Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery

CONSUMER HEALTH . Sunlight and gravity cause facial aging. Lasers enable safe and predictable resurfacing to smooth facial wrinkles as well as surgery to remove aging tissue from eyelids while minimizing bruising. Lasers can also eliminate excess blood vessels and unwanted hair, and erase tattoos without scarring. Laser surgery must be performed with great precision and care. Ideally, it should provide satisfactory improvement of one's appearance and do so with no adverse side effects. It is a complement to such non-laser surgeries as face-lift. Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery spells out the technology of the laser and its suitability for many cosmetic surgeries. Included in the discussions are the physiology of the skin, the basics of the surgical procedure, the preparation for surgery, a pointing out of risks, and an advisory on the postoperative recovery. This information is presented in clear, jargon-free language that explains how a laser procedure is accomplished without affecting the surrounding skin. A comprehensive overview that keeps the patient's perspective in mind, Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery is for the general reader and for those considering this elective surgical procedure. This useful, enlightening book written by a practicing professional answers questions patients ask and lets them know what to expect from surgery. Robert Langdon, a private-practice dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in Guilford, Connecticut, is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Since their development more than three decades ago, lasers have become widely accepted as a valuable modality for treatment of cutaneous lesions. Today, many cosmetic surgeons commonly use laser techniques for a variety of procedures, with markedly improved results over traditional surgical methods. Propelled by technological advances, ongoing clinical progress, and the growing popularity of out-patient procedures, cosmetic laser surgery is a truly dynamic field. Cosmetic Laser Surgery is designed to serve as a much-needed, practical, and user-friendly guide to this expanding field. The book provides a summary of current uses of multiple lasers for a variety of cosmetic procedures, and offers expert guidance from leading specialists. Each chapter includes actual case studies with an in-depth background on each that details laser parameters and treatment protocols. The text features over 70 color photographs to illustrate the operative techniques and results of different procedures, and concludes with appendices providing detailed examples of referral letters, consent forms, and operative reports that can help physicians establish and run a viable cosmetic laser practice. Topics covered in this book include: Evaluation, installation, and marketing of a cosmetic laser practice Skin resurfacing with high-energy, pulsed carbon dioxide lasers Laser-assisted blepharoplasty and meloplasty Hair transplantation using laser techniques Laser-assisted uvul0palatoplasty for snoring Laser treatment for scars, telangiectasias, tattoos, and pigmented lesions The selectivity and precision of lasers make them excellent tools for cosmetic surgery, but only if used with a proper knowledge and understanding of their strengths and limitations. Cosmetic Laser Surgery provides detailed, specific guidance on making optimal use of various lasers. It is an authoritative and indispensable resource for all dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and otolaryngologists who employ lasers in their practices.

Cosmetic laser surgery is an exciting new alternative to traditional plastic surgical procedures designed to beautify and correct physical defects. The advantages of laser surgery are impressive: procedures take just minutes to perform; are often accomplished with only a local anesthetic; require no incisions, blood loss, or sutures; and involve minimal recovery periods. Lasers offer noninvasive treatment for an extensive-and growing-list of conditions that previously required full-blown surgery to correct, including acne scars, tattoos, spider and varicose veins, birthmarks, crow's feet, lines around the mouth, and excess or thinning hair. Despite all the benefits, however, it is imperative to remember that cosmetic laser surgery is surgery. Consumers considering elective cosmetic procedures must be well informed. Beauty and the Beam is an ideal source of information on this topic and will guide readers in selecting the safest and most experienced practitioner; describe what to expect in a facility; explain what each kind of surgery entails; and show how costs differ from region to region and from practitioner to practitioner. Beauty and the Beam answers nearly every question readers may have about this technology and provides step-by-step methods for evaluating their own needs and seeking the most qualified practitioner.

Extensively illustrated with before and after images, procedural photographs, and supporting explanatory artwork, this practical, how-to guide contains everything readers need to successfully perform cosmetic laser surgery. For each procedure, the text covers the 3 R's: Recommendations regarding techniques, the Risks associated with certain procedures, and the Results that can be expected. Other chapters cover laser blepharoplasty, hair transplant and scalp reduction, laser techniques of scars, hair removal by laser, and laser treatment of leg veins. * Supplements basic laser texts by providing recommended techniques, risks and results. * Includes more than 200 before and after surgery color photographs, aiding physicians when discussing treatment options and expectations with patients. * Shows step-by-step, how-to descriptions with illustrations of performing each procedure. * Provides "pearls of wisdom" from professionals who have pioneered many of the procedures to help physicians avoid pitfalls and obtain better results. * Devotes an entire section to the important subject of skin resurfacing.

The first complete, "how to" guide to laser surgery of the head and neck! This comprehensive reference covers all aspects of the use of lasers in facial plastic surgery, from basic science to surgical techniques. Introductory chapters provide complete coverage of different laser systems, laser safety, and laser physics. The majority of the book is devoted to presenting the use of lasers in skin resurfacing, treatment of vascular lesions, hair removal, treatment of pigmented lesions and tattoos, and aesthetic surgery. Throughout, you'll find expert commentary from surgeons at the forefront of the field.

Stay on the cutting edge of laser technology with state-of-the-art summaries on all cutaneous laser systems, including carbondioxide, argon-pumped, tunable dye, copper vapor, ruby, flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye, Nd:YAG, and photoderm. CUTANEOUS LASER SURGERY provides an unbiased review of each system, listing the pros and cons of each for use on various types of lesions. You'll also find new information on laser resurfacing, photodynamic therapy, and hair removal. * Includes thorough discussions of all laser systems * Provides treatment options for pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, tattoos and laser resurfacing all in one book * Guides you to the appropriate choice of procedure for each particular lesion * Gives you an unbiased view of each laser system * Illustrates techniques with clear before and after photography * Provides step-by-step guidance through procedures * Includes patient consent forms and patient handouts to save you valuable time

Reviews from the first edition: "...well written, with many excellent clinical photographs."-The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery "...many excellent clinical 'pearls'...Any dermatologist...will find this book a worthwhile investment."-Archives of Dermatology

Answers all your questions about the miracles of cosmetic laser surgery. Includes everything you need to know about procedures, costs, safety, finding specialists, and making decisions.