Laser Surgery

One of the most exciting and innovative advancements in the fields of medicine and surgery in the past few years has been the development of laser technology. A surgical laser is an intense beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue from the body. Laser resurfacing of the face can be used as an alternative for a facelift, i.e., "facelift bypass." There are many different types of lasers used in medicine and surgery. The most popular types of lasers used in cosmetic surgery include the Carbon Dioxide, Neodymium:YAG, Pulsed Dye and Argon lasers.

The Argon Laser is used in the treatment of some types of port wine stains, vascular tumors, certain forms of skin cancer, and other lesions. The Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Laser is a highly versatile laser system in medicine today. It is used in the treatment of infected wounds, scar tissue, warts, and other skin disorders.

A more recent development is the Ultra Pulse Carbon Dioxide Laser whose unique technology produces a beam that markedly reduces the risk of injury such as burns to the skin. This laser has been used very successfully for laser skin resurfacing, a process which improves facial wrinkles, aging signs, and acne scars in men and women. One version is used in the treatment of certain skin lesions such as tattoo removal and removal of pigmented lesions. Other lasers have been developed for the improvement of stretch marks and removal of unwanted hair. Dr. Berens will determine which laser to use based upon the type of pigmented or vascular lesion to be treated.

In conventional surgery, it is often necessary to remove healthy tissue along with diseased tissue. The use of a laser helps isolate and remove the undesired sun damaged, Acne scarred or pigmented skin. This minimizes affecting the healthy cells surrounding them. The risk of infection is reduced with laser surgery because only the beam of light comes in contact with the tissue. In addition, bacteria and viruses are vaporized along with body cells. Because the heating effect of the laser energy cauterizes or seals therefore there is less swelling. There is less pain connected with the surgery because the beam seals nerve endings. The use of laser surgery has significantly reduced the need for general anesthesia, thus reducing the risk of complications connected with it. In most cases, the need for hospitalization is unnecessary. This procedure is performed in the office.

Mole Removal
Depending on the nature of the mole or lesion, our endeavor is to produce "a cosmetically acceptable scar."

If you are interested in learning more about Laser surgery, please call my office at (954) 916-1100 to schedule an appointment.