Over the years, dermatology has increasingly depended on laser. In turn, laser has made invasive procedures all the more unnecessary.
Technically, laser is a form of light, unique for its monochromatic, collimated, and coherent properties. Because laser is monochromatic, skin structures such as hemoglobin, melanin, and water, easily absorb it.
Dermatology clinics today exploit a wide range of laser technologies. They include the likes of copper bromide lasers, APTD lasers, krypton lasers, KTP lasers, copper bromide lasers, and so on.
One of the more well-known is the pulsed dye
dermatology laser. Evidently, it uses a liquid dye, through which the beam of laser must pass to take another color. Usually, it produces yellow light, absorbed easily by hemoglobins.
Hemoglobin and other pigments like melanin are also drawn to argon dermatology lasers. They often emit green and blue lasers, at wavelengths as low as 488 nm and no more than 514 nm.
Yet another popular form is the carbon dioxide laser, distinct for its hydrophilic infrared light. This dermatology laser may be focused or unfocused at the behest of the dermatologist. Best of all, it can treat some degrees of skin cancers.
As its name connotes, the ruby laser emanates red light at a wavelength of 694 nm. Meanwhile the alexandrite laser has a wavelength of 755 nm. Between wavelengths of 407-420 nm is the violet-blue metal halide laser.
At 308 nm, the excimer dermatology laser parallels ultraviolet light. On the other hand, the diode laser emits a beam with an 800 nm wave length.
Dermatologists also have the Nd – Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd YAG) laser. This is a very versatile dermatology laser, seeing as it has a very high wavelength (1064 nm). It can delve deeply into the skin. Even higher is the erbium YAG, its wavelength hovering at 2940 nm.
As various kinds of laser sprout, dermatology clinics are finding more uses for them. Dermatology lasers are being indicated for a growing list of skin conditions.
Vascular lesions are the likeliest candidates for rectifications by laser. Port-wine stains, telangiectasias, hemangiomas, café au lait macules—dermatologists can easily get rid of many kinds of lesions using the pulsed dye laser.
In addition, dermatology laser is becoming a fountain of youth of sorts. For many dermatologists, laser can effectively get rid of wrinkles. In much the same way, it can reverse years of sun damage on the skin. High-energy CO2 laser is conventionally used in many skin rejuvenation techniques.
To an extent, dermatology laser can also do away with scars. It can even out a scar and take out any pigmentation surrounding it. For best results, dermatologists may complement it with steroids.
As for hair removal, the Nd YAG laser can easily do the job; waxing, in comparison, could look neanderthal. At the very least, hair won’t reappear three months after a laser hair removal. Likewise, lasers are used for wart removal.
Finally, the right dermatology laser can undo a tattoo. A laser beam can easily disperse the ink, although results may vary according to the patient’s skin type, age, and the nature of the tattoo.
