Laser Treatments . Laser Surgery FAQ Birthmarks, Blemishes, Tattoos Arthroscopic Laser Skin Resurfacing Photodynamic Therapy Ophthalmology Mobile Laser Services Related Links     .

What is a laser?

The word laser stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is an intense beam of light of one single wavelength and color with a high amount of energy.

What does it do?

First, it can cut, creating an incision like a scalpel. Secondly, the laser can be used to vaporize tissue and tumors. Finally, the laser can coagulate or seam small blood vessels as it cuts to reduce blood loss.

What are the advantages
of using lasers in surgery?

• It can be focused to the size of the head of a pin, even to a few cells.
• The tissue can, but does not have to be touched.
• It can be used with fiber optics to reach inaccessible places, often without incisions. 
• It causes coagulation to reduce blood loss.
• It can be focused through body fluids.

See before & after photos.

What happens during the procedure?

If you're having laser surgery, your doctor may first inject medication to numb the area of surgery. You will be given a special pair of goggles to wear during the surgery. You will hear the sound of the laser machine and may smell an unusual odor. Your blood pressure will be monitored and a nurse will be with you throughout the procedure.

Is recovery quicker from laser surgery?

The laser is extremely precise, and therefore it damages less of the surrounding tissue. This tends to decrease swelling and promote quicker healing.

Is laser surgery less painful?

Although pain is very subjective, laser surgery tends to be less painful in most cases than conventional surgery.

What conventional surgical procedures
are being performed with a laser?

Lasers have vast applications. They are used in gynecology, orthopedics, urology, neurology, ophthalmology, ear, nose and throat, skin resurfacing, and the treatment of birthmarks, blemishes and tattoos. Included on this Web site is information for specific procedures such as treatment for an enlarged prostate, treatment for snoring, or arthroscopic procedures like knee surgery. Laser energy even makes hair removal simple.

How do I find out if
laser surgery is right for me?

We suggest you discuss the possibility of laser surgery with your personal physician first. The procedures explained on this Web site will give you and your physician more information about our services. Laser trained and credentialed physicians are listed with each procedure.

How much does the procedure cost?

Cost will vary depending on the type of procedure and the extent of the treatment. Physician fees also vary. As a patient you can set up a consultation with one or more physicians. A consultation fee is charged, but many physicians waive their consultation fee if you opt for treatment.

Laser surgeries and procedures that are considered medically justified are usually covered by insurance and pre-authorized before the scheduled procedure. Your physician's office will request insurance information at the time of scheduling. Cosmetic procedures are self-pay unless the condition to be corrected is covered by insurance. An example of a cosmetic procedure covered by insurance is the laser treatment of port wine stains and similar birthmarks.

Cosmetic laser procedures that are self-pay include spider veins, age spots, freckles, tattoos, and benign warts.

Which physicians
perform the procedures?

Physicians who perform laser surgery and other procedures are trained in laser safety and physics and have had hands-on training and credentialing with the individual lasers used for their surgical specialty.

For a list of credentialed physicians refer to the specific procedures explained on this Web site. You may also contact the Laser Center at (218) 733-2333.

The Miller-Dwan Mobile Laser Service provides laser equipment and technical support to regional medical facilities and laser-trained physicians.

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