Dermatological Laser
Laser is a monochromatic, coherent, collimated high-energy light device. Medical lasers can be classified according to their wavelengths and producing mediums. We have a comprehensive array of 532nm, 595nm, 694nm, 755nm, 900nm, 1064nm laser or Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, CO2, Erbium and Thulium lasers, each with a unique and specific function. The doctor will examine the skin condition and pigment characteristic of the patient and decide on the appropriate laser type for the most effective treatment.
Laser only targets the specific skin problem, leaving surrounding normal skin tissue unaffected. With the advance in technology, laser is now widely used in cosmetic medicine and can treat many different kinds of skin lesion.
Pigmented Skin Lesions
Laser can treat pigmented skin lesions such as freckles, solar lentigines, naevus zygomaticus, seborrhoeic keratosis, Naevus of Ota, café au lait macules, tattoos and eyebrow and eyeliner tattoos. Upon application, the laser will break down the pigmented particles into tiny fragments.
These fragments are then absorbed and excreted through the lymphatic system. Commonly used lasers include Nd:YAG, Alexandrite and Ruby laser.
Treatment may require multiple sessions, six to eight weeks apart. Recovery may take several days.
Side effects like hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation are not common. Rare complications include bleeding, infection and scarring.
Vascular Lesions Removal
Lesions like telangiectasia, port-wine stain and haemangioma can be treated with the pulsed dye laser.
Upon application, the haemoglobin in the red blood cell will absorb the laser energy and convert it into heat energy, causing thrombosis of the abnormal vessels. Pulsed dye laser is proven to be the most effective way to treat vascular lesions in many medical studies.
Treatment may require multiple sessions, three to six weeks apart. Bruising and swelling may appear after treatment but will usually subside after a few days.
Fractional Laser And Acne Scar Treatment
Fractional laser can improve stretch marks, wrinkles and skin texture, acne scars and hypertrophic scars. The laser induces numerous microscopic columns of thermal injury to the dermis layer of skin, promoting rapid skin repair and stimulating regeneration of collagen. Noticeable changes can be seen within two to three weeks. Redness and swelling is normal after treatment and will subside after four to seven days. People can return to work soon after treatment. To realise full benefits, fractional laser treatment should be repeated every six to eight weeks for three to four times.
Hair Removal
Laser can also be used for hair removal purpose and can effectively treat lip hair, armpit hair, leg hair, bikini hair, etc.
The hair removal laser is a millisecond laser with specific wavelengths (755nm, 1064nm) that will penetrate deep into the root of hair follicles where the laser light will be absorbed as heat to damage the hair follicle structure.
Side effects may include mild redness and bruising that will usually subside within a few hours. Treatment will not affect daily routines. A whole treatment course may take at least three to five sessions to complete, each of which is conducted every four to six weeks.
Hair grows in cycles. Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair follicles are in their active growth phase. The outcome can last a period of time but may not be permanent.
Caution
Laser treatments are not suitable for pregnant women, people who suffer from skin inflammation or serious chronic diseases (e.g. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), and those who have taken any medication that heightens skin sensitivity to light before treatment (e.g. Tetracycline, Retin A). People who are dark-skinned or have sun tanned recently may be prone to more adverse reactions. Radiofrequency treatments are not advised for those with pacemakers.