Laser technology has revolutionised modern medicine, and is frequently used in surgery of all kinds. However, it is also used for cosmetic reasons with increasing popularity. Two of the most common cosmetic laser treatments are tattoo removal and laser hair removal. Here is a bit of information on both.
Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal can be done manually, but it is much safer and more predictable when done using lasers. It works because the laser breaks down the ink which is then absorbed into the body, mimicking the natural fading that time or sun exposure would create. However, it is more complicated than this because all colours have different light absorption spectra, so the tattoo removal laser has to be powerful enough to work on all of them. Yellow and green are particularly challenging colours to remove.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is particularly popular with women, but is equally effective on men. Laser hair removal works by targeting the dark pigments in the hair, which absorbs the light and destroys the hair. For this reason it is most effective on people with light skin and dark, coarse hair. It is less effective on blonde hair, and on dark skin it is more likely that the skin will be damaged too. Laser hair removal has been found to be much faster and less painful than electrolysis, its closest rival.
Side Effects of Lasers
Though the actual treatments using lasers are very different, the side effects are often the same. Because the laser has contact with the skin, it can cause burns and changes in the colour of the skin. However, burning is generally the most serious potential side effect. Some people worry that laser treatment can cause more serious problems such as cancer and infertility, but there is no evidence to link them.