Diolite Laser
How does the laser work?
A laser generates an intense beam of light lasting a fraction of a second. This laser generates green light with a wavelength of 532 nm. This short wavelength is extremely well absorbed by both oxyhaemoglobin (in bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin (black or brown pigment found in the skin). Absorption of the light heats up the targeted red bloods or melanin causing destruction of the blood vessels and pigmented lesions while leaving healthy cells intact.The short wavelength does not penetrate deeply into the skin and this laser is therefore used for the treatment of superficial skin lesions.
What conditions are treated with the laser?
Vascular Lesions
Telangiectasia - facial spider veins caused by a dilation of capillary vessels or arterioles.
Cherry Angiomas - slightly raised, red lesions common on the body as we get older.
Spider Naevi - slightly raised, red spider-like lesions.
Pigmented Lesions
- Lentigines - Flat, brown patches on the skin present at sites of frequent sun exposure such as the face and backs of hands.
- Seborrheic Keratoses - slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands.
- Freckles - a brownish spot on the skin common on people with fair skin.
- Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra - small, black marks seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent.
What should a patient expect during and after treatment?
Treatment may vary, depending upon patient characteristics and the area being treated. You will be asked to wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light. You will be placed in a reclined position, depending on the location of treatment. A pencil thin handpiece is used to direct a beam of laser light to the lesion. Patients report feeling a stinging sensation during the treatment. In most cases, anaesthesia is not required. For larger areas anaesthetic creams are used. The treatment is easily tolerated my most patients. |
Treatment is usually followed by some redness which usually goes away in 2-4 hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and may last 1-2 days. There will not be any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin. One of the advantages of this laser over other laser and intense pulsed light treatments for vascular lesions is the rapid recovery and lack of bruising after treatment.
Postoperative care is minimal. We ask you to use Vaseline (white soft paraffin), a simple moisturising cream or sometimes an anti-bacterial ointment on the treated area for a short period of time and will suggest that you stay out of the sun during the healing process.
Final treatment results should be evident within 10-14 days after treatment for vascular lesions and within 2-3 weeks after treatment for pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal daily activities can be resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area.
Are laser treatments safe?
Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for a wide range of treatments since the early 1960s by many specialties. In the hands of a trained healthcare professional, the use of a laser is safe and effective.