Are you unsatisfied with your tattoo? Do you have skin pigmentation problems; perhaps caused by ageing skin or the sun? Previously, removal of these skin issues was painful; but new laser methods offer the opportunity to clear your skin safely and pain-free.
When to undergo laser removal of a tattoo or pigmentation
To remove tattoos, pigment stains or permanent make-up, in most cases an Alexandrite laser is used. Laser pulses penetrate the skin without damaging it and they break dark pigment into smaller parts. These are then absorbed with the help of white blood cells.
The laser device works with an accuracy to one-thousandth of a millimeter. This means there is maximum protection of the surrounding tissue. Please remember that more sessions will be needed for the remvoal of a professional tattoo – the pigmentation is deposited through more layers, which have to be broken down in steps. Another option for tattoo removal is “grinding” with the help of an Erbium laser. With this method it is possible to remove the tattoo during the first session, and because this method is quicker, it is even less expensive than with the use of the Alexandrite laser. The disadvantage to this treatment is that a scar may appear in the treated area.
Why laser tattoo and pigmentation removal Prague?
Prague has many attractive features for those considering tattoo and pigmentation laser removal abroad. Its location in Central Europe is easy to access; its mild climate is conducive to healing and its experienced clinics and laser tattoo and pigmentation removal surgeons ensure you’ll receive the best possible care. Laser tattoo and pigmentation removal Prague costs are often much more affordable than in the UK or with the NHS. For more information about getting to and around the Czech Republic, please visit our handy cosmetic surgery Prague info guide.
Are you a good candidate for laser treatment removal of tattoos or pigmentation?
If you have an undesirable tattoo or pigment stains caused by sunshine or old age, then this procedure will probably work for you. Your expectations should be realistic.
If your surgeon recommends the use of the Alexandrite laser that “breaks up“ the tattoo pigments, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment several times, especially if the tattoo is deep or the pigmentation large. It is easier to remove tattoos and pigmentation from places that move a lot (fingers, neck.) The Alexandrite laser works well on black and dark blue ink, but it does not work as well on green ink. It unfortunately has no effect on yellow and red ink. The effect of the Erbium tattoo laser treatment is usually 100% after the first visit.
Before the laser removal of tattoo and pigmentation
During the consultation, the dermatologist will examine your tattoo or pigmentation and suggest a procedure to achieve the best possible results. The first consultation should include a test, which should show the effect of the laser method on a small part of the damaged skin. This test can prevent you from wasting money on a procedure that may not work for you.
Anesthesia
Treatment with the Alexandrite laser is intense but very gentle. It is often compared to a stinging nettle. In most cases, it is not necessary to use anesthesia. In case of larger treatments or the use of the Erbium laser, it is possible to use a local anesthesia of anesthetic ointment or light analgosedation. If you are extremely sensitive to pain, you can ask for this type of anesthesia.
After the treatment
The Alexandrite laser treatment has an advantage; it does not really damage the skin. The skin may sometimes turn red and swell, but the swelling does not last long. Sometimes, small scabs may appear, but they soon fall off. There are no scars after the laser treatment. In the case of the Erbium laser treatment, a small scab might appear in the treated area, which will fall off in several days. However a scar might remain. In both laser methods it is necessary to protect the treated place from sunshine for several weeks. Use sunscreens with a high UV filter (50+.)
The results of laser removal of tattoo and pigmentation
It is not possible to see the results of the Alexandrite laser treatment immediately. The healing and clearing can take approximately 6-8 weeks. If you have undergone the removal of sun spots, one treatment should be sufficient. In the case of removing tattoos or permanent make-up, it is necessary to plan for more treatments to achieve the best possible results (approximately 5 times or more.) It is possible to undergo the next treatment approximately two to three weeks after the previous one. To see the results from other patients, visit our before and after tattoo and pigmentation laser removal Prague photos.
Are you unsatisfied with your tattoo? You need not be afraid of painful treatments, which were used some time ago. Laser methods offer a possibility to remove painlessly unwanted tattoo, as well as pigmentation caused by old age or sunshine and unsuitable permanent make-up.
When to undergo laser removing of tattoo and pigmentation
To remove tattoo, pigment stains and permanent make-up,Alexlaser is used in most cases. It is a type of laser device sending a high-speed 20 megawatt pulse. This pulse penetrates the skin without damaging it and breaks dark pigment into small parts, which are then absorbed with the help of white blood cells.
The laser device works with accuracy of one thousandth of millimeter, which helps to effectively protect the circumjacent tissue.
Are you a suitable candidate for laser treatment?
If you suffer from traumatic tattoo (ex. after a fall on a clinker road) or have a tattoo which you do not want any more, have pigment stains caused by sunshine or old age (vitiligo), then you will probably be a suitable candidate for this treatment.
Your expectations should be realistic. If the tattoo is old and deep or the pigmentation large, it is necessary to count with the necessity to repeat the treatment several times.
It is easier to remove traumatic tattoo and pigmentation from places with more frequent movements(fingers, neck).
Before the laser removing of tattoo and pigmentation
During a medical examination, the dermatologist is going to check the extent of skin damage and offer a procedure to achieve the best possible result.
The first examination can include a test, which proves the effect of laser method on a small part of the damaged skin. It can spare you from a useless financial expense.
Anesthesia
The laser treatment is intensive but very gentle. It is often compared to a sting caused by a nettle plant.
In most cases, it is not necessary to use a anesthesia.
In case of larger treatments, it is possible to use local anesthesia by a anesthetic ointment or a light analgosedation.
If you are extremely sensitive to pain, you can ask for this type of anesthesia.
After the treatment
The laser treatment has a big advantage, it does not really damage the skin.
The skin may sometimes colour up and swell, but the swelling does not last long time.
Small crusts may appear, but they fall off soon.There are no scars after the laser treatment. It is necessary to protect the treated place from sunshine for at least 2 – 3 months. Use cremes with a high UV filter.
The result of laser removing of tattoo and pigmentation
It is not possible to see the result of the treatment immediately. The healing and clearing lasts approximately 6-8 weeks.
If you have undergone removing of sun freckles, one treatment should be sufficient. In case of removing of tattoo or permanent make-up, it is necessary to count with more treatments to achieve the best possible result (ca 5 times or more).
For the final effect are important the type of tattoo colour, the age of tattoo and its depth. Next laser treatment is possible approximately in two or three weeks after the first treatment.
If you want to look good but also natural, if you don’t have enough time or you are bothered by makeup, you can solve it with permanent makeup. Permanent makeup is a method by which natural colours are inserted to the upper layer of the epidermis which causes desired accentuation or even reshaping of given facial part. With permanent makeup it is possible to shape for example size of eyebrows, to accentuate the eyeliners or lips and also to balance their asymmetry.
What is permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is a surface skin micro pigmentation which effects are limited for the period of time of 1 to 3 years. The effect doesn’t last for the whole life, like e.g. tattoos. It can thus flexibly react to changes in face and trends in makeup so that you could be sure that you look best in any situation.
Permanent makeup is divided in
- BEAUTY-MAKING – applied on eyebrows, upper and lower eyeliners, lip contour with colouring, beauty spots
- MEDICAL – applied on scars after surgeries and injuries, burns, vitiligo, alopecia, shot earrings
The process of the procedure
The application of permanent makeup is double-phase process. It is possible to distinguish the shade and intensity of colour after at least three weeks after the first part of the procedure. 3 to 5 weeks is followed by another visit, so called complement, when tiny errors are fixed.
Who is suitable candidate
Ideal age for micro pigmentation / permanent makeup is 17 – 90 years old. Permanent makeup is suitable for anybody who wants to underline her everyday makeup. As a basis for makeup, not a replacement of day or night makeup, it will not limit you to use your favourite makeup (e.g. you can still use your favourite lipstick when contouring and colouring lips), while by sport or other activities you will be sure that your lips look fresh and neat.
Permanent makeup is not suitable for example for person who takes medicine for reducing of bleeding (Heparin, Varfarin), tranquillizers, antibiotics or person with strong diabetes.
How long does the effect of the procedure last?
The lasting is individual, according to the amount of fat and thickness of the skin, exposure to the sun, hormone level, in average 1 to 3 years (although there are even clients that come for reconstruction after 5 to 6 years).
Why to decide for permanent makeup
- Comfort – look best 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Allergies to makeup, sensitive skin
- Wearing glasses or contact lenses
- “Not precise hand” because of arthritis
- Reluctance to fix classic makeup several times a day
- Permanent makeup enables you to look good while doing sport activities or staying in nature and near water
- Thanks to permanent makeup you will have natural, expressive and nice look
- Touching up the loss of hair as a consequence of alopecia, chemotherapy, injury, burn or surgical procedure
- Disguise of scars after plastic surgeries, injuries, ablations, clefts
- Camouflage of spots caused by vitiligo
If your lips are too thin or deflated you can decide to have them augmented with fat injections. Such fat injections can make your lips look plumper and more sensual.
What does lip enhancement by fat application consist of?
The lip enhancement consists of injectable application of fat known to the client’s body to an area that the client wishes to have enlarged. In most cases it is women who undergo the surgery although exceptionally even men do. Lip augmentation by fat application can be performed together with other procedures such as face-lifting, neck-lifting or breast lifting with collagen or fat implants.
Fat application
Transplantation of fat (autologous fat graft or micro-fat injection) means that a small amount of fat is sucked from your abdomen, thighs, buttocks or other parts of client’s body and under sterile conditions injected into the lip.
Are you the right candidate for lip enhancement with fat or collagen?
Collagen or fat injections into your lips may enhance your appearance and self-confidence, however, it is not going to change your visage entirely. It might make your lips look plumper and more sensual. It is necessary to distinguish whether it is the size or the colour of your lips that you are not satisfied with. If it’s the colour that you don’t like, your surgeon may recommend you another procedure, such as a lip tattoo. Injectable fat or collagen application is suitable for patients in a good psychic condition whose expectations are realistic.
Before lip augmentation
During the first consultation the surgeon will check the state of your lips and oral mucosa. He/she is going to talk with you about your expectations and ideas, he/she is going to ask you about your anamnesis, allergies to drugs and is going to check your health state to avoid any potential problems. If you suffer from any active lip or oral cavity infection (herpes, aphtae or a cold) or if you have any unhealed lip injury, the surgeon will probably recommend you to postpone the operation.
Anaesthesia
The anaesthetic agent lidocaine is a mixture of collagen and no additional anaesthetic is thus necessary. Nevertheless, if you are extremely sensitive to pain your surgeon may use desensitizing cream or a combination of local anaesthesia and sedatives. Local anaesthetics desensitize the parts of human body where fat is taken from and where it is inserted. The anaesthesia may be complemented with sedatives. If you decide to have sedatives applied, please make sure that you have a lift back home.
The process of lip augmentation
The whole process lasts from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Collagen
In the past collagen was used. Today the surgeons use skin implants – hyaluron acid or fat injections to carry the procedure of lip augmentation, the reason is longer persisting effect.Collagen was injected through the mouth corner precisely to the desired place. More mixture had to be applied since the mixture contained a saline solution which the body absorbed within few days.
Fat
Having cleansed the places where fat is going to be sucked from and injected in, the surgeon applies local anaesthesia. Subsequently, fat is taken out by an injection and a thick needle or a cannula (which is the same instrument used for liposuction) and is sucked out by a suction device. After that, the fat is adjusted and injected in the lip. Same as with collagen, it is necessary to apply more fat due to its absorbability. Repeated application of fat may cause swelling or itching.
After lip enhancement with fat
In the place where the fat was sucked from bruises or swelling may appear. You can have pulsing sensation in the lip where the fat was applied and the lip might be swollen. You should avoid sun till the swelling and bruises disappear – usually around 48 hours.
How long will the effect of augmented lips persist?
The effect of fat injections is individual but, in general, the effect lasts longer compared to collagen injections.
The cancer treatment of breast consists in surgical removal of the tumor, often including removal of sentinel ganglion with following radiotherapy or chemotherapy. During the tumor removal also a part of mammary gland is removed at the same time and often even the whole breast, which represents usually big handicap for a woman. Although within the plastic surgery it is possible to reconstruct a part or even the whole breast together with breast areola so that it resembles maximally the look of the real breast.
The breast reconstruction must be at first recommended by the oncologist, who will decide in what time period after the tumor removal it is possible to perform the breast reconstruction.
In breast reconstruction we can use either artificial implant or own tissue.
The choice of the method depends on the local finding and on the general patient’s condition.
In case there has remained a part of breast’s skin after the breast removal or if the breast was removed just partially, we can simply insert a silicon implant, mostly under the breast muscle. If the whole breast was removed and there is not enough skin, a skin graft from a surrounding area is used. We form a skin flap and transfer it to the place where we want to form a breast. In such formed skin fold we then insert an implant. It is possible to transfer the skin flap from the outer part of the chest (thoracodorsal flap) or from the place under the breast (skin advancement). These skin flaps are suitable for reconstruction of small breasts, when the inserted implant does not exert big pressure on the created skin fold.
If we want to reconstruct bigger breast it is more suitable to use own patient’s tissue instead of an implant, it is a tissue from the further place with its excess and better possibilities to form it to a natural shape. Own tissue has also another advantage compared to an implant, there is no risk of capsular contraction and there is no need to change it like in case of an implant. For breast reconstruction with own tissue a skin with subcutaneous tissue is removed from the abdominal area under the navel.
The whole tissue is transplanted to the place on the chest where we plan to reconstruct a new breast, and there it is formed into desired shape. This tissue needs to have its own vascular supply to survive, through which blood flows to the transplanted tissue and the flap is therefore healed into the new place. The abdominal tissue might be supplied by vessels passing rectus abdominis muscle that lies under the transferring tissue.
The flap is rotated to the chest with the part of the rectus abdominis muscle and the vessels that are attached to the tissue are not disconnected so it guarantees its survival. The disadvantage of this method might be the defect of the part of the rectus abdominis muscle and following weakening of the abdominal wall.
More favorable, although technically more intensive is the method of free transport of tissue with the help of microsurgical technique. A tissue is removed with the part of the rectus abdominis muscle and the vascular pedicle of the flap is disconnected. The whole tissue is transferred to the chest where the disconnected vessels are connected on the receiving vessels under the ribs, and the blood between them can start to flow. For such vessel connection special suturing is used that is not visible with the naked eye, and this part of the surgery is therefore performed under the microscope and with the usage of special instruments.
The technique of the free tissue transplantation is technically and time wise more consuming and it represents bigger exercise for the patient compared to the breast reconstruction with silicon implant.
The patient has to be therefore in a good health state to avoid more serious complications during and after the surgery.
After the surgery the patient stays at intensive care unit for several days and then is placed to the standard unit. Calm mode is recommended for about one month and then slowly the physical exercise is allowed.
After some time also the adjustment of the second breast is often made so that both breasts would look the same. Also reconstruction of the nipple with the help of small skin folds is performed from the local material on the reconstructed breast. For more real colour of the breast areola we can use colour tattoo.
The solution of breast disease with its following reconstruction needs the cooperation of the mammography specialist, oncologist and plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeon should choose according to the specialist’s recommendation the most suitable method of breast reconstruction regarding the best result of the surgery and also the minimum risks for the patient.
The breast reconstruction after their removal is covered by the health insurance company.
Breast plastic surgery is the most popular and well-known type of plastic surgery. Reasons for a surgical change of shape or size of breasts are not only aesthetic but also medical. Shape, symmetry and the size of breasts can affect a woman psychically and can even influence how they are perceived by others. Large breasts can cause back or vertebral pain. How does breast plastic surgery work and what can a patient expect following it?
Getting ready for vertical mammoplasty
First the surgeon will take measurements in order to find out specific distances (see below) so the breasts will have as close to the same shape and size after the surgery. Complete symmetry can never be achieved.
We usually measure the following distances:
1. nipple – jugulum (the pit on the upper edge of the breast bone)
2. further distance nipple – middle line
3. nipple – inframammary fold
4. the incision is then set according to the drawings
Next, the surgeon sets the position level of the areolas so the breasts are of an adequate height based on the patient’s figure, shape of her chest and also according to the planned size of the breasts after surgery (in a breast reduction). The areolas must be well positioned on the breasts. The shift of the areolas is not done through cutting and then suturing on the elevated breasts. The areolas are only shifted up together with the gland.
The breast surgery process
For the actual surgery, first we make the incisions according to the drawings, make incisions around the areolas, remove the extra skin and eventually any extra breast tissue (for reduction). Breast reductionis performed by removing the wedge on the lower half of the breasts. The wedge can be moved differently depending on where the most tissue is. We also reduce the so-called breast basis, which is the part of the breast connected to the muscle. It shortens the breast’s projection, i.e. how the breast protrudes forward. We sew the breasts and form them with absorbable material.
The fixation of the gland to the muscle in specific heights is to prevent its early and excessive droop after the surgery and therefore sagging breasts as well. Absorbable as well as non-absorbable material is used. Then the skin is sutured and so-called sucking drains are inserted. The wounds are covered with gauze and the breasts are bandaged with elastic bandages.
After thebreast lift or breast reduction
The drains are kept in for 2 to 3 days on average, depending on the bleeding. The patient uses a bandage bra for approximately 2 weeks. After the largest swellings fade, normally in 2 to 3 weeks, patients can use a normal bra, a so-called push-up is not recommended. It is necessary to wear a bra for a longer time during the day until the scars around the gland are so firm that the breasts do no sag at all or minimally. Such a period usually lasts around nine months. In general, the larger the breast, the longer the time needed to wear a bra after surgery. It can be even one year.
Scars
Usually pressure massages are recommended for minimizing scars, although it is not necessary. The pressure of the breast against the bra is an optimal permanent pressure massage. It can eventually be completed with a local application of ointment with silicone (Prosil, Dermatos and others). It is necessary to emphasize that the most significant factor in softening the scars are pressure massages.
Sometimes a slight deformation of an areola might occur, which changes its round shape to ellipse in some time. It is caused by the tension of the scars and the drooping of the breasts. Scars on the edge of the areola do not look good. In these cases we recommend considering a correction of the slightly deformed areolas and eventually perhaps camouflaging them through tattooing.
Every surgeon will proceed with specific differences; he/she has had different experiences. The important thing is that the client is satisfied with the result of the surgery and as we say all the ways lead to Rome.
Get to know the advantage of laser treatment in dermatology and the types of lasers, divided by the method of the skin treatment. If you suffer from acne, unsightly scars, varices, psoriasis, you wish to have your facial skin rejuvenated or to have the undesired hair, pigmentation or tattoo removed, then you will find detailed information about the devices and treatments offered by laser medicine in this article. The main task of this article is to get acquainted a curious user and a potential client that is going to undergo some of the procedures from the field of corrective dermatology, just with the amount of magic light energy flows, which is really surprising. The same can be said also about the possibilities of their usage: not just the wrinkle, vascular and pigment lesions correction, permanent reduction of undesired hair but also even the removal of varicose veins, acne and psoriasis treatment and painless skin rejuvenation.
We should have in mind that lasers are often related to magic effects thanks to the massive media campaign, which they do not have. As well as their advantages, such as simplification of treating procedures, acceleration and simplification of healing process are compensated with high price that is usually in most cases paid by the patient because the laser treatment still does belong to the above-standard treatment.
And now already a description of each group, to which are lasers that are used in dermatology, divided according to the type of skin treatment.
Lasers for Vascular Lesion Treatment
Vascular lesions are divided in congenital and acquired. To the congenital lesions belong for example so-called naevus flammeus, known as port-wine stain. It is an esthetically bad looking congenital defect, which is caused by accumulation of enlarged blood vessels. A part of the acquired malformations are for example so-called spider veins, small veins on legs, Slavic women have allegedly the biggest problems with them in Europe. Of course that there are more types of vascular lesions, but a specific laser may be of help to the majority of them.
The laser for vascular lesion treatment went through several phases of development. Already in the 80’s the argon laser was used in Bohemia (at Dermatology Clinic at General Faculty Hospital in Prague). Shortly after that it was changed by so-called dye lasers, there was achieved optimum increase of energy, although imperfect range of pulse energy. This has often led to the creation of pressure wave inside the treated vessel, and to its consequent burst and therefore small bruises were often formed. The patients did not like it too much, luckily in the 90’s the scientists finally evolved fully suitable type, so-called KTP laser with double frequency and long pulse. It enables enough deep penetrating of laser beam energy into the vessel and because the formed heat does not localize into the spot, there is no crash wave and redness. Moreover this laser works with special cooling sapphire explorer, which also prevents the redness. The cooling has also an analgesic effect. Vascular lesions are treated with this type of laser until today and its excellent complex characteristics pose it on the imaginary laser top aimed for treatment of vascular defects.
Lasers for Pigment Lesion Treatment
According to that the pigment stains can present a symptom of starting malign melanoma, it is always good to consider carefully, if it is not better to cut the stain out with classic method. Here it really is a question of health and many times even of life and the esthetic feelings have to therefore go aside. However, not every pigment lesion is a potential skin tumor. To the most frequent skin pigment stains belongs melasma, often occurring during the pregnancy or when taking oral anticonception. Unfortunately it is hard to heal it; the usage of laser is approached only in extreme cases. As for tattoos it is possible to use for example so-called Q-switched laser. This laser can evoke an effective appearance called photo-disruption, when it literally “breaks up” the pigmentation. Photo-disruptive lasers have extremely short pulse around millionths of a second and therefore it disposes of very high pulse energy. They represent with little exaggeration such laser pistols.
Laser for Vaporization of Unwanted Skin Lesions
Vaporization or evaporating is a method of using photo-ablative effect, i.e. removal of lesion by light. This technique uses vaporizing CO2 lasers or Erbium lasers. However, they are not produced anymore. Present development in the field of vaporizing lasers aims to improvement of CO2 lasers. Perfect technical characteristics of carbon dioxide laser with ultra short pulse almost crowded out even the originally biggest advantage of Erbium lasers, i.e. shorter time of healing.
Lasers for Tattoo Treatment
Here is still very popular topic tattooing – although in this case we talk about its removal. It is still very fashionable to decorate your body with more or less well done pictures, unfortunately people do not think about how is their mermaid that is tattooed on their belly going to look like after thirty years (and in many cases even after thirty kilograms) or if the name of your honey, which is now nicely surrounding your arm is going to be relevant even next year. In short, people consider the decoration of the skin still very freely and thoughtless and then they complain in the offices of the dermatologists, expecting a miracle. Instead of that a very complicated process is waiting for them and the final effect does not have to be satisfactory at all. And this even today when the surgeons use the most modern laser technique. The structure of incorporated color is not always very clear, so often unpleasant surprises occur. The usage of some wavelengths causes a change from bivalent iron to trivalent iron. The result when removing for example wrong done red lip contour is a change to more visible black color. Another problem represents still more and more popular multicolor tattoos. It is necessary to dispose of several wavelengths (i.e. several lasers) to remove them. Finally a person that had his/her tattoo done does not take into account that its removal is in most cases more expensive than its purchase. The list of lasers for tattoo removal partially coincides with the list of laser for pigmentation removal – it means again a system of “breaking up” the pigment. Here we have to take into consideration also already mentioned color tattoos. The only laser VersaPulse C Aesthetic has 4 different wavelengths in one system. The advantage of using the most modern lasers is the absence of scar after the removal. To spare you from inconveniences and even the content of your wallet it is warmly recommended to think more in advance about the appearance, placement and size of the tattoo according to coming years.
Lasers for Scar Treatment
Even though the surgeons can do many things today, they cannot still make miracles and this is valid absolutely about the treatment of scars. It is impossible to fully recover an inferior scared tissue, which is often hard to put up with for the patients. However the surgeons can contribute to an essential scar modification for better, i.e. its reduction, thinning, discoloring and so on. The ability to treat a scar also depends on the type of scars and even on a whole range of other factors, such as age, gender or photo type. The treatment is usually a combined method, in which laser therapy is only a part of it.
According to scar types (for example atrophic, hypertrophic, keloid or very unfavorable striae in women) a laser type is chosen.
Lasers for Unwanted Hair Removal
Many women and even men despair of the extent or location of unsightly hair. Even this unpleasant aesthetic problem can be solved with laser. The advantage is a permanent reduction, which means that after a repeated treatment there is no reason to be afraid that the hair will start to grow again. The development of so-called epilatory lasers has progressed a lot and the top laser among their overflow is an American, already several times improved laser, which is called LightSheer. This laser or the precedent lasers that are still in function can get you rid of the hair practically anywhere on the body.
Lasers for Varicose Veins Treatment
Varicose veins or varices – habitually known and unpleasant problem that bothers seniors and women after the delivery. For all those who expect a surgical procedure with stay in hospital and a sickness leave, we have pleasant information; even here laser methods are in use. The usage of beam brings a fundamental comfort, it is performed as an out-patient procedure, the patient can go home after not even an hour and he/she can immediately return to his/her all activities without having a sickness leave. This is very nice to hear, the reason for this is a diode laser with one-time set. The method consists in inserting an optical fiber, which is capable to transfer the laser pulses into the vein. When taking this fiber out of the vein, it is step by step sealed, which prevents the back blood flow and therefore even its accumulation in the veins. According to the amount of the patients that suffer from varices as well the fears from possible complications after surgeries, this novelty is really very exciting and it started a new era in extension of treating methods of this very frequent defect.
Devices for Psoriasis and Vitiligo Treatment
And another skin problem –psoriasis. It is a chronic disease; although life is not in danger, the disease is very severe and dragging, bringing many times a big sufferance for the patient. Prevention or specific treatment are not yet known. So as vitiligo, another troublesome skin disease, caused by drop-outs of pigmentation. The cells that form pigment die away; it is not very rare. 1-4% of all citizens suffer from it. Also here the cause is not known yet.
Nevertheless even in this case the usage of laser presents a converting event. At World Dermatology Congress in Paris in 2002 a new device was introduced in European first run BClear (producer Lumenis). It is said that the focus of psoriasis weakens already after 1-2 sessions, after total 4-6 sessions it completely disappears. The system uses focused fiber optics with therapy of high doses without damaging a surrounding healthy skin; this is performed with the help of contact ending with active size 16x16mm. It is a device made especially on requests of dermatologists. The aim of the method is to replace to a certain extent medicamentous treatment of psoriasis with the use of light. It is very interesting that even though it is a disease where a genetic disposition plays its role, in an overwhelming majority of cases a recurrence does not occur. However, it is relatively fresh novelty, to confirm long-lasting effects of this method there are not enough data. So it is good to have a certain restraint, although it has been clear even now that laser will present a big turning-point in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo.
Lasers for Acne Treatment
Acne vulgaris – inflammatory skin disease that is manifested by eruption of ugly, inflamed pimples, well known by almost all of us. It is also a great origin of complexes and difficulties in the puberty, in case of such troubles, that forced us to ill-judged acts that even worsened the state of the skin. Many people have these annoying pimples even in the adult age, which presents a state that is usually perceived as double indignity. Luckily there is a large amount of methods in today’s dermatology how to end up with this disease or at least markedly limit its symptoms. One of them is also a laser treatment method. The light laser treatment shows as very effective. In principle it is a usage of big amount of endogenous porphyrin, an organic chemical combination that spontaneously discharges Propionibacterium acne (co-responsible bacteria for acne creation). A selective photothermolysis works here so that these porphyrins are “turned on” with high doses of above mentioned specific light, which leads to photodestrution of these bacteria. Clinical studies prove that through this method up to 90% of bacteria P. acne are killed. This process comes approximately three times faster compared to oral antibiotics or local preparations.
Biostimulation lasers or Soft Lasers
In the list of lasers there should not be missing so-called biostimulation lasers, those are lasers used in dermatology especially as additional method for acceleration of wound healing. They are most often used in treatment of herpes, acne, decubitus or scars.
IPL
An Intense Pulse Light, a procedure known more under the abbreviation IPL (Intense Pulse Light) or among the patients it is called an iron, in the Czech Republic it has been used for last several years. It is a polychromatic not laser therapy that uses effects of various wavelengths at the same time. These systems find today their use in so-called photorejuvenation or skin rejuvenation with light. A significant correction especially of colored skin modification can be achieved, i.e. vascular and pigment defects and also improvement of skin quality, such as refinement of wrinkles and texture of the skin. For improvement of quality of drooping skin and its tonization a so far newest method is still more used, it is called:
Radio Frequency
At present uniquely dominates a system of so-called bipolar radio frequency with suction bipolar headpiece – a device known as ALUMA, a company Lumenis. The sucked skin stays untouched during the procedure; on the other hand the targeted warming of dermal collagen leads to stimulation and its regeneration and following firming of drooping facial skin.