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Laser Treatment of Birthmarks,
Skin Blemishes, and Tattoos
What types of skin discoloration
are treatable using a laser?
Laser-assisted treatments are making a
tremendous mark in the medical industry. One of the newest applications is to the skin, and the following
conditions are safely and effectively treatable through lasers:
- Vascular lesions.
These blemishes, including birthmarks, port wine
stains, rosacea, and spider veins are a result of abnormal blood
vessels.
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- Benign pigmented lesions.
These are caused by a concentration of natural
pigmentation, as in freckles, age spots, and sun spots.
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- Tattoos.
If you've had a change of heart, these
can be effectively treated with a reduced risk of scarring.
How does the laser
remove skin discolorations?
For a vascular lesion the laser light's heat will seal and shrink the
precise blood vessels of the blemish. Over time, the body's natural
processes will heal the area with fewer
vessels and a more normal color. In cases of large or very dark blemishes, complete
removal may not be achieved.
The removal of pigmented lesions and tattoos is slightly different. Short,
concentrated beams of light penetrate the skin's surface and are absorbed by
deeper cells containing the natural pigment or tattoo ink. These cells will
rupture and release the pigment or ink which is then removed by the body.
It should be noted that not all ink colors in a tattoo respond the same to
the laser treatment. Darker colors have the best results, but lighter
colors seem to respond poorly.
What can be expected
with laser treatment?
The use of lasers on the skin is safe and comfortable, however, a local
anesthetic is often given to ensure the patient is comfortable. Treatment
tends to be more painful when applied to vascular and larger lesions.
There are a few side effects that occur with laser treatment, and vary by
patient. It will leave a discoloration of the area treated, a darkening or
lightening depending on the type of blemish, but it is only temporary.
Although reduced, a risk of scarring is always possible, and there may be
temporary blistering or crusting as the skin heals itself.
Please consult your physician for a full discussion of any side effects that
may concern you.
Further information
and credentialed physicians
The following will help answer frequent questions regarding procedure costs,
insurance coverage, and contacting a physician.
Cost varies with the type of procedure being performed and the extent of
treatment. The physician will share pricing information during a
consultation. If you wish to compare costs between individual physicians,
you will need to make appointments with each of them. A small consultation
fee is charged, however, in some circumstances, the physician
performing the procedure may eliminate this fee.
Only the physician can tell you if your condition will be covered by your
health insurance. He or she will also have the necessary information
regarding self-pay for cosmetic procedures. The Miller-Dwan Laser Center
accepts payment using a major credit card, cashier's check or personal check
if sent at least a week in advance of your procedure.
To make an appointment you can contact the following physicians who perform
cosmetic laser surgery at Miller-Dwan Laser Center or one of our Mobile
Laser Services sites. If you need further assistance, please contact the
Laser Center at (218) 733-2333.
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Dr. Frank Wolf
Medical Arts Building, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
(218) 727-7407
Dr. Dean Weber
Dr. Andrew Baertsch
Northland Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
(218) 724-7363
Dr. William Portilla
Duluth Clinic Ear, Nose and Throat, Head and Neck Surgery
(218) 722-8364
Dr. Joel Bamford
Dr. Michael Bayer
Dr. Robert Lund Jr.
Duluth Clinic Dermatology
(218) 722-8364, ext. 4545
Dr. Edgar Saldana
Pavilion Center, Duluth
(218) 279-7979
Dr. Heidi Cole
Northfield, MN
(507) 263-2663
Dr. Christine Markus
St. Croix Dermatology
Lake Elmo, MN
(651) 275-0500
Dr. Kurtis A. Waters
Dr. Paul Lundstrom
Brainerd Medical Center
Brainerd, MN
(218) 828-7100
Dr. Katherine Parkinson
Rice Lake, WI
(715) 236-8100
Dr. Michelle Cihla
Rhinelander, WI
(715) 369-7882
Dr. David Flach
Fargo, ND
(800) 473-4010
Dr.
Jamie Davis
Albert Lea Medical Center
Albert Lea, MN
(507) 377-4760
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical
advice. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.
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