Laser Therapy

The use of lasers is now an established technique for dealing with many skin conditions. In the department we have developed a laser facility with a wide range of lasers which can treat superficial vascular lesions, benign pigmented lesions and hirsutism. These conditions can cause extreme psychological disturbance and the use of lasers is often the treatment of choice. There are a very large number of variables to be considered when using a laser and it is important to match the technical specification of the device to the lesion being treated. Accordingly, we have several different types of lasers covering a wide range of the spectrum and also a very large spread in emission characteristics. Formal and informal training is provided to doctors from other centres.

The term Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The first lasers were used more than 40 years ago and over the past 20 years there have been major advances in the technology, which has revolutionised their use in the treatment of skin conditions. There are numerous lasers that can be used in the treatment of skin conditions although the wavelength, pulse duration and how the target skin absorbs this are factors that determine the clinical application of each laser.

The Pulsed Dye laser is very effective in the treatment of superficial lesions, in particular those involving blood vessels. The Nd YAG laser is more penetrating and therefore is used to treat deeper vessels. These lasers can be used in combination to gain maximum clinical benefit. This laser is used for vascular birthmarks and lesions that are not suitable for treatment with the KTP laser.

The KTP laser is a very effective way of treating vascular lesions such as telangiectasia caused by either rosacea or sun damage. The laser energy heats the blood vessels causing a thermal reaction that damages the vessel. A number of treatments may be necessary to have the best possible effect.

The Q-Switched laser is used to treat pigmented lesions such as naevus of Ota. The laser energy is selectively absorbed by the melanosomes (these are the cells that contain melanin inside the pigmented cells). This produces a localised shock wave, which induces thermal damage of the pigmented cells.

The Q-Ruby laser, along with the Q-NdYAG and Q-KTP lasers, is used for tattoo removal. All three lasers are needed because of the diversity of pigments found in tattoos, especially professional tattoos. Tattoos inflicted as a teenager can often cause distress in later years.

The Lightsheer laser is used to remove excessive hair due to hypertrichosis or hirsutism. The laser energy is selectively absorbed by the melanin in the hair. This absorption causes a rise in temperature damaging the cells that promote hair growth.