What Are Laser Treatments?
Laser is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." Lasers produce highly powerful beams of light that travel through the skin at specific wavelengths. Different lasers are used to correct a range of skin conditions:
Ablative lasers:
- CO₂ and Er:YAG incinerate outer skin layers and are applied to deep resurfacing and wrinkle reduction.
Non-ablative lasers:
- Nd:YAG (diode) lasers act below the skin surface, do not incinerate layers, and are applied to pigmentation, acne scars, and vascular lesions.
Fractional lasers
- Fractional lasers operate through small areas of skin, stimulating collagen formation without damaging adjacent tissue.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices
- Intense pulsed light (IPL), while not lasers, functions very similarly and is commonly employed to address redness and pigmentation.
- Laser therapy is utilized in dermatology, ophthalmology (e.g., LASIK), oncology, and even dental and surgery offices.
FDA Approval and Regulation
In the United States, all lasers to be used for medical purposes must be approved or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA categorizes such devices into risk classes:
- Class I and II devices are low-risk devices that include diagnostic lasers.
- Class III devices are high-risk procedures like laser surgery and are rigorously tested for safety as well as performance.
Each laser system is also tested for use purposes as well as potential side effects before clearance. FDA clearance removes none of the risk, but it does guarantee technology will be fulfilling some level of safety standards. The FDA also makes sure that medical practitioners are trained properly before they apply these devices to patients. So, one of the biggest safety measures isn't even the laser, but who is holding it.
Clinical Research on Laser Safety
There is a huge scientific literature attesting to the safety of laser treatments when applied properly. Let's listen to what several specialties and research have to say.
Dermatological Safety
A 2020 review, “Lasers in Medical Science,” concluded that laser therapy for cutaneous conditions like melasma, rosacea, and acne scarring is well tolerated. The majority of side effects are
- Mild level of redness and swelling
- Transient darkening or lightening of the skin
- Peeling or sloughing of the skin for a few days after the treatment
Severe side effects like burns or permanent pigmentary change are rare and more likely due to inappropriate settings or inexperience on the part of the operator.
The second “Dermatologic Surgery” article was a review that laser hair removal is safe when applied to the proper skin types with the proper type of laser (e.g., dark skin with Nd:YAG).
Ophthalmological Use
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is an extremely common eye procedure. Long-term follow-up publications in “JAMA Ophthalmology” and “American Journal of Ophthalmology” documented over 95% of patients having 20/40 or improved vision following LASIK with minimal long-term complications. Dry eye and transient glare are the most frequent side effects, typically disappearing within weeks.
Medical Lasers in Surgery and Oncology
Laser technology is also used in medical surgical procedures such as tumor removal and endoscopy. Clinical trials in journal articles such as “Annals of Surgical Oncology” report that laser surgery reduces blood loss and infection and improves accuracy. It is especially suited for skilled soft tissue operations, such as those performed in the throat, prostate, or brain.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While normally safe, laser therapies are not without consequences if proper safety precautions are not heeded. Side risks are:
- Thermal burn or injury by high-powered lasers
- Scarring in sensitive or poorly treated areas of skin
- Pigmentation disorders, especially on darker skin, with inappropriately selected wavelengths
- Infection by unsterile post-treatment technique
- Damage to the eyes when not taking precautions regarding wearing protective glasses in facial or ophthalmologic procedures
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly recommends that board-certified dermatologists or medical-trained physicians do all laser treatments. The majority of the side effects are due to spas or centers that are not regulated, where technicians do not have formal medical training.
Ensuring Safe Laser Treatment
The safety of laser therapy is as a clinic and practitioner-oriented as equipment-based. Below are some expert instructions on how to be risk-free:
Choose a Licensed Specialist
Choose board-certified physicians, ophthalmologists, or dermatologists. Medical licensure guarantees that the practitioner has accomplished standard training and education.
Enquire about the Device
Look for whether the device utilized is FDA-approved or cleared. Professional offices will not be hesitant to provide such information.
Skin Type Evaluation
Different skin colors react to lasers differently. Dark skin, for example, will be more likely to hyperpigment or burn if an inadequate type of laser is used. Ensure that your practitioner does a skin test and patch test before treatment.
Follow Pre- and Post-Treatment Directions
Stay away from sun, sunbathing, and some skincare products (e.g., retinoids) prior to and following treatment. Follow-up after treatment is required to prevent infection and enhance healing.
Know Your Expectations
Argue with your practitioner about the number of expected sessions, recovery time, and potential side effects prior to starting treatment. Reasonable expectations guarantee satisfaction and protection.
Are laser treatments safe?
Yes—laser treatments are safe when performed in the hospital or clinic by trained practitioners using FDA-approved lasers. Scientific study and decades of history have made them safe for a wide array of procedures ranging from cosmetic dermatology procedures to life-threatening surgery procedures. But like all medication therapy, laser therapy also carries risks. Education, choosing a doctor, and attention to safety precautions keep them from occurring. The biggest cause of issues is not lasers but untrained individuals, non-clinical settings, or improper use of devices. If you're undergoing laser therapy, take time to learn about what you're going through and talk with trained professionals. Your health—and your skin—is worth it.