Laser surgery

Definition

Laser surgery is a medical procedure that uses laser light to remove diseased tissues or treat bleeding blood vessels. Laser surgery may also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as removing wrinkles, tattoos, or birthmarks.

Alternative Names

Surgery using a laser

Description

A laser is a light beam that can be precisely focused. It is used to treat tissues by heating the targeted cells until they "burst."

There are several types of lasers, including the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, the YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser, and the pulsed dye laser. Each laser has specific uses. The color of the light beam used is directly related to the type of surgery being performed and the color of the tissue being treated.

Risks

Possible risks of laser surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Incomplete treatment of the problem
• Infection
• Pain
• Scarring
• Skin color changes

Some laser surgery is done when you under general anesthesia. Be sure to discuss the risks with your health care provider.