 For
specific and detailed Frequently
Asked Questions, you may visit Laserscope.
What is a Laser?
The acronym LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of
Radiation. A laser is a device that produces a beam of monochromatic light in which all the waves are in phase or are coherent.
All lasers contain four primary components:
- Active Medium: The active medium may be solid crystals such as Ruby or
Nd:YAG, liquid dyes, gases like CO-2 or Helium/Neon, or semiconductors such as
GaAs. Active mediums contain atoms whose electrons may be excited to an elevated energy level by an external energy source.
- Excitation Mechanism: Excitation mechanisms pump energy into the active medium by one or more of three basic methods; optical, electrical or chemical.
- High Reflectance Mirror: A mirror which reflects essentially 100% of the laser light.
- Mirror Allowing Partial Transmission: A mirror which reflects less than 100% of the laser light and transmits the remainder.
A simpler definition is that a laser is a device that amplifies light. A laser produces a thin, intense beam of light, which is highly directional (coherent). The light from a laser consists of one, or at the most a few wavelengths (monochromatic), as opposed to light from other sources. Lasers exist, that work in different wavelengths, within the Ultraviolet, Visible as well as Infrared light spectra. Lasers that work with Ultraviolet or Infrared light produce beams that are invisible to the human eye.
 Medical lasers have been used for dermatology applications such as removal of port wine stains, dark spots, tattoos, acne scars and other blemishes for over a decade. Lasers are used for a growing number of cosmetic procedures including hair removal, treatment of wrinkles, and tooth whitening. For risk information on the specific laser treatment that you are considering, ask your physician or operator for the patient labeling for the laser device.
Laser
Radiation Safety
All laser devices distributed for both human and animal treatment in the U.S. are subject to Mandatory Performance Standards. They must meet the Federal laser product performance standard and must submit an "initial report" to CDRH's Office of Compliance prior to distributing the product (see 21 CFR 1000-1040.11). This performance standard specifies the safety
 features and labeling that all laser products must have in order to provide adequate safety to users and patients. A laser product manufacturer must certify that each model complies with the standard before introducing the laser into U.S. commerce. This includes distribution for use during clinical investigations prior to device approval.
LASER HAIR
REMOVAL
The popularity of laser hair removal has increasingly grown, prompting many laser manufacturers to conduct research and seek FDA clearance for their lasers for this indication. The market is growing so quickly that FDA cannot maintain an up-to-date list of all laser manufacturers whose devices have been cleared for hair removal, as this list continues to change. To learn if a specific manufacturer has received FDA clearance, you can check
FDA's Website under the 510(k) database. You will need to know the manufacturer or device name of the laser.
Lasers cleared for body hair removal are also cleared for facial hair removal.
ENHANCED SKIN
REJUVENATION
STARPULSE
AESTHETIC LASER TREATMENT
LASER REMOVAL
OF LEG VEINS
To determine
if any treatment is right for you, please call us to schedule a
consultation.
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