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Laser Surgery
The term laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated
emission of radiation, or a light amplifier. A laser is a device that
uses the principle of amplification of electromagnetic waves by stimulated
emission of radiation and operates in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet
region. There are many uses for lasers in surgical and cosmetic procedures.
The use of lasers in medicine is complex, and plastic surgeons are
trained in the use of lasers and understands how and when to use a
laser. A plastic surgeon will decide if a laser is appropriate, and
which laser is best for the situation. Physicians and surgeons can
use lasers to make incisions, vaporize tumors, close blood vessels,
selectively reduce pigmentation, or even treat skin wrinkles. The
laser makes it possible to change tissue without making an incision.
So a surgeon can treat birthmarks or damaged blood vessels, remove
port-wine stains, and shrink facial "spider veins" without
major surgery.
Laser Facial Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing involves the use of laser light to smooth wrinkles
or scars on the skin of the face. A CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser is
absorbed in the superficial portions of the skin and it's power vaporizes
a thin layer of tissue on the surface of the face, resulting in smoother
skin. Skin resurfacing using a CO2 laser is a recently developed technique.
Its effects are similar to those of chemical peels and dermabrasion,
except that the laser removes skin layers by vaporization rather than
with chemicals or a sanding device. Plastic surgeons are trained in
the safe use of laser equipment, and is able to specify the amount
of laser energy transmitted to the skin's surface by the laser tool
and control the depth of penetration.
Like the other
resurfacing methods, the laser is effective in treating wrinkles,
blotchiness or age spots, as well as scars from acne or other causes.
It can be used on the entire face or specific areas. Patients with
a variety complexions, including some darker-skinned individuals,
may be treated with the laser. Certain other characteristics of the
skin (such as its thickness and texture), may influence whether someone
is a good candidate for laser resurfacing. Some patients may also
benefit from the laser's mild "tightening" effect on the
skin, particularly in the lower eyelid area (where the skin often
becomes somewhat loose as a result of aging).
Liposuction
Lipoplasty or liposuction is the surgical removal and/or displacement
of fatty or lipid substance. Liposuction is a procedure that removes
excess fat through a suctioning process. Although liposuction is not
a substitute for weight loss, it is a way of changing the body's shape
and contour. SAL or suction-assisted lipoplasty is the equivalent
to liposuction, which is a method of removing unwanted subcutaneous
fat using a hollow cannula and vacuum suction combined with mechanical
avulsion to remove adipose cells. Superficial syringe liposculpture
involves the use of a syringe to withdraw fat, instead of vacuum suctioning
pumps, allows for less blood loss and speedier postoperative recovery.
Superficial syringe liposculpture is performed on the layer of fat
just beneath the skin.
Liposuction is
particularly well-suited for women and men who are of relatively normal
weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of
their body to appear disproportionate. The localized fat deposits
may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to
dieting or exercise, so liposuction is often the only way to eliminate
them. While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age,
the best results will be obtained if the skin still has enough elasticity
to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic
(as with some older patients), it may not redrape well and a skin
tightening procedure may be necessary.
Liposuction among
men, is used particularly for eliminating bulging fat around the waist.
Areas of the body commonly treated with liposuction includw delicate
areas such as the inner knee and the calves and ankles which can be
suctioned with a very thin cannula to achieve a more shapely contour.
Abdominal areas respond well to treatment with liposuction, resulting
in a flatter abdominal profile and better-defined waist. In some cases,
liposuction of the upper arms may also be effective, and liposuction
can also remove fatty deposits in the cheeks, jowls and neck.
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