Resurfacing the Skin with Lasers
Source: BBC News
Geri Halliwell and Cher have both had laser treatment to remove unwanted tattoos.
Lasers produce a single wavelength or colour of light, which can be varied in intensity. In cosmetic treatments, the energy of a laser is used to vaporize the top layers of skin. This method of resurfacing the skin has a similar effect as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. It is often used to remove smoker’s lines around the lips. Laser resurfacing is still a relatively new procedure, but its popularity is growing fast.
There is often less scarring and pain than other peel procedures. The laser can penetrate the skin to precisely controlled depths. Light laser treatments only penetrate the epidermis and papillary dermis. Deeper ones remove the reticular dermis.
Badly practised laser treatments can cause burns and scarring. There is also a minimal risk of permanent colour change to the skin. Olive and black skins are more prone to this. Lasers can be used in other ways to improve skin quality. In some procedures, the laser penetrates beneath the top layers of skin to stimulate collagen growth in the lower layers. This tightens the underlying skin, improving skin tone and removing fine lines. This is a popular technique that has few side effects and rapid healing.
