And Medical Conditions—From Head To Toe (NAPSA)—Originally developed for cutting industrial materials, lasers are now the standardof care for many cosmetic and medically necessary conditions. With advances in laser/light technology and the development of new devices, laser specialists can treat virtually everything from acne and birthmarks to varicose veins and wrinkles—no needles, scalpels or stitches required. The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), considered the world’s preeminent resource for laser safety, research and clinical knowledge, offers this guide to the various laser and light-based treatments aimed at helping you look andfeel your best. Your Head Hair loss, balding or shaved heads can increase your risk of sun exposure, potentially leading to the development of precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses (AKs). For scalp lesions, laser operators often use photodynamic therapy (PDT), which refers to laser/light-activation of a topical photosensitizer to destroy the diseased skin cells. Your Face To zap active acne and dimin- ish the appearance of acne scar- ring, a series of laser or light treatments can reduce bacterial production and shrink oil producing glands. For treatment of serious sun damage, wrinkles, brown spots and age spots, laser resurfacing and the new fractional laser technique can remove the upper layers With advancesin laser/light technology and the developmentof new devices, laser specialists can treat virtually everything from acne and birthmarksto varicose veins and wrinkles—noneedles, scalpels or stitches required. of skin to turn back theclock. For fine lines, irregular skin texture and early signs of aging, a series of non-ablative laser, pulsed light and LED therapies can stimulate collagen production, even skin tone and soften your complexion to rejuvenate your appearance. To eliminate broken capillaries and diminish red blushing, lasers and light sources are now able to treat webs of small capillaries with pinpoint accuracy. Your Neck The neck and jowl areas are often the first telltale signs of aging as loose skin sags and droops, creating pouches andfolds that make the entire face look tired and old. Radio frequencybased technology is a non-invasive technique that heats deep tissue to tighten and contourlax skin. Your Dcolletage and Shoulders Days at the beach or on thegolf course can leave skin on your chest looking crepe-y and covered with brown spots. Non-ablative lasers and intense pulsed light techniques can effectively eliminate blotchiness and freckles and stimulate collagen to smooth skin texture. Your Torso Vascular birthmarks(e.g., port wine stains or hemangiomas) and pigmented lesions (e.g., sun spots, moles or age spots) can appearvir- tually anywhere on your body— arms, hands, back or torso. There are several laser/light systems with different wavelengths used to treat these blemishes, depending on the type of birthmark, size and location of the affected area, skin color and the depth to which the abnormality extends beneath the skin’s surface. Tired of that tattoo? Q- switched lasers, usually requiring a series of treatments, can signifi- cantly lighten or removeit. To shape up, infrared laser therapy looks promising for breaking down fat and smoothingcellulite. Your Legs Lasers may be the ultimate weapon for unwanted hair, virtually anywhere on your body or face. Just make sure thelaser is appropriate for your hair color and skin type. For unsightly varicose veins, endovenous lasers are used to repair leg veins from the inside out. Be Informed How do you know which system is right for you? A consultation with a qualified laser physician can help assure you are getting safe and effective laser treatment for your condition. For moreinfor- mation andreferrals to specialists, visit www.aslms.org.
