Lasers have been used in the treatment of skin conditions for over 30 years. Our staff at the Dermatology, Skin Cancer & Laser Center are highly trained in the multifaceted aspects of laser surgery.

Laser technology works by producing an intense beam of light to vaporize skin tissue, blood vessels, tattoo ink, or pigmented cells. Lasers can produce a very specific color, or wave length of light, that will vary in intensity and the duration of its pulse. The power and the wave length of light of the laser determines how it is used medically.

The energy of laser light that is targeted at skin is absorbed by the water found in all cells, or by the pigment that is found under the skin. Pigment color can be red, tan, or brown.

We use many different types of lasers at the Dermatology, Skin Cancer & Laser Center. Lasers are used to treat wrinkles, acne scars, broken blood vessels, warts, tattoos, age spots, and even moles. No single laser can treat all skin conditions, but establishing a comprehensive plan or goal, is to provide you with the most complete and successful therapy available.

RED SPOTS

CHERRY ANGIOMAS

The most common red spots are known as cherry angiomas. These are small, red dots that appear as you get older, most commonly starting in your twenties or in your thirties. Cherry Angiomas are harmless. There is a genetic tendency to inherit these from parents. Pregnancy or hormonal factors may also influence the number of angiomas a person has. Cherry Angiomas are commonly found on the face, chest, and back; although, they can appear anywhere. The laser used at the Dermatology, Skin Cancer & Laser Center to treat this condition, is the Pulse Dye Laser, the KTP Laser, or the VersaPulse Laser. Generally, only one treatment is necessary to eradicate these small lesions.

TELANGIECTASIAS

Telangiectasias are broken blood vessels that are commonly seen on the face, particularly, around the nose, cheeks, forehead, and neck. This is most commonly caused by accumulated sun exposure. It can also be caused by trauma, such as squeezing pimples. Hereditary factors may also be a factor in this condition. Many patients who have rosacea, will also have numerous telangiectasias. The KTP laser, Pulse Dye Laser, or the VersaPulse laser are used to treat this skin condition. Often times, multiple treatments are required.

HEMANGIOMAS, PORT WINE STAIN, STORK BITE

Hemangiomas, port wine stains, and certain birth marks often times develop within the first year of life. Most of these skin conditions will disappear over time; however, some do not. Port wine stains and other birthmarks usually become thicker as a child ages. In these instances, early treatment is recommended to prevent potential disfigurement. These skin conditions are treated with laser surgery to prevent any future risk for scarring.

BROWN SPOTS

SOLAR LENTIGINES

Solar lentigines, which are often called age spots, sun spots, or liver spots, are directly related to sun exposure. These spots have nothing to do with how well your liver is working. These spots are successfully treated with laser surgery, which virtually peels off the spots. Most often, only one treatment is required, although, thicker lesions may need multiple treatments. Freckles can also be treated with the same laser.

SEBORRHEIC KERATOSES

Seborrheic Keratoses, also known as the barnacles of aging, are completely harmless skin lesions. They are genetically inherited and sun exposure also plays a role in these lesions.

Laser surgery is generally not used to treat these, because most lesions are too thick. Good results, however, have been seen with removing several seborrheic keratoses with the CO2 laser. Also, liquid nitrogen therapy is another modality of treatment.

WRINKLES

Dermatologists have been experts in laser surgery for over thirty years. Multiple lasers have been used to treat wrinkles. It has been found that the CO2 laser is the most effective laser available to successful treat this skin condition.

At the Dermatology, Skin Cancer & Laser Center, the True Pulse CO2 laser system is used. This laser emits a colorless, infrared light that is absorbed by the water in your skin to vaporize the epidermis. Precise control is obtained with this laser system because it has a very short pulse duration, thereby, reducing the risk of heat damage to the surrounding tissue. This laser removes wrinkles, sun damage, scars, and warts. This laser will also shrink collagen in your skin so that the end result will be a tighter, more youthful appearance.