it is advisable to avoid excessive sun exposure while on LSR and to apply sun block regularly.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation results
The effects of LSR are normally noticeable after few treatments. The initial concern, such as pigmentation, acne, scars, open pores, spider veins, stretch marks, etc may not be eliminated completely, but the skin will appear healthier, radiant and clearer after few treatments. Results are even better if sun exposure, smoking and stress are kept to a minimum. The results may last for months to a year or two; however, the longevity of LSR effects depends on the skin condition, skin type and lifestyle.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation - Safety, risks and side effects
In contrary with most belief that Lasers are dangerous, Lasers & IPL are in fact one of the most safe and effective way to rejuvenate aged and damaged skin. The common side effects are pain, itching, redness and / or swelling for few days. In rare cases, some patients may experience scab formation and temporary pigment change (hypo or hyper-pigmentation).
Long term effects of laser
LSR when performed regularly over a prolonged period has several long-term benefits to the skin. They include:
Reference
Geronemus RG. Fractional photothermolysis: current and future applications. Lasers Surg Med 2006; 38:169-76.K, Quevedo WC Jr, Fitzpatrick TB, Szabó G. Biology of melanocytes. In: Freedberg IM, Fitzpatrick TB, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in general medicine. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993:261-89. Pulsed Light for the treatment of Facial Freckles in Asian Skin; Huang Y-L.[1]; Liao Y-L.[1]; Lee S-H.[1]; Hong H-S.;Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwanclinical results of IPL photorejuvenation; James Brazil[1]; Patti Owens[1]; Olympic Dermatology and Laser Clinic Olympia Washington USACK, Fitzpatrick RE. The treatment of melasma with fractional photothermolysis: a pilot study. Dermatol Surg 2005; 31:1645-50.