Overview

Laser Therapy is a therapeutic procedure using focused light energy to treat various skin conditions and aesthetic concerns.

Laser therapy is crucial for treating vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, hair removal, skin resurfacing, and scar treatment.

Indications

Vascular Lesions

Port wine stains, hemangiomas

Pigmented Lesions

Birthmarks, freckles

Hair Removal

Permanent hair reduction

Skin Resurfacing

Wrinkles, scars

Tattoo Removal

Tattoo fading

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

Patient refusal
Active infection

Relative Contraindications

Pregnancy
Recent sun exposure
Dark skin types

📋 Equipment Checklist

Check off items as you gather them:

Pre-procedure Preparation

Preparation includes patient assessment, skin type evaluation, informed consent, and understanding laser types and parameters.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Patient Assessment

Evaluate skin type and condition.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Wrong skin type
  • Inadequate assessment

💡 Pro Tip:

Use Fitzpatrick scale.

Step 2: Device Calibration

Calibrate laser device.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Wrong settings
  • Poor calibration

💡 Pro Tip:

Follow manufacturer guidelines.

Step 3: Test Spot

Perform test spot.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Skip test spot
  • Wrong parameters

💡 Pro Tip:

Always do test spot.

Step 4: Treatment Application

Apply laser treatment.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Over-treatment
  • Under-treatment

💡 Pro Tip:

Use appropriate parameters.

Step 5: Post-treatment Care

Provide care instructions.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor instructions
  • Missed complications

💡 Pro Tip:

Give clear instructions.

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Post-procedure Care

Post-procedure care involves sun protection, monitoring for complications, and follow-up for treatment response.

Complications & Management

Complication Incidence Signs Management Prevention
Burns 2-5% Redness, blistering Cooling, dressings Proper settings
Scarring 1-3% Visible scar Time, scar care Proper technique
Hyperpigmentation 5-15% Dark patches Time, bleaching Sun protection
Hypopigmentation 2-8% Light patches Time, camouflage Proper technique

Clinical Pearls

💡

Always assess skin type before treatment.

🎯

Use appropriate laser parameters.

Perform test spot first.

🔍

Document treatment parameters.

📊

Provide sun protection instructions.

🎨

Consider patient expectations.

⚠️

Monitor for complications.