KTP Laser Treatment
Lasers are increasingly being used in the treatment of skin problems, including wrinkles, broken face and leg veins and also removing the blemishes of the ageing skin.
The KTP laser is one of the group of lasers that acts by selective thermolysis of blood vessels and vascular lesions. The laser generates an intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site through a small handpiece connected to the laser. A cool tip is attached to the handpiece to keep the surface temperature down and so prevent thermal injury to the epidermis. The laser light is absorbed by the red blood cells, causing decomposition and destruction, whilst leaving the epidermal cells intact.
The leg vessels are substantially larger and have thicker walls that the facial vessels, or vascular malformation. Therefore, thermal heat diffusion from absorbed red blood cells requires a longer time to cause effective damage. In addition, leg veins are located deeper in the dermis that facial telangiectasia and protection of the epidermis with the cold tip is essential. The treatment usually needs to be repeated with a gap of 4-6 weeks to obtain optimum results.
The risks of treatment are relatively small and the side effects are predominantly transient. The treatment produces a burning sensation and whilst many small lesions can be treated without anaesthesia, a topical or local anaesthetic block has a place.
Following treatment, a scab may form, which will drop off leaving a lightly pigmented area.
Other possible complications are increased pain, transient blisters or burns, wasting and skin atrophy. However, scarring and pigmentation changes are always possible.
Skin care before treatment:
- Tanned skin is not suitable for laser treatment. You must therefore avoid excessive sun exposure.
- All make up should be thoroughly removed from the treatment area.
- A week before treatment, regularly massage the area to be treated with aloe vera gel.
Skin care after treatment:
- From 1-2 hours, apply the cold pack.
- Continue the aloe vera gel massage.
- Avoid sun exposure.
- Sun protection is essential.
- Avoid strong make-up for 3-4 days.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes over the treated area.
Patients react and respond differently. It is important that this is discussed at the initial consultation. The outcome is not guaranteed. If you have any doubts you should not undergo the treatment.
