The ‘laser’ of the evils

In today’s hi-tech world, looking beautiful is not a matter of inheritance or sustained care but a question of six to 12 sittings at a dermatologist’s. Today, with techniques such as laser being used by every skin clinic, every girl or boy next door can look like a model. But it is very important to know the treatments you are opting for, and all the little details associated with it. Laser is one such technique that has come up in a big way and is offered not only in every clinic or salon, but is being increasingly opted by everyone.

There are, however, different types of lasers and it is important to know their distinctive aspects while going for treatments. Lasers that are for medical and dermatological purposes can be hot or cold; some have deep penetration, others bathe the surface of the skin with a gentle light; and some have visible rays and others, invisible rays.
 
Three main types of lasers that are used in clinics and hospitals are:
The argon: It produces a blue green light that causes a reaction in red objects only, which is why it is used to treat birth marks and dilated blood vessels.  

The carbon dioxide: This low powered and invisible coercion is used to remove tattoos or warts and skin tags. The helium neon: It is used in facial treatments to minimise lines and stimulate muscles and improve skin tone. Unlike thermal lasers, it does not turn or destroy tissues.
 
The infra red: The most versatile in the field of beauty therapy, it has deep penetration powers that make it useful for a wide range of dermal therapeutic applications.

It treats facial muscles, wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, cellulite and acne. Another benefit of the Infrared System is to stimulate cellular activity, thereby increasing circulation to bring blood to the surface of the skin which creates a gentle heat in the epidermis. This causes the pores to open and encourage the absorption of any preparation used in a beauty clinic.

However, all of these above techniques may lead to negative consequences. If not used in a correct way, laser treatments may lead to over stimulation.

Therefore it is imperative for those handling laser procedures to have sound and complete knowledge of the process.

You should also not use laser when suffering from infectious skin disorder or eye disorders such as conjunctivitis, high blood pressure or severe heart problems.

Pregnant women should definitely avoid laser. Keep the beam away from thyroid gland areas and varicose veins.

Other precaution that should be taken include eye protection and a safe and enclosed area for the procedure to  be conducted in.

The writer is a consulting skin specialist.