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We have been talking about
various
types of laser
treatments to improve appearance. We
started with a brief introduction and in this
part we are talking about different types of
lasers available.
Nonablative lasers
New laser technology has impacted cosmetic surgery in the past
decade in remarkable ways. A new group of non-ablative skin lasers developed within the
last five years work beneath the surface skin layer utilizing short pulses of light to
reduce wrinkles and sun damage, freckles and irregular pigmentation,
as well as redness and dilated capillaries commonly associated with
rosacea. They build new collagen while improving skin tone, texture, fine lines and
scars. Some of the first of the non-ablative generation of lasers included the Cool Touch I or II, the Medlite and the N-Lite. Newer non-ablative
technologies include Thermage which utilizes a radio frequency instead of laser energy to heat the dermis (the inner layer of skin) while cooling and
protecting the epidermis (the outer layer) and the Titan laser which uses laser energy to non-ablatively tighten the face and other parts of the body.
Besides fighting wrinkles, the non-ablative lasers are fast becoming the hottest new
acne fighting
tool. Using the non-ablative laser for acne, it alters the
size and function of the overactive sebaceous gland. It also uses its heat to kill bacteria, paving the way for clearer skin. Also, by being able to build
collagen at the same time, it helps acne scarring. By adding a topical medication to the skin called
photo-dynamic therapy the effectiveness of the acne
treatment is enhanced by also reducing the oiliness of the skin.
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