LASERS are no longer the stuff of sci-fi movies. In fact, lasers are currently being used for all kinds of purposes.
This includes many health and beauty applications such as restoring vision and removing hair. Below are just 4 popular laser treatments that could be worth looking into.
Laser eye surgery
Currently wear glasses or contact lenses? Lasik eye surgery could be an alternative treatment option. This procedure involves using a laser to reshape the cornea – which could help to restore 20/20 vision.
While the procedure is very expensive, it often has permanent results and could therefore save you a lot of money on glasses or contact lenses in the long run. It can also be very useful if you do sports like swimming in which glasses and contact lenses can often be an inconvenience.
Laser teeth whitening
If you have discoloured teeth, you could consider whitening them by considering laser teeth whitening. This procedure is usually carried out by a dentist – a bleach agent is applied to the teeth and a laser is then shone onto the bleach agent to activate it. At-home kits do exist, but they are typically not as effective.
Laser teeth whitening does not have permanent results. In most cases, effects last six months to a year. It is a costly procedure. However, the effects are much faster than any other teeth whitening method, making it worthwhile for many patients looking for instant results.
Laser hair removal
You can also use lasers to remove unwanted hairs. During this procedure, a laser or an intense pulse light is focused at a hair follicle, destroying it and the hair within. Such procedures are typically carried out by a qualified dermatologist at a beauty or skin clinic. Common areas that are treated include the chest, arms, underarms, legs and bikini line.
Laser hair removal can have permanent results, however typically hair starts to grow back a year or two after. The effects are therefore much more long-lasting than waxing or plucking. It is also less painful than waxing or plucking. The downside of this treatment – like all laser treatments – is that it can be quite expensive.
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing involves directing a laser at the skin in order to destroy the outer layer. This form of treatment is carried out by a dermatologist and can be used to successfully remove small wrinkles, reduce scars, eliminate stretch marks, destroy warts, get rid of unwanted tattoos and even erase birthmarks.
New skin covers the area in one or two weeks and after a month it should be completely healed. After this, the effects are usually permanent. Overall the treatment can be much quicker and more effective than using topical skin products, although it is a lot more expensive.
