Lasers are being used in so many other medical applications that it's not the least bit surprising that laser dental treatment and use are gaining popularity among dentists and patients alike. Laser dentistry can improve the precision of the dental procedure and treatment, while minimizing a patient's pain and recovery time.
The FDA approved the use of lasers in hard-tissue dental treatment (primarily for dental caries) in 1997. Prior to that, different types of lasers were already in use for other applications, specifically soft-tissued (such as gums, palate and tongue) areas of the mouth. The differences in the applications will result in the employment of different lasers:

Hard tissue lasers are used to precisely cut into teeth and bone; it's often used to prepare teeth for other procedures such as bonding or repairing worn fillings.

Soft tissue lasers are used to penetrate the soft tissues; the laser penetrates the tissue while simultaneously cauterizing the blood and sealing the nerve endings. There is virtually no post-operative pain when a laser is used, as opposed to a scalpel. The tissue also heals faster when a laser is used.

Laser dentistry brings several major benefits:

• In many instances, sutures are not required during soft-tissue procedures
• Certain procedures will not require anesthesia (local or general)
• Bleeding is minimized because the laser effectively cauterizes the exposed blood vessels
• The high energy beam of the laser sterilizes the area being worked on, minimizing risk of bacterial infection
• Soft tissue damage to the surrounding area is minimized.
• Soft tissue wounds heal faster

Dentists will be able to perform certain dental procedures that they'd never have been able to, were it not for the application of lasers. Some common applications for dental lasers are:

• Dental lasers used on hard tissue (i.e. teeth) may, in some people, eliminate the need for Novocain or other local anesthetic injections, and (best of all!) eliminate the need for the traditional drill.
• Dental lasers can detect dental caries by looking for the tooth decay by-products
• In conjunction with the bleaching process, dental lasers can be used to speed up teeth whitening.
• Dental lasers will allow dentists to see inside the tooth and gum, in real time, not just with an X-ray.
• Dental lasers can alter the shape of gum tissue and improve a "gummy smile" by exposing healthy tooth structure beneath.
• Dental lasers can change the shape of gum tissue to expose the healthier tooth structure beneath. This procedure provides a strong foundation for tooth restoration.
• Dental lasers could remove excess tissue folds created by poor fitting dentures, painlessly and without sutures.
• Dental lasers can be used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by TMB
• Dental lasers can seal the tubules (located on the tooth's root) that are to blame for sensitive to hot and cold

There are a lot of good things to be said about getting older - it brings with it (hopefully) wisdom, experience, and confidence. Unfortunately, it also brings with it wrinkles and saggy skin. Oh, well, you can't have it all. Or can you? Some people believe that laser skin tightening is like having access to a time machine that can take you back to the days of old (or better put, days of young) when our skin was still dewy and youthful and radiant. So, yes, you can have it all.

As we age, your skin gets thinner, and loses its elasticity, resulting in wrinkles, crow's feet, laugh lines, and saggy jowls; fortunately, laser skin tightening is available to fix all of those little foibles.

The process itself is non-surgical, and ambulatory, meaning you walk in, have the procedure and walk out. There's usually no down-time, and no post-treatment pain. The procedure is fairly straightforward, the laser heats up the existing collagen under the surface of the skin, which causes the uppermost layer of the skin to contract or tighten. There are very few people who are not good candidates for this procedure; men and women of all ages and with any skin type or color can benefit by this procedure.

Costs for the procedure will vary among laser clinics, and depend on the individual patient's needs, including the size and location of the skin to be tightened, the condition of the skin to be tightened, as well as the type of laser employed. It's important that the clinic you choose have available several different lasers, because one size definitely does not fit all. Each laser works best on a specific skin type or skin condition, and your dermatologist will know which one is best suited for you. On the whole, though, laser skin firming is much less expensive than traditional (and invasive) plastic surgery.

It would be remiss not to mention the risk factors involved with laser rejuvenation, the good news is that there are very few - there is the possibility of reddening of the skin (temporary and it looks like sunburn), a slight chance of scarring (which can be reduced by ensuring you've an experienced physician giving you treatment - this is not the time for an intern), and the possibility of skin lightening (if you're dark skinned) or darkening (if you're light skinned) at the treated site (it's just temporary).

What does laser skin tightening not do? Well, it doesn't remove any skin, that's something you'd need to see a plastic surgeon about. But what laser skin tightening will do, is give you a firmer, healthier and younger-looking complexion. And isn't that what you really wanted?

There is now new hope for acne sufferers who, in an effort to clear up their acne, have spent hours upon hours of washing, cleaning and scrubbing (not to mention the occasional popping) of their blemishes, and hundreds of dollars on ineffective topical or over-the-counter treatments or effective but side-effect prone prescription medications: that hope is laser acne treatment.

What exactly is acne? While it may be as plain as the, uh, nose on your face, it's important to understand that acne refers to pimples caused by plugged up hair follicles (or pores), which clog with oil (called sebum) and dead skin cells. It's a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which grows and creates the red, pus filled bumps, affectionately known as zits.

Acne can range from mild (an occasional outbreak of a few whiteheads or blackheads) to moderately severe (red inflamed pimples, some with white centers) to severe (painful, pus-filled lumps that appear beneath the surface of your skin). Most individuals with moderate to severe acne would do anything to have the clear, unblemished skin of their pre-adolescence, and it can be achieved with acne laser treatment.

Acne is an equal opportunity offender - people from all ethnicities suffer from it to some degree. And in case you were wondering, teenagers and adults alike can benefit from acne laser treatment, though the methods may slightly vary.

Acne scarring sometimes causes the loss of pigmentation (color), but laser technology has the ability to restore the pigment that was stripped away. The laser reawakens the dormant cells beneath the scarring, and they start producing collagen, to plump up the skin, making it smoother and more vibrant, and taking on the color and texture of the surrounding skin.

Laser acne treatment is now the most dermatologist recommended treatment for patients with acne. Certified laser surgeons have reported that patients who undergo even a single laser treatment had their acne reduced by more than 50%. Generally, after four laser treatments, most patients are almost entirely "cured" of their acne. Not only that, but patients have seen a significant reduction in sebum. Acne laser treatment has proven more effective in reducing acne than any prescription or OTC medication, or topical treatment — a year's supply of Clearasil couldn't even come close to that kind of success.

Consider, when you go for laser hair removal treatment, in the capable hands of a licensed and trained aesthetician, the hair removal process can be finished relatively quickly. Some lasers don't have a customizable beam, and require stop-and-go (stop-and-zap) action so they may take a little longer. However, the newer lasers, such as the Soprano, use a sweeping motion, which can cover a greater expanse of skin at a time, and results in fewer "missed" spots. Think of how long it would take to paint a wall by dabbing it with a paint brush versus using a can of spray paint - a several minutes versus a few seconds. So, what's the pain of electrolysis like? Well, some individuals say that the older lasers, such as the ND: Yag are uncomfortable, akin to snapping a rubber band on your skin. The newer ones, such as the Alexandrite are much more comfortable, but the new gold standard in hair removal lasers, the Soprano, is virtually pain-free. For someone considering pubic hair removal, where the pain factor is usually the only factor, a hair removal clinic that specializes in the Soprano would be well worth a visit.

On the other hand, the way electrolysis works, a slender stainless steel needle is inserted (just a few millimeters or so, stop panicking) into each and every hair follicle (okay, now you can panic). Considering that the human body has between 700 and 1,000 hair follicles on every square inch of skin (not including your head, by the way), that's a lot of zapping. Is it painful? Yes. Again, no more painful than a rubber band snapping on your skin, but really, if someone was snapping you with a rubber band, wouldn't you want to slug them after the second or third snap?

The truth is that laser hair removal doesn't work on everyone, and a "reputable" laser hair removal center should tell you that (and if they don't, be thankful that you've been forewarned). Even with the advancement of new lasers, certain natural hair colors, such as red, very light blond, white or gray don't have enough pigment in them to attract the laser's wavelengths. That's the bad news. The good news is that excludes a fairly large part of the population.

First, you should know, it's usually not an insurable item, as it's considered a cosmetic procedure. However, for those individuals who suffer from excessive body hair due to PCOS or hypertrichiosis, it wouldn't hurt to consult with your insurance representative. But generally, it's an out-of-pocket expense; however, many laser hair removal centers have financing options.

Second, you need to compare prices, like with like. Visit all of the websites with a specific mile radius of where you want to go, and compare the prices for similar treatments - full leg, bikini, eyebrow, etc. Specified prices should be for a course of treatments since one treatment is not enough to successfully and permanently rid yourself of unwanted hair.

Three, find out about their fee structure. Some centers want a flat fee, based on the individual or package of sessions, regardless of the amount of hair or the affected area. Other centers will bill you based on time, usually in quarter-hour increments, again, regardless of the amount of hair or affected area. Still other centers will charge you a "per pulse" fee; you pay each time the trigger is depressed. This can vary, depending on the size of the area to be covered (or uncovered, as it were), as well as the size of the laser head since some laser heads are the size of a dime, while others are the size of a quarter. The money can add up.

Finally, you should be offered a free consultation. Don't make your choice based solely on an attractive website. Take advantage of the free consultation — go in, look around and ask plenty of questions. Is the center clean and sterile? Is the staff friendly and welcoming? Does the counselor take the time to explain the procedure to you? Do they have more than one type of laser? Is a doctor on staff (their answer should be an emphatic "YES," by the way)? How long has the aesthetician been doing this for and what is her specialty?

To minimize the cost of laser hair removal treatment, be an informed consumer and do your homework first. Time - your own — is your first best investment, when choosing a laser hair removal center.

Laser treatments have revolutionized cosmetic surgery. No longer do patients have to resort to invasive, oftentimes dangerous procedures to get firmer skin, reduce cellulite, or remove unsightly veins and scars. The risks of laser surgery are minor when compared to traditional surgeries, and the associated costs are much lower.

Lasers can also be used to brighten teeth, perform dental surgery, and correct vision problems. There are several different lasers which have been approved for various treatments. They work by aiming an intense beam of light at a hair, vein, or other irregularity. The laser pulses light and heat into the area, resurfacing skin and zapping varicose veins immediately. It might sound painful, but most patients report only mild discomfort. Topical anesthetics are also available.

Most laser treatments require more than one session for complete results. Even then, most cosmetic procedures are not permanent, and require monthly or yearly maintenance. Others, like cellulite reduction, need to be paired with lifestyle changes to keep fat deposits from recurring.

Most patients experience some form of redness or swelling after laser treatment, but severe side effects are very rare. What many patients don’t realize is that one laser session is seldom enough. Hair removal, skin resurfacing, and acne treatment (among others) require several laser treatments spread out over four to six months. The cost can add up quickly, but remains lower than most traditional surgical solutions.

The most important thing to remember about any laser procedure is that you want it done by a trusted professional who is certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The laser surgeon should be experienced and willing to answer questions. They should be able to produce before and after photos of previous clients which show favorable results.

As a patient, you should be prepared to spend enough money to ensure a quality procedure. Some spas and cosmetic treatment centers offer big discounts, but those should be avoided unless the provider has a sterling reputation and lots of experience. To find the right provider for you, ask around. Patients who have had the same procedure are usually candid about which professionals to go to, and which to avoid. Your doctor might also be able to make a recommendation.

This site contains information about cosmetic laser surgery, dentistry, and vision restoration. You will learn everything you want to know about the laser procedures, from pre-operative consultations to post-operative recovery guidelines.

Cosmetic Laser Surgery
Dermatologists use lasers for several different procedures, including skin rejuvenation and tightening, as well as reduction of acne lesions and acne scarring. Results are very encouraging.

Laser Vein Removal
Before the employment of lasers, varicose vein removal was a surgical procedure requiring a hospital stay, followed by painful recovery and often scarring from the incisions. Alternatively, sclerotherapy has been used, which involves injection of a saline into a vein or capillary to cause inflammation, venous collapse and finally re-absorption by the body of the vein. The injections are spaced about an inch apart, one needle per inch. Laser vein removal targets the veins directly; the hemoglobin in the vein absorbs the laser's energy, causing the vein to collapse and be absorbed. It is significantly less painful than either of the other options.

Laser Dentistry
Dental lasers are used for both soft tissue (gums) and hard tissue (teeth), and have a wide range of applications including speeding up the bleaching process, removing tooth enamel without the need for anesthesia, aesthetically reshaping the gums, and "seeing" into the teeth or gums in real time.

Laser Liposuction
Surgical liposuction is is no longer the only option; laser liposuction involves a small tube fit over a laser is inserted into a small incision, and the laser "melts" the fat. The result is very little trauma, practically no scarring and no need for sutures. You can usually return to work within 48 hours. It's also referred to as SmartLipo.

Laser Tattoo Removal
The laser selectively targets the pigment of your tattoo, and energy produced by short pulses pass through the upper layers of the skin to be absorbed by the tattoo ink in the lower layers. The energy causes the pigments in the tattoo to fragment into smaller pieces that are eventually removed by your body's immune system.

Laser Treatment For Cellulite
The laser is directed at the areas of the body which hold the cellulite, and the energy from the laser breaks down the fat deposits. This is one application where you wouldn't be wrong to suggest that the fat just melt away, because that's exactly what it does. The melted fat is not suctioned out, but allowed to eliminate naturally through the blood stream.

The two main culprits to most peoples' skin woes are acne and aging. Individually bad enough, but together, they're a disheartening combination.

Acne:

Not everyone gets acne, but if you're one of the unlucky ones who currently suffer with acne, or developed acne as a teenager, you can blame it on either poor genes or rampant hormonal surges, or a combination of both, as the factors that contributed to it. People with acne who undergo acne laser treatment find that there is a significant reduction in sebum, which is the oily substance found in the pores and which causes the acne. For individuals who are long past the day of their last acne blemish, but whose skin bears the evidence of acne, with scarring and pitting, laser acne treatment can resurface the skin's texture. Acne laser treatment also has the effect of stimulating collagen cells, which helps the skin to renew itself.

Aging:

Several celebrities have gained notoriety (or in some cases infamy) for the number of times they've undergone traditional plastic surgery - Phyllis Diller, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson - to name only a few. As for the regular mortals, you either had to save a lot of money to visit a plastic surgeon, or use ineffective creams, lotions and exercises in an effort to ward off the signs of aging. You've probably heard of them - they're called wrinkles and sags. As you get older, your skin gets thinner, has less elasticity, and produces less collagen; the result, wrinkled and saggy skin. The good news is that laser skin rejuvenation can reduce the effects of aging, as well as environmental factors such as too much sun, smoking, etc.

• Laser skin rejuvenation removes the damaged layers of your skin, which then stimulates cellular collagen production which helps to grow new skin cells, and brings about healthier, smoother and younger looking skin.
• Laser skin tightening (or firming) is a non-surgical procedure which uses a laser to tighten the skin by heating up the collagen beneath the surface, thereby causing the skin to tighten. Most patients choose this procedure for sagging skin on the face or neck, and most see results almost immediately. For optimal results, expect to undergo two or three treatments over the course of three months. This procedure is also sometimes called laser skin firming.

What is a laser, you probably want to know? Well, laser is actually the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, and it's an optical device which creates a very intensely focused light beam. They're actually very common and not limited to kids' toy guns — you've probably got a couple at home, inside your CD player and PC, not to mention the TV remote control that you're always losing.

Laser hair removal treatment works by releasing wavelengths of light which are absorbed by the pigment or melanin in your hair. Some lasers work best when there is a clear distinction between the hair color and the skin color (i.e. dark brown hair, fair skin tone). When there is such delineation, then all of the laser's energy is concentrated on the hair, not the skin, and the heat or energy from the laser destroys the hair shaft. Fortunately, there are several different types of hair removal lasers on the market, and most hair removal centers have more than one type on hand.

Because every individual will have a different hair removal requirement (eyebrow hair removal versus leg hair removal), there's no one size fits all pricing plan. The laser hair removal cost will vary from individual to individual, and should be made clear to you at your first consultation. The prices will be based on how much hair needs to be removed, how well you respond to the hair removal treatment, and how many sessions you need to attend; generally at least six to eight treatments are required, which could last over a course of eight to twelve weeks.

Oh, you thought laser hair treatment was a one shot deal. Sorry. The problem is that hair goes through several stages, and if you have hair removal treatment during the growth phase, then your hair in the dormant or resting phase isn't affected. You have to go back when the resting hair is "awake."

Don't be discouraged by the thought that the process may take longer than you had originally expected. How long it takes varies from individual to individual. If you're unhappy with certain aspects of your appearance, and can do something about it, then the time it takes to successfully complete laser hair removal will be a pleasure, not a chore.

Commonly, the procedure for laser vision correction is called LASIK, which is an acronym that stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis — fancy Latin words that mean laser (which is also an acronym, by the way) assisted shaping (mileusis) of the cornea (kera) in its original position (in situ - and no doubt you're heaving a sigh of relief on that one). In layman's terms, Lasik surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea of your eye enabling it to focus light more accurately.

This ambulatory procedure (meaning you walk in, have the surgery, and walk out) is performed by your ophthalmologist or surgeon who will first place anesthetic drops in your eyes. Then, using a bladed instrument (that looks a lot like a disposable razor) called a microkeratome the doctor will create a thin spherical flap in the cornea. A technology recently developed provides an alternative to the "blade" and uses a different laser to create the corneal flap - that will certainly come as good news to those individuals with a fear of pointy things coming near their eyeball.

The corneal flap is folded out of the way, and then using another laser, the surgeon removes miniscule bits of tissue to reshape the cornea. The whole process is done with the aid of a computer, which adjusts the laser so that it will match your prescription. When the procedure is finished, the flap is put back into place. From start to finish, the procedure generally takes no more than five minutes per eye, though it may take a little longer if your prescription is heavy.

Your surgeon will generally have you rest for a short while and then give you post operative care instructions and send you home - you cannot drive yourself, even if you only had surgery on one eye. You may feel mild discomfort for a few days, but the good news is that you should start to see better the day following your laser eye surgery. And the best news of all… no more glasses!

Many of us have poor vision. While some people are happy wearing glasses or contact lenses, others opt for laser vision correction for more aesthetic, long-lasting results.

Laser vision correction is also popularly known as LASIK. This popular laser treatment can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Patients with glaucoma or other eye-related conditions should get their eye doctor’s approval before having the procedure done. Some patients aren’t good candidates for LASIK due to compromised healing ability or job requirements.

When shopping around for a laser eye surgeon, don’t go with the cheapest alternative. Some LASIK centers advertise prices as low as $500 per eye. Reputable surgeons seldom offer discounts. You can expect to pay $1,000 to $2,500 per eye for a quality LASIK procedure, though this price might fall a bit as more and more doctors offer the service. You want a surgeon who has performed laser eye surgery hundreds of times, but not one who performs so many in a day that you feel like part of an assembly line!

Patients are advised to refrain from wearing makeup, face lotions, or perfume for a couple of days before the session. Contact lens wearers should also switch to glasses for about two weeks prior. The surgeon will advise you of your specific requirements, which vary according to the type of lenses you currently wear.

LASIK works by the application of gentle suction on the patient’s cornea. After anesthetic drops are placed in the eye, patients will have suction rings applied to their cornea. This is uncomfortable, but not painful. A small speculum is used to hold the eyelids open during the procedure, and the patient is fully awake throughout. The doctor will use the laser to cut into the cornea and create a flap of tissue. This is folded aside, allowing the tissues underneath to dry out. Then the surgeon resculpts the cornea to get rid of irregularities in shape that cause vision problems.

Common complaints following laser vision correction are blurred vision, itchy eyes, and the worsening of dry eyes. These are normal effects, and will go away within one to three weeks. Some patients experience more serious adverse vision effects after laser eye surgery. These tend to be detrimental to night vision, such as halos or glare from streetlights. These effects usually go away, but not always. A small minority of patients suffer permanent vision reduction that can’t be corrected with glasses, lenses, or surgery. Be sure to discuss possible complications with your eye surgeon.

Laser vein removal is a procedure that gets rid of unsightly veins on the face and legs. Varicose vein removal used to be a fairly complicated endeavor, but new advances in laser technology have made it so that leg veins, whether red or blue, can be destroyed with minimal pain and no bleeding.

Laser surgeons send a concentrated beam of light into the veins. The vessels absorb the light and disappear. Results are usually apparent right away, but some patients experience swelling at the site and darkening of the vessels after their initial laser treatment for veins. One session probably won’t be enough to truly eradicate varicose veins in the legs, so prepare to make some repeat visits.

The cost of vein removal varies, but doctors typically charge more than day spas. Many spas offer the service for $150 to $750 per treatment, depending on how extensive the veins are. $250 per session is about average. When selecting a provider, never use cost as your sole criterion. Remember that doctors charge more because they offer a quality service, can prescribe medicines if needed, and also provide post-operative support if complications arise.

A typical vein removal session lasts thirty minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the affected area and the number of veins that need reduction. Patients should go to their sessions with clean skin, and avoid the use of makeup, lotions, and perfumes. If their veins are located on the face, they will be provided with special eyewear to protect them from the laser. The surgeon will pass a laser along the veins, pulsing it every second or two to cause the vein to dissolve. Patients claim that discomfort is minimal, and a topical anesthetic can be applied to lessen it further. There is no need to worry about the loss of veins; the human body has more than enough to compensate for the ones that get removed.

Recovery time after laser vein removal is very short, which is also common to many other laser treatments such as laser vision correction. Patients can typically go back to their normal activities within two or three days, but should expect some bruising or swelling of the treated area. Some patients report a tightness or pulling sensation after leg vein removal. This is also normal, and should not hinder range of motion. Mild pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines. Lingering pain or skin burns are rare, but should be treated by a physician if they occur.

Cellulite is an unwelcome part of life for many women. Traditionally, effective cellulite removal consisted of dangerous vacuum liposuction. Other remedies had no demonstrated effect on the lumpy fatty deposits. Then laser treatment for cellulite came along, offering a non-invasive option for cellulite reduction.

Laser cellulite treatments (also called laser liposuction) use a combination of techniques to get rid of the deep-tissue fatty deposits. Lasers are used to shrink the fat cell membranes. At the same time, gentle vacuum suction is used in conjunction with firm, rolling pressure to massage and break up the deposits. This treatment is administered in six to ten sessions spread out over several weeks. Each session lasts approximately one hour and costs an average of $500. As with any cosmetic procedure, the length and cost of the sessions can vary from doctor to doctor. The size of the area being treated, as well as the city you live in, will also affect your final price.

Before you go in for treatment, you will want to meet with the laser surgeon or technician to ask about associated costs. They will evaluate your needs and come up with a price estimate. Sometimes you can get a package deal by paying for all of the sessions up front. At the consultation, don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have about the procedure. Ask for pictures of past patients’ results, and ask about how many procedures the doctor has performed.

On the day of your laser cellulite treatment, you should arrive with clean, dry skin that is free of cosmetics or creams. During a session, the technician will apply a hand piece over the body area to be treated. Patients describe the sensation as similar to a deep tissue massage. Some bruising and pain might occur for patients with sensitive skin. Others experience a pinching on the surface of the skin. If your discomfort is very high, you can ask the technician to adjust the tension of the rollers on the hand piece.

It typically takes four to six appointments before dramatic results appear. After each laser treatment procedure, you should be able to resume your normal activities with no downtime. Laser treatment for cellulite does not carry the dangerous risks associated with traditional liposuction. Bruising and soreness might linger for two or three days post-treatment. This normal side effect can be managed with oral pain medication. Burns or intense pain should be reported to your doctor for an evaluation.

Tattoos are very popular these days. Unfortunately, we don’t always make wise decisions when it comes to putting these permanent decorations on our bodies. If you’re a victim of tattoo remorse, laser tattoo removal might be a good choice for you.

Laser treatment methods can be used to break up the tattoo ink into tiny fragments which are then removed from your system through natural regenerative processes. Most tattoos can be removed in this way. Dark inks and red inks respond best to this technique, while teals and sky blues are the hardest to remove. This is because the laser focuses on some colors better than others. In all cases, the laser targets only the tattoo pigment. The patient’s skin in surrounding areas is not harmed.

Laser tattoo removal can be tricky because of the sheer number of inks that are used. Not all inks are FDS approved, which means they might not break own as expected. Typically, professional tattoos take from one to ten laser sessions for optimal removal, while homemade tattoos take one to four sessions. Each session costs an average of $400 to $800. Some locations offer discounts to members of the military.

Before a laser tattoo removal session, the area to be treated will be cleaned and shaved, if necessary. The surgeon will apply the laser either as a continual beam of light and heat, or in pulses. Some patients feel discomfort, as if a thin rubber band were being snapped against their skin. However, most can tolerate the sensation even without topical anesthetic cream. If you have sensitive skin, you can always request application of the numbing cream.

Tattoos can be removed completely, or they can be lightened in preparation for a cover-up. A cover-up is when you get another tattoo to cover the one you want to obscure. Some old tattoos show through the new ones, so it’s advisable to have the old one lightened or faded. Surgeons can even perform partial tattoo removals, such as removing a name from a larger tattoo that you want to keep.

Recovery from laser tattoo removal sessions is minimal. A healing ointment and bandage will be applied to the tattoo. Patients can take showers and resume regular activities the next day, though they should avoid scrubbing the treated area for several days thereafter.

Laser tattoo removal carries very few risks beyond an occasional mild burn or infection. Patients find it a less traumatic alternative to burning or sandblast tattoo removal.

Would you like to learn about other cosmetic laser treatments? Read about the differences between laser treatment for cellulite and traditional surgical liposuction.

Lasers are used for many cosmetic procedures. Laser skin treatment is one of the most popular and diverse uses for lasers. Though such procedures can be costly, true complications are rare and patients tend to be very pleased with the results.

Aging patients often turn to laser skin rejuvenation, a procedure that removes crow’s feet, frown lines, and other mild to moderate skin imperfections. Age spots can be faded with the use of a laser, and scars can be reduced or removed entirely. Patients with birthmarks also have good results from laser skin therapy.

Another common use for lasers among people of all ages is acne laser treatment. Trained doctors use lasers to impede oil production that leads to blemishes. Lasers also slow the growth of bacteria that can cause infection. For patients who have been long-term acne sufferers, the same lasers that fight the pimples can also be used to smooth out the pits and scars in their skin.

Laser skin resurfacing and acne laser treatment are administered through several sessions. Each session is a separate charge, and prices depend on the doctor you use. Professionals do advise that you select a trusted surgeon, even if the price is higher. You should only consider laser surgeons who are licensed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Choose one who is eager to answer questions and who will produce before and after pictures of previous patients. Don’t be scared to ask them how long they’ve been performing the procedure. The more questions you ask beforehand, the less likely you’ll be to regret your decision later.

Laser skin treatments typically take half an hour to two hours to perform. Patients are sedated and an anesthetic skin cream is applied to their faces. The sensation of the laser can be uncomfortable, but most patients describe the sessions as painless. After the treatment is finished, some redness, swelling, or bruising might occur. There might be pain similar to a sunburn for a few days. The doctor will prescribe pain medication if necessary.

Before you decide to have a laser skin treatment, go see a surgeon for an evaluation. The best candidates for the procedures tend to have light skin tones and good skin elasticity. Patients with darker skin have an elevated risk of permanent discoloration, though lasers are being developed which minimize this risk. Ask your doctor about the best option for you.

You’ve probably heard of laser skin resurfacing, which removes wrinkles and age spots to restore a youthful appearance. That’s not the only option for people seeking a younger look. Lasers are also being used to restore firmness to the skin. Many patients prefer laser skin tightening to traditional face-lifts because of its relative ease and very short recovery period.

Also popularly known as “Thermage” or “Titan”, laser skin firming is a good choice for patients who are just beginning to experience facial sag. People with pronounced sag generally don’t get dramatic results from laser skin tightening. Studies have shown that up to fifty percent of patients get no noticeable results from the procedure, but a small minority do come away looking much younger and fresher.

Laser skin tightening remains a popular procedure because it is non-invasive, it requires only one to three days of downtime following administration, and the cost is much lower than that of a surgical face-lift. The cost is about $2,000 to $2,500 for two sessions, three to six months apart.

During this type of laser skin treatment, the surgeon applies a laser which heats the subdermal layers of the skin while cooling the top layer to prevent burns. The heat penetrates to the collagen below the skin, causing it to contract. This has a tightening effect on the epidermis. Some patients feel pronounced heat when the laser is applied, but this is not considered to be a painful procedure. Sensitive patients are encouraged to take a mild pain medication beforehand.

As with other facial cosmetic procedures, patients should avoid using creams, lotions, or makeup before their laser session. Some bruising, swelling, or redness can be expected after the procedure. Despite the cooling effect of the laser, some patients do experience superficial burns or blisters that require a longer recovery period. Any discomfort lasting more than three days should be discussed with a doctor.

Laser skin tightening is a relatively new procedure, so you won’t find surgeons with decades of experience. Still, make sure your surgeon is board certified, has at least two years of experience, and has done several dozen laser tightening sessions on a daily or weekly basis. Watch out for discount work that might be very costly in terms of pain and disappointment! In cosmetic laser treatment surgery, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

If your face is beginning to show signs of age, you might have considered laser skin resurfacing. This outpatient procedure can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and pigment irregularities. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some risks involved with laser skin resurfacing. Here is some information to help you decide whether a laser treatment is right for you.

Laser skin rejuvenation is best used to correct mild to moderate wrinkles and skin surface problems. Good candidates for laser skin resurfacing have elastic, non-oily skin that doesn’t scar easily. Also, patients with lighter skin tones tend to do better with this procedure, since dark skin is more prone to permanent discoloration. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a good laser surgeon who is certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

You will first attend a consultation with the laser surgeon, who will go over guidelines and associated costs. The average surgeon fee for laser skin rejuvenation is $2,500. Remember that there will likely be additional costs such as pre- and post-operative care, anesthesia, and pain medications. Like most cosmetic surgery procedures, the price will vary depending on the surgeon you use and the city you’re in. Always choose a good reputation over a low price to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

A laser session can last from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on how large of a surface area the doctor is working on. Before the procedure, the patient is given a local anesthetic and oral sedative to help them relax. Then their eyes are covered to protect them from the laser. The anesthetic keeps the patient from feeling pain, though they might feel a warm sensation. Patients are usually awake for the whole procedure unless they need very extensive treatment. Surgeons can opt for general anesthesia in such cases.

Recovery time is about two weeks. During that period, patients can expect facial swelling, redness, and pain that feels like a sunburn. The discomfort is easily controlled by pain medicine. Some minor procedures can be done with smaller lasers, resulting in shorter recovery periods.

Some of the risks associated with laser skin rejuvenation include heat burns, discoloration, aggravation of cold sores and acne, and infection. To decrease your risk of skin irritation, avoid putting lotions or cosmetics on your face for several days prior to surgery. Be sure to have a check-up after the surgery, and tell your doctor about any concerns.

If you're not sure that skin rejuvenation is what you're looking for, you may want to also consider laser skin tightening. This is a relatively new facial procedure and should be approached like any other cosmetic laser procedure, with due caution and research.

Liposuction, the removal of body fat by suction technique, has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, invasive vacuum liposuction carries great risks as well as great benefits. Blood clots and tissue destruction were known complications, and recovery time was typically six weeks in length. Now laser liposuction has changed the way patients get rid of extra fat.

Laser liposuction offers a less traumatic experience than its predecessor. Incisions are small, and fat is melted into liquid form with the laser. This liquid fat is much easier to remove through the incisions than solid fat. Patients require local anesthesia only, which is also safer than the old way of doing surgery under general anesthesia. The laser can also be used to tighten skin and stimulate collagen regeneration. Before, patients who underwent liposuction often required extra plastic surgery to correct loose, sagging skin.

Laser liposuction costs vary depending on the area of the body being worked on, the doctor, and your geographical location. Abdominal liposuction has an average cost of $5,000. When you attend the pre-operative consultation, you’ll be given a firm estimate of the actual cost, including associated fees. You will also be advised to come to your session with clean, dry skin, and to avoid using makeup, creams, lotions, or perfumes on the day of the procedure.

Session lengths vary, but an hour or two is typical. The surgeon will use the laser to liquefy the fat beneath your skin. Then small incisions will be made, and the liquid fat will be squeezed or suctioned out. A small amount of fat might stay behind and get absorbed into the body. Tests have shown no elevated fat levels in patients’ bloodstreams following treatment, suggesting that there is no increased risk of heart disease associated with the fat absorption.

Recovery lasts for about two weeks, during which time the patient is dressed in pressure bandages. There will be bruising and soreness, but on a smaller scale than would be expected with regular liposuction. Some surgeons claim that the results are permanent, but there is little long-term data to support that claim. It is suspected that poor diet and exercise habits will cause fat stores to return.

Laser liposuction is a relatively new service, so ask around to find the most experienced provider in your area. Look for quality over low cost, and get a recommendation from your doctor or past liposuction laser treatment patients.

Are you also looking for a way to remove unsightly veins? Click here for information on laser vein removal.

The latest tool in the fight against hair loss is laser hair treatment, also called laser hair therapy (LHT). Laser hair therapy is a non-surgical way to stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss. It is also used to treat conditions and diseases of the scalp.

LHT can be found at day spas and specialized “hair clinics” throughout the United States and Europe. A typical hair restoration session lasts twenty to thirty minutes. Clients sit in a chair while the laser apparatus is lowered onto the top of their head. It looks a lot like the automatic hair dryers you find in beauty salons. Clients are encouraged to relax or read while the laser does it work. The procedure is said to be painless, but does produce a warm, tingling sensation on the scalp.

The laser used in LHT is very safe. Proponents of these laser treatments claim that it can promote blood circulation, stimulate hair regrowth, and result in greater hair volume than before. A double-blind placebo study was performed, resulting in hair regrowth for fifteen out of eighteen test subjects.

LHT works best for young men and women who have thinning hair or, at worst, moderate hair loss. Regions of the scalp that have been completely bald for years will not benefit from this treatment. Clients who receive laser hair therapy see the best results when LHT is combined with other treatments, such as hair grafting, Rogaine, or the oral drug Propecia. Laser hair therapy is also used to treat itchiness, excessive dryness, and excessive oiliness of the scalp.

A typical course of laser hair therapy consists of fifteen treatments over the course of a year, followed by one maintenance session per month, indefinitely. Since the administration of LHT is not strictly regulated, its cost can vary widely by location. A rough estimate of the total cost is $2,500 for one year of treatment. Contact a local LHT provider for prices in your area. Most clinics offer a free consultation.

Is laser hair treatment safe? You should always consult your doctor before starting any treatment regimen, but there have been no reports of short- or long-term side effects resulting from LHT. However, since laser hair therapy is a fairly new treatment, there is no long-term data available. The bottom line: If your baldness is mild to moderate and you don’t mind the hefty price-tag and required monthly maintenance, LHT is an easy and painless option.

Laser eye surgery is a modern fix for an ages-old problem: poor vision. Approximately 1.3 million patients undergo laser eye surgery each year in the U.S. If you’re wondering whether laser eye surgery is your best solution, read on for important facts you should know before making a decision.

Also known as LASIK, laser eye surgery is a procedure that involves the sculpting and reshaping of a patient’s cornea using an FDA-approved laser. The surgery is relatively painless, and recovery time is short. Patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, may benefit from laser eye surgery.

The costs for this procedure vary widely depending on the doctor, the technology used, and even the geographic location. Some doctors offer LASIK for as little as $500 per eye. Others charge as much as $1,000 to $2,500 per eye. There is no industry standard when it comes to pricing, but patients are advised that they get what they pay for. Experts point out that very few patients qualify for very low-cost laser eye surgery because their eyes require more in-depth correction or follow-up treatments.

There are certain risks associated with laser eye surgery. Some patients incur partial vision loss that cannot be corrected. Others develop visual symptoms, such as glare, that reduces the quality of their night vision. Dry eyes may result from the surgery, or worsen if the patient had the condition prior to LASIK. It’s been noted that the benefits of laser eye surgery diminish as the patient ages, but because this procedure has only been approved since 1998, no long-term data is yet available.

Certain conditions will prevent patients from being good candidates for this procedure. If you suffer from glaucoma, keratoconus, or other eye diseases or injuries, you should not consider laser eye surgery until a physician gives the go-ahead.

Certain non-medical issues should also be considered before your laser treatment surgery: Are you willing to pay for a quality procedure? Does your job permit refractive surgery? Do you know and acknowledge the risks of laser eye surgery? Do you participate in contact sports? Are you affected by diminished wound healing capacity due to HIV, diabetes, or another disease? If so, you should consult with their eye doctor to see if laser eye surgery is appropriate for you.

If you elect to have laser eye surgery, you should first go and see your eye doctor for a baseline evaluation. This will reveal whether or not you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Contact lens wearers should switch to glasses two weeks before their exam – three weeks for toric or gas-permeable lenses, and four weeks for hard lenses. Be honest with your doctor during the exam. They need to know about any injury or disease you have had which affected your eyes. They can also offer recommendations for good eye surgeons who have experience and use FDA-approved lasers.

If you’re given the green light, refrain from wearing any lotions, perfumes, or cosmetics for a couple of days prior to surgery. The procedure itself takes about half an hour. You will have numbing drops placed in your eyes as you recline in a chair. A lid speculum will be used to hold your eyes open, and a suction ring will be applied to your cornea. Some patients report this as the most uncomfortable part of the procedure.

The surgeon will create a flap on the outside of your cornea. This flap will be folded back, and you will be asked to stare into a light source for about one minute. Then the surgeon will turn on the laser and begin the resculpting process. There is sometimes a slight burning smell at this point, but no pain. When the procedure is finished, you will be fitted with an eye patch for protection. Post-operative patients can expect blurred vision, light sensitivity, and itchy or watery eyes for up to a week. Be sure to visit your eye doctor within one to two days following surgery and at regular intervals over the next six months.

The decision to have laser eye surgery is one best made between you and your doctor. Now that you have the facts about the procedure, you can rest assured that the decision will be an informed one.

Are you interested in other cosmetic laser treatments as well? Read more about how laser dentistry can improve your smile.

Trips to the dentist have long been sources of fear and trauma for many people. This has led to creative advances like sleep-dentistry, where patients are unconscious for the duration of their visit. But some patients don’t tolerate general anesthesia well. For them, laser dentistry might be the answer.

Laser dentistry is a bloodless, painless alternative to traditional dental surgery. Lasers are used to remove benign tumors from cheeks and gums, detect cavities in early stages, reshape gums, view the inside of teeth and gum tissues, and even reshape the throat and uvula to aid sufferers of sleep apnea. Laser dentistry can also help regenerate nerves and tissues and reconnect damaged muscles, which cuts down on healing time. Cold sore and tooth sensitivity pain can be reduced or eliminated. The uses are many, and your laser dentist will be able to provide a list of all the laser-assisted services they offer.

Laser dentistry does have some advantages over traditional surgical procedures. For one, the laser is hot enough to sanitize the area being worked on, so the risk of infection is minimal. Bleeding and tissue destruction aren’t as much of a concern with laser dentistry, since the laser is precise and can target tiny, critical areas. Dental lasers eliminate the need for sutures or packing in most cases. Since lasers don’t make contact with the tooth, there is no unpleasant sound or vibration as with dental drills.

Laser dentistry is still fairly new, so you might be hard-pressed to find a provider in your immediate area. It is estimated that about 5% of all dental surgeons use lasers for their procedures. When you do find the right dentist, they will advise you about the costs associated with various laser treatments. Laser dentistry takes less time than traditional oral surgery, and the cost is about the same. Since the price is similar, patients are often able to apply their dental insurance to the cost of laser dental surgery.

Cosmetic laser tooth whitening is another popular service. This is a one hour in-office procedure that can whiten teeth up to ten shades in one session. A special gel is applied to the teeth, then exposed to a light which activates the gel’s whitening action. Some patients experience tooth sensitivity, but this can be countered by using a weaker concentration of the gel. Each whitening session costs between $300 and $2,000, depending on the system used by that particular dentist. As a cosmetic procedure, laser tooth whitening is not typically covered by insurance.

Laser dentistry has removed some of the worst elements of traditional dentistry. Though laser dentists might be hard to find in some areas, a little research will turn up the right candidate for your laser dental care.

There are laser treatments for body parts from head to toe. Learn more about laser hair treatment is a new weapon in the fight against hair loss.

For teens and others who suffer from acne, laser acne treatments are often a last resort after trying various drugs and medications that don’t work as well as expected. But advances in laser and light-based acne treatments have helped to minimize the risks involved in these procedures. Many patients report success, but unfortunately the results aren’t permanent. Follow-up studies have shown that patients enjoyed decreased acne for about a year after their sessions were complete. Maintenance sessions are recommended for lasting results.

“SmoothBeam” is the name of the layer most commonly used in acne blemish and scar treatment. The SmoothBeam penetrates skin, breaking up pockets of bacteria and hindering their growth. Oil glands are also subdued by the laser. Less oil means fewer clogged pores, which, in turn, means fewer pimples. The SmoothBeam can also be used to minimize acne scarring.

Patients who opt for the treatment can expect to have four to six monthly laser sessions that cost about $300-500 each. Acne laser treatments are not usually covered by insurance. The sessions last anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour or even longer, depending on where the acne is. (Acne on the upper back would obviously take longer to treat than acne on the chin, for example.) The facial area is coated with an anesthetic cream to numb it. Some people still report discomfort from the procedure, as if being snapped with a rubber band whenever the laser pulses. Recovery time is minimal, and adverse effects are usually limited to mild heat burns and swelling. Infections are rare, but to occur.

Another, even less invasive acne-fighting technique is light therapy, or IPL Laser Treatment. With light therapy, patients are exposed to blue light, which has anti-inflammatory effects, and red light, which promotes skin healing. The price for acne light therapy sessions is comparable to the cost for laser sessions. The majority of patients see a seventy percent reduction in their acne within three months of receiving light therapy. Ten percent see no improvement at all.

Laser treatment for acne, though gaining in popularity, is still a laser-based surgical procedure which shouldn’t be entered into without knowing all the facts. Before choosing a doctor to administer acne laser light therapy, do some research to find a trusted practitioner in your area. Don’t look for the lowest price. Instead, go with a laser surgeon who has a good reputation and a satisfied clientele.

If you’ve been researching non-invasive cosmetic surgery, you might have come across the term “IPL”, or “Intense Pulsed Light” treatment. With IPL laser treatment, intense light is pulsed onto an area of the face or body. Laser tattoo removal, hair removal, acne removal and other treaments can be accomplished with the IPL method. This light therapy is considered safer and less traumatic than traditional laser treatment.

IPL laser treatment is also known as photo rejuvenation, and can be found under the trade names of FotoFacial, PhotoFacial, PhotoDerm, EpiLight, MultiLight, and PlasmaLight. The light can be used to perform many of the same functions as lasers, but patients and technicians report less incidents of burning or blistering with IPL. Many patients find that they do not need to spend any time away from their everyday activities.

Attend a pre-IPL consultation with a technician to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you have dark skin, you might have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation in the treated areas. IPL is best suited to patients with light skin tones who have varicose veins, skin discolorations, and other treatable conditions. Diabetics are advised not to get this treatment, as their wound healing abilities might be decreased due to the disease. Patients with a hindered ability to form blood clots are also not eligible for this procedure. The use of any blood thinners should be discontinued about ten days prior to surgery. (Check with your doctor before you stop taking any prescribed medications!)

At the consultation, you can expect to have a patch or spot test done to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the light. This test usually costs about $75. It is helpful because it will reveal any unusual sensitivity or tendency for discoloration from IPL.

If you are found to be a good candidate for IPL, you’ll be given a price estimate that depends on the type of procedure you’re having. The length of each session, as well as the number of sessions required, will also vary. The IPL technician will also advise you of any pre-operative guidelines. Typically, patients are advised to stop wearing makeup and any creams or lotions the day before the procedure.

During treatment, you might have a topical anesthetic cream applied to the area. Then a cold gel is applied, and a glass prism is placed over the treatment area. An intense flash of light is pulsed through the prism and targeted at your problem area. Technicians usually start with a conservative treatment to prevent any blistering or burning, but this might be stepped up in subsequent sessions. IPL treatments are administered every three to four weeks.

After IPL laser treatment, patients can expect redness and mild swelling. The treated area should be protected from UV light for a few days. If any symptoms last longer than three days, patients should seek the advice of their doctor or technician.

Cosmetic laser surgery is lauded as a new, safer, and less expensive way to alter one’s looks. The procedures do cost less than invasive surgical techniques, but the results usually cannot be obtained in one session, and have not been proven to be permanent. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the ways lasers are used in cosmetic surgery.

Lasers send beams of light and heat into veins and other skin irregularities, literally zapping them out of existence. Lasers can also be used to resurface the skin by burning away the top layers of the epidermis. Cellulite and other fatty deposits can be liquefied and reduced. Even laser liposuction is possible, and much safer than the traditional vacuum suction method.

Lasers are used in acne treatment as well. Acne is a medical condition that is caused when oil glands produce too much oil, which clogs skin pores and leads to the proliferation of bacteria. With laser acne treatment, the bacteria is zapped away while pits and scars are refined or erased completely.

Laser cosmetic procedures aren’t typically painful, but there is often a sensation of heat, pressure, or the feeling of being snapped with a rubber band whenever the laser pulses. Patients can request a topical anesthetic cream to minimize this discomfort. Most lasers are equipped with a cooling system that protects the patient’s skin from excessive heat. All facial procedures are performed with the patient’s eyes covered to protect them from the laser.

Most of the procedures cause bruising, redness, or swelling for a few days. Others, such as skin rejuvenation (aka resurfacing), might cause heat injuries similar to sunburns. Skin crusting might also occur. Patients are advised to tell their doctors about any post-operative symptoms that last longer than three days. Downtime is very short following most laser procedures. Laser liposuction has the longest recovery period, at approximately two weeks.

Most cosmetic laser treatment surgery can be performed by a doctor, or by day spas, depending on how invasive the procedure is. Always look for a laser surgeon with lots of experience and a strong reputation for customer satisfaction. You will likely have to repeat your sessions over a span of months, so look for a provider you feel comfortable with. If they dodge your questions or refuse to produce photos of their past work, move on to the next location.

Lasers can be used to treat acne and associated conditions such as scarring. When patients suffer from breakouts that cannot be controlled with antibiotics or topical medications, they frequently turn to acne laser treatment to clear up their skin. The lasers help acne sufferers in two ways: by resurfacing the skin and by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that lead to more acne.

The “SmoothBeam” laser is a popular choice for patients with both acne and acne scarring. An acne blemish occurs when the oil glands produce too much oil that clogs skin pores. The SmoothBeam penetrates into the dermis and greatly reduces oil production.

Acne laser treatment is appropriate for any adult with scars or pimples. Even cystic acne can be improved with this procedure. The treatment is administered over three to six monthly treatments. The cost for these treatments varies a great deal, but you can expect to spend about $300 per facial region. Some clinics offer package deals when you purchase four or six months of treatments in advance. Be wary of clinics that drop their prices too low, however. Get a recommendation from your dermatologist, and ask to see before and after pictures of the laser surgeon’s patients.

During laser acne treatment, the patient is given sedative, and a numbing cream is wiped over their face. Their eyes are covered for protection. Then the doctor treats and resurfaces the skin with the laser. Some patients report a snapping sensation when the laser pulses, but the anesthetic cream prevents pain.

After treatment, patients can expect minor bruising, swelling, and redness for a few days. Those with darker skin tones also run the risk of hyper pigmentation, or darkened areas of the skin. Patients can resume normal activity within one week as long as their doctor gives the go-ahead. Any lingering side-effects should be evaluated by a physician.

Most patients report a marked improvement in their acne within a month. Long-term data is unavailable, but the blemish-fighting benefits of this treatment seem to last for about one year. The effects of acne scar laser treatment last longer, and patients are generally pleased with the results.

Many patients continue to use oral antibiotics or topical acne creams in conjunction with acne laser treatment. These creams should never be used immediately after the procedure. Your doctor will evaluate your situation and tell you whether or not you should keep using them at all.