Laser It Away

What is laser?
Laser stands for Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is a device that generates an intense beam of coherent monochromatic radiation of light of different wavelengths. The radiations vapourise the elevation of scars or moles and flatten them to produce a smoother surface. In the hair removal process, the laser penetrates the skin and burns the roots of the hair follicles.

Is a single type of laser used for all the different treatments?
The treatment involves different lasers, which depends on the nature of the affected area. The wavelength of the laser can be in the ultraviolet, infra red or the visible range. The range varies from 488nm for Argon laser to 1060 nm for the Carbon Dioxide laser. The most commonly used are the Erbium: YAG laser for wrinkles and Q-switched Ruby for the dark coloured moles. The pulsed dye laser is for birth marks or vascular abnormalities such as hemangiomas or port-wine stains. Super long pulse lasers for removal of unwanted hair.

Where should I go for the treatment?
The treatment should be received from trained dermatologists or plastic surgeons only. As the medico know about the types of skin and the amount of radiation necessary, they can minimise complication and ensure apt follow- up treatment.

Can it help me?
Doctors sugest the technology is a boon for those born with abnormalities such as hemangiomas or port-wine stains. Proper treatment can remove scars and moles permanently, but experts say that laser should not be used merely because you are not satisfed with the way you look.

Even the hair removal techinques haven8217;t shown a hundred per cent results. 8216;8216;As far as hair removal is concerned, the laser technology has many advantages over the conventional waxing, but absolute success cannot be achieved and regular follow ups are necessary,8217;8217;says Dr R K Jain, Head of Department of Dermatology at Safdarjung Hospital.

What are the risks involved?
Improper use can do more harm than good to the skin. Incorrect intensity and duration of radiation might cause redness or temporary change of colour, blisters, shallow erosion of the skin and hyper sensitivity to sun. The tropical Indian skin needs more caution. 8216;8216;More heat is absorbed by melanin which can be severely damaged the skin and cause hypo or hyper pigmentation or permanent scars,8217;8217; explains Dr S C Bharija, senior consultant at Sri Ganga Ram Hospital in the Capital.

However, there is no consensus over the removal of moles. While the non pigmented moles can be safely treated, the pigmented ones can cause trouble.8216;8216;There are reports which suggest that partial removal of the moles may stimulate carcinogenic or abormal growth of the malanocyte cells in the skin,8217;8217; says Dr R K Joshi, Senior Consultant Dermatology at Indraprastha Apollo.

Am I an appropriate candidate?

• Go for a patch test.
• Check for hormonal deficiency for hair growth.
• Consult a dermatologist before the procedure.

  Will it suit my pocket?
  Single session for hair removal for upper lip costs Rs 2000 8211; Rs 14,000 full package.

  Single session for half chin is Rs 2,000, full chin Rs 5,000 and the full package is Rs 20,000.

  Removal of scars and moles: Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000