Karen Klickmann(847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730[email protected]
Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]EMBARGOED UNTIL OCTOBER 17, 2001
INNOVATIVE LASER TECHNOLOGY EXPANDS TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DERMATOLOGY
NEW YORK (October 17, 2001) -- The word laser often brings to mind sci-fi movies or the space age technology of the future. However, dermatologists are utilizing lasers today to successfully treat common skin, hair and nail conditions, as well as traumatic skin injuries. Even infants and children can benefit from this new generation of lasers that do not injure the skin's surface, may cause only minimal discomfort during treatment and require little or no downtime.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update 2001, dermatologist Roy G. Geronemus, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York, discussed the latest advances in laser treatments for dermatology.
"With no post treatment downtime, the use of lasers to remove scars, reduce redness and birthmarks, as well as perform cosmetic procedures, can significantly improve the quality of life for many patients," said Dr. Geronemus.
Lasers for Skin Trauma
When traumatic injury occurs to the skin, especially from events like the recent tragedies in New York and Washington DC*, there may be a resulting scar from an abrasion or imbedded foreign materials. Although a scar is a sign of the body's natural healing process, the larger the surface area affected, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar.
"Scars received during trauma are a constant and painful reminder of the event, particularly something of the magnitude of what happened in New York and Washington DC," said Dr. Geronemus. "Scars of these types can have both physical and psychological effects on a person's well being, but dermatologists are using the latest laser therapies to eliminate foreign bodies and fade or remove scars."
The treatment of scars with lasers involves the use of different lasers depending on the characteristics of the scar. Scars with uneven surfaces, such as bumps or ridges, can be smoothed using the Erbium:YAG laser. This laser treatment vaporizes the elevations of the scar and flattens them to produce a smoother surface. Younger individuals who do not have any visible signs of sun damage, such as wrinkles, pigment spots or broken blood vessels, may require treatment only on the scar without treatment of the surrounding skin. Individuals with mature or aging skin may require laser treatment over the scar as well as the surrounding area to create a more even blending with natural pigmentation.
The pulsed dye laser has been demonstrated to minimize the red color and thickness of some scars. Various Q-switched lasers can also lighten the dark color of scars. Some scars will require a combination of both lasers. Other scar treatments may combine laser surgery with plastic surgery and other medical treatments to achieve the best overall results.
Lasers and Birthmarks
Lasers are not only being used for scar removal. Modifications of laser technology are allowing for more effective treatment of birthmarks that affect infants and children. "Birthmarks that were once considered disfiguring and disabling are now easily treated, greatly improving the quality of life for children," said Dr. Geronemus.
There are several types of birthmarks that respond successfully to laser treatment. Hemangiomas are common vascular lesions that enlarge by rapid cell growth and appear within the first few weeks of life. Superficial ("capillary") hemangiomas respond best to pulsed dye laser therapy. Because superficial hemangiomas are usually small in diameter, treatment results are generally quick, within two to four treatments, and simple, with anesthesia seldom required.
Port-wine stains are congenital vascular malformations which occur primarily on the face and neck. The use of the pulsed dye laser to treat port-wine stains can produce remarkable lightening with a low risk of side effects. While multiple laser treatments are needed for significant lightening, clearing also depends on the location of the birthmark on the face and neck. Facial port-wine stains respond best, while neck lesions slightly less well, and those on the trunk and extremities respond the least favorably to laser therapy.
"What's exciting about laser removal of birthmarks is that better results can be achieved in fewer treatment sessions, lessening the anxiety of parents and children affected by large, noticeable birthmarks," said Dr. Geronemus.
Lasers for Hair Removal
Recent improvements in the understanding of laser-skin interactions and advances in laser technology have afforded the development of new cosmetic procedures, including laser hair removal.
One of the most important developments in hair removal is the ability to treat ethnic skin. New longer wavelength lasers, like the diode laser, Nd:YAG laser and intense light and laser therapy, penetrate the skin, targeting the treatment area, without damaging or competing with the additional melanin in ethnic skin.
"The use of laser hair removal to treat ethnic skin benefits those who live with one of the many diseases of the hair follicle that could not previously be treated by laser," stated Dr. Geronemus. "These conditions, including pseudofolliculitis barbae, were often treated with oral or topical antibiotics that did not get to the 'root' of the problem -- the hair follicle and ingrown hairs."
Laser hair removal has also seen a recent surge in popularity among men, who are now taking advantage of laser hair removal with much success. Because lasers enable the treatment of large surface areas in a short time span, many men find laser hair removal an excellent alternative for chest, shoulders and back hair.
"Many men prefer laser hair removal over shaving, waxing or tweezing, especially for hard to reach areas like the ears, nostrils, fingers and toes," said Dr. Geronemus. "The results last longer, without the pain and aggravation of conventional hair removal methods."
As with any medical procedure or treatment, Dr. Geronemus reminds patients to seek out a qualified dermatologist because they have the medical training and skill to treat skin, hair and nail conditions, and perform laser procedures.
"Receiving laser treatment from a dermatologist can minimize complications and ensure proper post-treatment follow-up," said Dr. Geronemus. "Patients should also remember to seek help early if they are concerned about their appearance, have a skin condition that is making them self-conscious or have a mole or lesion that seems to be changing over time."
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) was founded in 1970 to promote excellence in the field of dermatologic surgery and to foster the highest standards of patient care. The Society supports clinical and basic science research grants, provides professional continuing education of its members, and sponsors public education programs related to cosmetic, therapeutic and reconstructive skin surgery. For more information on dermatologic surgery procedures and referrals to board-certified doctors in specific geographic areas, please contact the ASDS Consumer Hotline, 1-800-441-ASDS (2737), during weekday business hours or log on at www.aboutskinsurgery.com
* In order to make the treatment of scars more accessible for those affected by the tragedies in New York and Washington DC, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery has organized the Skin Surgeons Relief Effort. This grassroots service is for victims and rescue workers with skin abrasions, scars, embedded foreign materials, or other skin trauma. Individuals can call a main hotline, 1-800-441-2737, to obtain the names and numbers of participating dermatologic surgeons in their area. All services are performed free of charge.
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