All of the light produced by a laser has the same wavelength. This property makes it suitable for a variety of applications, such as skin care. A laser can treat skin lesions by removing the upper layers of skin, which may then regrow without the previous imperfections.
Er:YAG Laser
An Er:YAG laser uses an erbium, yttrium, aluminum and garnet (Er:YAG) crystal to emit light with a 2.94 micrometer wavelength, according to the "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition." This wavelength is useful for resurfacing the skin because it is easily absorbed. Skin treatment with an Er:YAG laser has a shorter recovery time than other types of lasers, according to the Encyclopedia of Surgery.
CO2 Laser
A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser emits light in the 10 micrometer range, according to the "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition." The Encyclopedia of Surgery reports that it is an older type of laser than the Er:YAG laser. The CO2 laser has more long-term studies available, making the results of the CO2 laser more predictable. According to the Encyclopedia of Surgery, treatment with the CO2 laser has a longer recovery time since the skin absorbs light with this wavelength with less ease.
Preparation
Laser resurfacing generally requires local anesthesia at the treatment area and large treatment areas may require nerve block anesthesia. The patient will frequently wear protective goggles or patches over the eyes since laser resurfacing is usually performed on the face.
Procedure
The laser is controlled by a computer based on the commands input by the operator. The laser produces a series of light pulses which vaporize the upper layers of skin by heating it in a quick manner. Laser resurfacing has a high rate of patient satisfaction. The Encyclopedia of Surgery reports that more than 93 percent of laser resurfacing patients considered their results to be very good or excellent.
Wound Care
Laser resurfacing may require open or closed wound care. The treatment area may require dressings which will need to be changed daily in the case of closed wound care. The surgeon may also prefer open wound care, requiring the treatment area to be soaked in salt water or vinegar.
Recovery
The primary recovery period for a laser skin treatment is the period during which the epithelial layers of the skin heal. According to the Encyclopedia of Surgery, this typically takes up to five days in the case of an Er:YAG laser and up to 10 days for a CO2 laser. Common side effects during recovery include swelling, burning and itching at the treatment site.
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