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About Lasers Used in Surgery

Laser is an acronym that stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers, first developed in the 1960s, have been improved enough to be used as high-powered medical tools with extreme precision. Some types of laser surgeries include tumor removal, skin surgery, closing small blood vessels, closing lymph vessels, eye surgery and removing hair. In cases of plastic surgery, lasers have advantages and disadvantages, so surgeons still use traditional means.

  1. Lasers

    • Lasers come in several types. The skin has chromophones that absorb light. Upon absorbing light, physical, chemical, temperature and mechanical changes occur in the tissue. There are a few types of lasers, including the carbon dioxide laser (CO2), yttrium aluminum garnet laser (YAG), the argon laser and the pulse dye laser. The color and type of laser directly corresponds to the tissue under operation.

    Tumor Removal

    • Using lasers to remove cancerous cells has advantages over other surgical tools. Surgeons use lasers to minimize damage when removing the tumors. Surgeons can also use dyes to highlight the borders of a healthy brain and a malignant tumor, and by using a laser, attempt to excise the malignant cells. A fine laser endoscopic technique has also been practiced to remove malignant cells while still minimizing thermal and shock damage.

    LASIK

    • Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a form of eye surgery that changes the shape of the cornea, which is the clear covering of the eye. LASIK uses a laser keratome to cut a flap in the cornea. The flap is opened to reveal the stroma, where a computer-controlled laser vaporizes parts of it. The flap is then replaced. Patients should not wear contact lens for several weeks before surgery because contact lens can change the shape of the cornea. Having the original, natural shape to perform surgery on is necessary for a positive outcome.

    Skin Surgery

    • Skin surgery is a common form of laser surgery. Laser skin peeling is when wrinkles are reduced around the face, removing or softening them. The laser can also treat blemishes. Lasers can remove birthmarks by reducing the abnormal bloodstains that cause them. Warts and tattoos can also be treated with laser surgery. Most laser treatments require multiple sessions, but some can be done with a single surgery.

    Hair Removal

    • Lasers can destroy hair follicles with heat. Topical anesthetics can be used to reduce pain. However, these can be dangerous with the laser surgery because of unwanted and even serious side effects. Some side effects associated with laser hair removal are blistering, discoloration of skin, swelling, redness and scarring.

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