Laser surgery

Definition

Laser surgery uses a laser light source to remove diseased tissues or treat bleeding blood vessels. The laser may also be used for cosmetic purposes, including removal of wrinkles, tattoos, or birthmarks.

Alternative Names

Surgery using laser

Indications

Laser surgery can be used to:

  • Remove tumors (brain, liver)
    • With minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue
    • With minimal scarring
  • Seal small blood vessels to reduce blood loss
  • Seal lymph vessels to reduce swelling and decrease the spread of tumor cells
  • Seal nerve endings to reduce postoperative pain
  • Remove warts, moles, and tattoos
  • Reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles, scars, and other skin blemishes
  • Remove hair

Convalescence

The amount of time it takes to recover from surgery depends on the surgery and on the individual. Based on an evaluation of your health status prior to surgery, your health care provider can give you a good estimate of the recovery time.

Expectations after surgery

Your outcome and recovery period will vary significantly, depending on the condition being treated. Always consult your health care provider about your prognosis and recovery period before surgery.

Risks

As with any type of surgery, laser surgery is not without risks. Possible problems include incomplete treatment of the problem, pain, infection, bleeding, scarring, and skin color changes.

Some laser surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Be sure to discuss the risks of general anesthesia with your anesthesiologist.

Laser therapy
Laser therapy
Lasik eye surgery - series
Lasik eye surgery - series
Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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