In the past, lasers were fictional weapons created in comics to combat evil-doers.
Today, fiction has become reality as medical specialists rely on advances in laser medicine to help provide patients of all ages with better and earlier detection of disease and improved treatments for common medical problems — combatting “evil” disease and medical problems worldwide.
“Chances are, you or someone you know has benefited from laser medicine or surgery,” said R. Rox Anderson, MD, president of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). “Lasers have had a tremendous impact on how we detect and treat diseases, improve aging skin, and manage conditions that in the past were difficult to treat with traditional therapies or systemic medications. There are no signs that this technology has reached its peak; on the contrary, we expect new laser devices and applications will continue to be discovered in the years to come.”
When used in medicine, lasers work by delivering tiny pulses of light or energy in various wavelengths to target particular areas or particles in the body. Lasers and other energy sources offer patients tremendous benefits, including less-invasive procedures, reduced recovery times, elegant results, less bleeding and speedy healing. In fact, many laser procedures are now performed in a physician’s office using only topical or local anesthetic — eliminating the need for general anesthesia.
From corrective eye surgery, skin rejuvenation and dental disorders to throat surgery, treatment of acne and birthmarks, and early detection of numerous types of cancer, lasers and related technologies are improving the quality of medical and surgical care. Even persons of color, who previously were not good candidates for laser skin treatments, are now able to enjoy the advantages of most laser therapies and related technologies.
To help ensure a positive laser experience, the ASLMS suggests you consider the following tips:
1. Ask questions.
2. Find out who will be administering the treatment.
3. Discuss your medical history with your physician.
4. Ask whether this laser or other light source is right for your skin type.
5. Be realistic about expectations and results.
