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Lasers have become the tool of choice for many cosmetic surgeons today, because they can target very specific areas of the skin for treatment and the recovery time after laser surgery can be much less than traditional surgical methods. The other advantage to using lasers is that these high energy light beams can successfully treat numerous conditions and issues of the skin, from fine lines and wrinkles to birthmarks and scars. Because the beams of light are so intense and precise, delicate procedures can be completed that would not be possible with traditional knife methods.

1. Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin treatment can effectively remove the top layer of skin, much like a chemical peel. The result is an underlying layer that is smoother and free of shallow scarring, fine lines and sun damage. This procedure can also do away with skin discolorations like age spots and blotchiness. Hyperpigmentation, another sign of aging in some skin tones, can also be reduced with this type of treatment. The process is relatively painless when a topical anesthetic is used before the procedure, and recovery time is fairly short. Redness begins to disappear in a matter of days, leaving softer, smoother skin.

2. Hair Removal

Another popular form of laser skin treatment is the removal of unwanted hair from the face, legs and bikini area. A laser is used to destroy the melanin in the hair and the hair follicle, without damaging the surface of the skin. A series of three to five treatment sessions are recommended, and maintenance may only have to be done every year or so. This procedure also uses a topical anesthetic for additional comfort during treatment and the results may last a year or longer.

3. Scar Removal

Scars and birthmarks are something that most people can live without, but until the advent of lasers, there wasn't much that could be done to remove these blemishes easily. Now, a series of laser skin treatments will effectively diminish those marks, leaving skin smoother and nearly blemish free. Due to the precision of the laser, even small marks can be targeted without damaging the surrounding skin area. A series of treatments is generally recommended to achieve the desired results, and the number will vary based on the size of the mark and the response of the patient.

4. Tattoo Removal

Removing a tattoo used to take multiple sessions under the knife, skin grafts and extensive recovery time. Now, tattoo removal has become much quicker and easier with laser skin treatment alternatives. Because the field of laser surgery is improving all the time, the required sessions for tattoo removal have decreased by half; from twelve appointments to just six to completely get rid of the tattoo. Keep in mind that this number varies based on the size of the tattoo and response to treatment and is generally based on professional tattoos. Amateur tattoos can take even fewer sessions to remove.

Laser skin treatment has become the option for many cosmetic surgeons and patients today, due to the success of the procedures and the short recovery time that is required. For more information about the many things that lasers can do, contact a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon in your area.