WHAT IS LASER TREATMENT?
In dermatology, there are many methods that dermatologists use to treat various skin conditions. One of the most popular methods of treating skin disorders is with high energy light sources, called Lasers. The “Laser” originates from the acronym “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.”
There are two main types of laser-like treatments that patients often get mistaken, for a good reason. These are non-coherent intense pulse light sources (IPLS) such as IPL/BBL (intense pulse light/broad band light) and coherent light sources which are actually lasers. They are easily confused because they can be used to treat the same types of skin conditions for the same type of reasons. The difference between the two is in the characteristics of the light.
IPL/BBL
Intense pulsed light/broad band light therapy is a type of light therapy which makes use of a flash lamp that is placed directly onto the skin. It works the same way as laser therapy: cells in the skin which have color (chromophore) absorb the light energy that is emitted from the source. Consequently, it is converted into heat energy, which creates treatment effect to a targeted area. In IPL/BBL, there is no specific wavelength that is used, in fact, there are many wavelengths that are delivered to the cells simultaneously. This light is said to be broad-spectrum light. In order to make IPL/BBL treatment more specific the special cut-off filters are used making the treatment very selective. The current, second generation IPL/BBL machines are very effective, safe and often equal or even over-perform traditional lasers in many clinical applications.
This treatment option is non-ablative so it does not damage the top layer of the skin and is mostly used for the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions, hair removal, acne, and skin rejuvenation.
LASER THERAPY
Laser therapy is very similar to IPL/BBL, in that the two treatment options have the same mechanism of actions. However, laser therapy’s main difference is the light source that is used. Laser therapy makes use of a source which produces a very specific coherent wavelength of light. At our clinic, we use a surgical micro-pulse laser system with one of the most effective wavelength for incision, excision, ablation, coagulation, and vaporization of soft tissue using non-contact and contact methods. The benefit of this therapy is that it has a targeted and very effective treatment effect. In non-ablative mode it also stimulates the productions of collagen, a substance that is needed to keep the skin smooth and firm. Laser therapy can be used for a treatment of the wide variety of skin conditions, such as:
- Facial Teleangiectasia
- Foot Telangiectasia
- Mosaic warts
- Spider naevi
- Venous lakes
- Campbell De Morgans spots (Cherry angiomas)
- Superficial pigmented lesions
- Angio-fibromas/Fibromas
- Syringomas
- Granuloma Pyogenicum
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Acrochordons (Skin tags)
If you are interested in learning more about which treatment option is best suited for your skin condition, or if you would like to learn more information about the laser treatment we have to offer, please contact us. Please be advised, that new patients are accepted only by referral.
