Definition of Yag Laser Surgery Risks

YAG laser surgery or neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser surgery is the use of this type of laser to make incisions during the surgical procedure. This type of laser was first demonstrated in 1964. It is used for many types of surgical procedures, including opthalmology, oncology, cosmetic surgery, gynecology and dentistry. It also has several non-medical uses such as branding and for military use.

Eye Surgery Uses

• YAG laser surgery is common for those who suffer from cataracts and experience cloudy vision after their initial cataract surgery. This is called posterior capsule opacification, which occurs when part of the lens covering is clouded and severely affects vision. This can cause as much vision loss as the actual cataract.

  The YAG laser is used to punch a hole in the back lining of the lens, allowing light to pass through to the retina in the back of the eye.

  This procedure is an outpatient procedure that requires no anesthesia, as it is painless. The patient may remain in the doctors office for up to two hours to have the eye pressure checked after the procedure.

YAG Eye Surgery Risks

• Short-term increased eye pressure is a common after effect with YAG laser eye surgery. This is why the pressure is closely monitored after the procedure. Other risks include retinal detachment, swelling of the center of the retina, intraocular lens damage or displacement, frontal eye bleeding and covering of the eye swelling.

YAG Laser for Hair Removal

• The YAG laser also is commonly used in laser hair removal because it is efficient in destroying hair follicles. Temporary hair reduction lasts up to three months, while more permanent hair reduction lasts six months or longer.

  This procedure can be performed generally anywhere on the skin with unwanted hair growth, including arms, legs, underarms and the bikini line. Sensitive areas such as the bikini line, the upper lip and other facial areas may require a topical anesthetic.

YAG Laser Hair Removal Risks

• There are some common risk factors associated with YAG laser hair removal, even at the hands of the most capable doctors. Skin discoloration, pain or discomfort, itching, folliculitis, ingrown hairs, herpes virus reactivation, blistering, infection, temporary results, dissatisfaction or worsening symptoms may occur. Permanent scars, permanent darkening of tattoo or permanent makeup pigments, eye injury, blindness, headache, persistent redness and bruising rarely occur in most patients.

YAG laser skin resurfacing

• Common skin problems can also be treated with the YAG laser, including sagging, wrinkling, discoloration, acne and spider veins. Most patients experience satisfaction after choosing laser surgery as their method of treatment, but there are expected complications. Discomfort, crusting, discharge and bleeding are likely to occur immediately after the procedure. These occurrences will clear after up to a few weeks.