The term Laser corresponds to the English acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In practice, it is a technology that produces electromagnetic radiation used for various purposes. In Dermatology, this form of energy reaches a certain “target” in the skin, promoting its physical, chemical or biological modification. The "targets" can be a pigment of the organism itself such as melanin (present in sunspots), the ink of a tattoo or even water, as with fractional lasers that stimulate the production of new collagen through the temperature increase.

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Currently, lasers are widely used in dermatological treatments. Its main indications are:

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Solar melanoses: they are dark, rounded spots, usually located in areas exposed to the sun (hands, forearms, face and neck) that can be treated with Intense Pulsed Light or with a variety of ablative (cause small lesions on the skin) or non-ablative lasers. ;

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Melasma: are dark spots, usually on the face, more frequent in women and related to genetic, hormonal (pregnancy and use of contraceptives, for example) and environmental factors (unprotected sun exposure). In these cases, only certain types of lasers can be used in order to control the problem. Melasma has a recurrent evolution and treatment must be continuous, always associated with the regular use of whitening creams and sunscreen;

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Tattoo Pigments: Regret after getting a tattoo is very common. Pigments used as permanent makeup with undesirable aesthetic results can also be removed. Dark colors (black and blue, for example) are removed more easily than light colors (yellow, for example);

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Hair: although dark and thick hairs are the ones that best respond to treatment, currently the wide variety of technologies available allows the treatment of all types of hair (except white) on all types of skin (including black). Although there are differences between them, both lasers and intense pulsed light can offer satisfactory results;

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Vascular Injuries: Small veins on the face, neck, and legs can be effectively treated with lasers or intense pulsed light. In addition to these smaller lesions, larger ones such as hemangiomas and “port wine” stains can also be treated with these technologies;

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Rejuvenation: intense pulsed light, ablative lasers (fractional CO2 laser, for example) and non-ablative, Infrared, radiofrequency and other technologies can be used to improve wrinkles and sagging skin on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs. These technologies can also be combined so that better results are obtained;

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Stretch marks: both “red” and “white” streaks can be improved with the use of lasers, especially ablative and non-ablative fractional ones. Old, large, “white” lesions are the most difficult to treat;

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Cellulite and body sagging: devices that combine radiofrequency, infrared, ultrasound, acoustic waves and other technologies can be used to combat sagging skin on the body and improve the appearance of cellulite. In this case, adequate nutrition and regular physical activity are essential to obtain and maintain satisfactory results;

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Localized fat: ultrasound, radiofrequency, cooling (known as cryolipolysis) and the use of invasive lasers (known as laserlipolysis) can be used to reduce localized fat tissue in the body (abdomen and flanks, for example) and other regions such as the double chin In body treatments, healthy lifestyle habits are also fundamental;

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Hair: the use of low energy lasers and LEDs are effective to complement the treatment of some hair problems. This is because they reduce oiliness and inflammation, fight fungi and bacteria and stimulate hair growth;

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Intimate aesthetics and other genital treatments in women: currently, some types of lasers (fractionated CO2, for example) can be used for the intimate rejuvenation of the female genitalia, and for the treatment of some functional alterations that appear during menopause, such as incontinence. urinary.

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Today, the use of lasers and other related technologies is critical for many dermatological treatments. Scientifically proven techniques, devices approved by Anvisa and the training of the professional who will perform them are important points that must be evaluated when we wish to undergo them.

Always look for a dermatologist specialist by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.