1. What is a laser? What does LASER stand for?
2. What can you treat with a Laser?
3. What does treatment consist of? What will happen to me when I am treated?
4. Are there any side effects?
5. What do I do after treatment? Do I need to do anything special to my skin?
6. How much will my treatment cost? Is treatment covered by insurance?
1. What is a laser? What does LASER stand for?
A Laser is a device that uses a medium (which gives each laser its name) such as ruby crystals or argon gas to focus light energy into a uniform wavelength. Because different wavelengths either pass through or are absorbed by specific elements of the skin, different lasers are used for different treatments.
Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
2. What can you treat with a Laser?
Different lasers can be used for specific treatments depending on the wavelength of light that laser will deliver. Facial wrinkles, scars, small blood vessels, brown blemishes, tattoos, warts, birthmarks, and unwanted hair are some of the conditions that are now treated with lasers.
3. Of what does a Laser treatment consist? What will happen to me when I am treated?
Treatment with a laser varies from patient to patient depending on the type of lesion, size of the affected area, the color of the skin around the lesion, and the depth to which the lesion extends beneath the skin's surface. In general, these are the steps that will take place:
Because of the bright light created by the laser you will be asked to wear protective eyewear. Treatment consists of placing a small handpiece against the surface of the skin and activating the laser.
When treating blemishes such as facial blood vessels or brown lentigines (age spots), no anesthetic is required becuase the laser pulse feels like a mild snapping sensation. When undergoing laser hair removal, your doctor may recommend a topical over the counter anesthetic. With the resurfacing lasers used to reduce wrinkles and scars local or general anesthetics are used to make the procedure more comfortable.
4. Are there any side effects?
Side effects are usually mild with most laser treatments. The laser used to treat blemishes leaves a temporary discoloration of the site which clears in a few days to a week or so. The hair removal laser leaves a slight redness that fades within minutes to within a few hours. The discoloration associated with the resurfacing laser is dependant upon the level of treatment, and can be explianed by your physician.
What do I do after treatment? Do I need to do anything special to my skin?
Your physician will give you full instructions for skin care after being treated with a laser. The use of sunscreens is commonly recommended.
How much will my treatment cost? Is treatment covered by insurance?
The costs associated with laser treatment will vary with the type and size of problem being treated as well as the type of laser used. Most laser treatements are for cosmetic purposes and therefore are not covered by health insurance. Treatment of certain types of 'birthmarks' may be covered by some plans. An estimate of costs will be given to you after a consultion with one of the physicians.
For additional information, call our Patient Care Coordinator at (650) 325-1511, or send email to mdmg@mdmg.com.