Reasons for removing tumors
The laser method has replaced the electrosurgical method of combating growths. Skin neoplasms refer to a group of diseases that represent the proliferation of skin structures with the formation of qualitatively changed pathological cells. Superficially located benign neoplasms require removal. For some people this is caused by the desire to get rid of a cosmetic defect, for others it is a preventive measure against their spread.
But the most serious reason for removal is the danger of their transformation into a malignant tumor . This can be caused by minor trauma or intense sun exposure.
It is especially recommended to get rid of moles formed in the area of the feet and palms, in order to avoid their degeneration into melanoma.
The main reasons for radical removal of skin tumors are medical and cosmetic indications:
- Skin pathologies of a viral nature that cannot be self-healed: warts, genital warts, molluscum contagiosum.
- Skin growths that are subject to frequent trauma or friction. They are usually located in places such as the face, feet, armpits, and palms.
- Cosmetic defects in the form of moles, papillomas, keratomas.
Aftercare and prohibited actions
After each laser hair removal session, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for facial skin care so as not to damage weakened areas of the epidermis:
After each procedure, exposure to sunlight should be avoided. You can't go outside without using sunscreen.
For 10 days after each session, visiting saunas and super hot baths is prohibited: thermal effects can worsen the condition of the weakened dermis.
After hair removal, the skin should not be heated not only from the outside, but also from the inside, so in the first few days you should refrain from playing sports. You should also be aware that increased sweating promotes the production of melancites, which can lead to hyperpigmentation.
For 3 days after each session, it is prohibited to treat the skin with alcohol-containing preparations.
Redness and swelling in most cases disappear a few hours after the procedure. However, if this does not happen, you can soothe the skin with aloe vera gel or a special dermatological product prescribed by a cosmetologist. It is allowed to treat inflamed areas with pieces of ice.
For several days, it is prohibited to use decorative cosmetics and creams intended for facial skin care, or to carry out cleansing activities in the form of peeling or scrub. You can only rinse your face with cool water, touching it as gently as possible.
The essence of the laser method
Before surgery, it is necessary to conduct a dermoscopic diagnosis. A dermatologist examines the tumor for the possibility of malignant degeneration. This procedure prevents the occurrence of melanoma.
It is important to consider that laser can only be used for aesthetic correction. For malignant neoplasms, a surgical method is required.
Anesthesia for laser treatment of a growth is not required, but can be provided at the request of the patient.
The laser beam always acts in a dosed and targeted manner. Even if the tumor has deep roots, the laser is directed only at the body of the growth. Its length is selected in accordance with the type of growth. The surrounding tissues remain intact. The energy of the laser beam activates healthy cells, causing them to divide more intensively. This leads to rapid healing of the wound left after the removed tumor. Just a week is enough for no traces to remain in the place of the former growth, only young and healthy skin.
The operation to remove a mole or wart is performed very quickly , in a matter of minutes. The method is based on layer-by-layer burning of the nevus. If the size of the tumor is small, then only one visit to the doctor will be required. The layers are removed until a micro-wound appears. A larger nevus requires several visits to the doctor's office, with mandatory intervals of several weeks. When performing a multi-stage operation, the doctor treats the wound with potassium permanganate and applies a sterile bandage.
The laser can get rid of any benign type of growth, regardless of its age and size : warts, papillomas, moles, fibromas, angiomas and many others. During the process, there is no contact of the instrument with the skin, which ensures the sterility of the wound. The operation is performed with different types of lasers, this factor depends on the degree of complexity of the growth.
The use of CO2 is a traditional laser technology based on the evaporation of pathological cells by ablation. There is also an erbium and neodymium laser that produces coagulation of blood vessels.
Operating principle
Laser radiation acts selectively on the so-called “targets” - chromophores . Depending on the wavelength, the targets can be hemoglobin (in this case, the laser successfully fights capillary dilation and other vascular pathologies ) or the melanin pigment contained in the hair shafts and follicles (in this situation, you can get rid of hair).
Melanin is a hair pigment concentrated in the hair shaft and the follicle located deep in the skin. It absorbs light wavelengths between 700 and 800 nm. Under the influence of laser radiation energy, melanin heats up, and the cells of the hair follicle are destroyed, the hair itself burns, and its root is damaged and falls out within two weeks .
The laser only affects hair in the growth stage .
But at the same time, there are always so-called “dormant” follicles that do not respond to treatment. They later wake up, at which point a repeat session is required. For this reason, laser hair removal is always carried out in courses so as not to leave any chance for growth. The darker the hair, the better it responds to laser treatment. If there is little melanin, then more procedures will be required to achieve the desired effect, but if there is none at all (for example, in completely gray hairs), then you will have to look for another way to remove vegetation.
Indications and contraindications
There are several factors that should alert a person to seeing a doctor:
- mechanical damage to neoplasms;
- shape, size or color undergo changes;
- inconvenience caused by the tumor, discomfort as a result of its injury or inflammation;
- aesthetic unattractiveness of the tumor due to its location on open areas of the skin. For example, papillomas are most often removed due to aesthetic discomfort.
There are a number of reasons why laser tumor removal is contraindicated:
- acute respiratory infections;
- pregnancy;
- herpes in the acute stage;
- allergy;
- hypertensive crisis;
- fever;
- insulin diabetes mellitus;
- hemophilia;
- isolated cases of malignant neoplasms.
Advantages and disadvantages of laser removal of growths
The laser method has undeniable advantages over all other methods of surgical intervention. The operation is carried out at any time of the year. It is possible to get rid of tumors without a trace on any part of the body.
Main advantages:
- lack of invasion into the skin;
- minimal impact on healthy tissue due to the small beam diameter;
- the operation is almost completely painless and occurs without bleeding;
- suppuration of the wound after surgery is excluded;
- no relapses, pigmentation in the future;
- stimulation of skin tissue regeneration;
- the rehabilitation period ranges from 5 to 7 days, while it is allowed to lead a normal lifestyle, except for exposure to the sun;
- no scars, spots or pits are left;
- rapid healing, the remaining crust on the treated area disappears after 4-6 days;
- the short duration of the operation - only a few minutes are enough to remove the growth, and in one session you can get rid of several tumors at once;
- No hospital stay is required.
The disadvantage of the laser method is the inability to send a remote tumor for histology. In this regard, dermoscopic diagnosis is necessary before surgery.
How is the procedure performed?
Laser hair removal is a hardware procedure that is performed in a clinic by a qualified specialist using expensive modern equipment. The doctor will definitely conduct an examination before treatment, assess the condition of the skin and hair quality, and ask questions to identify contraindications. If everything is in order, then you can start epilation.
an anesthetic is applied to the skin . This is a cream or gel that is quickly absorbed and reduces sensitivity. The eyes of the patient and the doctor are protected by safety glasses.
A special device generates laser radiation. With classic laser hair removal, the doctor moves the tip of the device at a short distance from the skin, destroying vegetation centimeter by centimeter. Moveo technology involves sliding the handpiece directly over the skin, previously lubricated with gel.
Depending on the size of the area, it may take from a couple of minutes to an hour and a half . After this, a soothing agent - panthenol - is applied to the epilated area.
The number of sessions and duration of the course are determined individually. Much depends on the type of hair, its growth rate, and the treatment area. On average, the number of sessions is usually from 3 to 8, and the intervals between them are from 3 to 6 weeks. This time is necessary for the “dormant” follicles to enter the growth phase and become accessible to radiation.
Recovery
A significant advantage of laser hair removal is the absence of a rehabilitation period . Immediately after your visit to the clinic, you can return to your normal activities. The restrictions are minimal: you need to refrain from heat treatments, tanning and the use of aggressive skin care products.
Important! If you choose hair removal using Moveo technology , then you don’t have to give up tanning: just two days after visiting the clinic, you can go to the beach.
You should not take photosensitizing drugs between sessions. When new growth appears, you should not pull out the hairs by the roots - you can only use a razor or depilatory creams for removal.
Efficiency
The result lasts for an average of two years , sometimes forever. During this time, you can forget about the problem of hair growth. There is no need to waste time and money on waxing, sugaring or depilation with creams, no need to endure the pain of an electric epilator: just live and enjoy the smoothness of the skin on your face and body.
Over time, the hair follicles can regenerate, and then the hairs appear again. The growth will be much more sparse , weaker and thinner than before; it can easily be removed again with a laser. In some cases, it is recommended to carry out maintenance hair removal sessions 1 or 2 times a year : each time the hair will become thinner, and over time the follicles will no longer be able to recover, and the silky smoothness of the skin will remain with you forever.
Author of the article: cosmetologist Tatyana Vladimirovna Denisova
Side effects
There are almost no warnings about laser surgery, since no side effects are observed. Main consequences:
- Photodermosis, an allergy to ultraviolet light, can respond to laser use with swelling and redness, and in very sensitive skin, blistering.
- In rare cases, a temporary or permanent change in skin pigmentation to a lighter or darker shade may be noticed.
- Diseases such as herpes or acne may require medication support. The same applies to too large areas of growth.
After the operation, it is necessary to avoid traumatic factors, including steaming the skin, removing crusts, and cosmetic procedures. Before the scab begins to fall off, it is recommended to treat the wound with an alcohol solution of calendula, a solution of furacillin or chlorhexidine. You should avoid wetting the wound for 5 days. Insolation should be excluded to a minimum. It is required to use products with high UV protection.
Laser removal of tumors is the least traumatic operation. Despite the large number of advantages and the almost complete absence of side effects, the cost of the procedure is affordable for most citizens.
Advantages and disadvantages
The laser removal procedure for unwanted facial hair has both pros and cons.
The advantages include:
No damage to the epidermis in the form of scars or scars.
No pain during the removal process.
Long-term effect (up to 5 years).
Short duration of each session.
But there are also disadvantages :
The procedure is not suitable for everyone. There are strict restrictions on its implementation based on skin and hair type. Hair removal is not performed on women with very dark skin, red or gray hair.
The laser only affects growing hair, which means that over time new hairs will appear, albeit sparser and finer.
With hormonal imbalances, including pregnancy, facial hair growth may increase.
The high cost of the complex of procedures.
Once a series of facial hair removal sessions has begun, it cannot be interrupted. Otherwise, previous achievements will be lost, and everything will have to start over.
