Cosmetic Laser Surgery: Effects and expenses

Cosmetic laser surgery is an exciting option for many skin conditions. It can be used to remove hair, treat acne scars and remove wrinkles, blemishes and even tattoos. However, it is important to know how laser surgery works and how much it costs before going through the procedure.

Lasers are intense beams of light targeted at specific body tissues. It destroys those tissue cells to make way for healthy skin. When used for wrinkle treatment, lasers can stimulate the production of collagen growth to fill in wrinkles

Cosmetic laser surgery can be used in many ways. The standard visit generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Several visits may be needed, depending on the severity of the condition being treated. Between visits, you may have to apply ointments to help with the healing process.

While the idea of lasers beams directed at your delicate skin may seem a little scary, it is a relatively painless procedure. You might feel a pinching sensation where the laser meets your skin, but that is all. Anesthetic is not usually needed.

Many people choose laser surgery because it is easy. It is more precise because the lasers used are very small and accurate. Recovery times are generally shorter and there is generally less bruising and scarring than in conventional cosmetic surgery.

It is important to remember that laser surgery is still surgery and has risks. Lasers do burn the skin and so scars, infections and reddening are all possible. It is worth taking the time to find a dermatologist who has vast experience in laser surgery.

Further, laser surgery is not permanent. Your skin will continue to age. Wrinkles will continue to appear. Hair will continue to fall out. The procedure may need to be repeated in the future.

There are some people who should avoid laser surgery. People with sensitive skin may have negative reactions to the surgery itself or to the ointments used in the healing process. Those with darker skin tones may have more visible scarring from laser surgery. In addition, very busy people may not enjoy having to stay home for about a week after a procedure while their skin heals.

Another important consideration before having any cosmetic surgery, especially laser surgery, is the expense. It is not cheap. Even a laser comb (yes, a new FDA-approved comb that you use to stimulate hair growth) costs over $500. Laser hair removal costs more than $300 on average while laser skin resurfacing costs about $2,500. These costs vary based on the extent of the procedure, the experience and location of the dermatologist and other factors. In general, insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery unless a doctor can verify a medical need for it.

Is cosmetic laser surgery worth it? Experts say that those who undergo laser treatment for wrinkles can expect at least a 50 percent improvement. Some dermatologists who perform laser hair removal say that 70 to 80 percent of hair growth is suppressed for three to 12 months or more after the series of treatments ends.

If your appearance is very important to you, the effects of cosmetic laser surgery may be well worth the expense.