Treating seborrhoeic keratosis in Adelaide
The Erbium:YAG laser is a high powered energy beam that removes (shaves) the top layer of skin to a precise depth. When the energy of the laser beam reaches a threshold, the water component of the skin evaporates suddenly, removing any solid component of the skin. This effect is called Photoblation.
The emission wavelength of the Erbium:YAG laser is 2.94µm which is consistent with the fundamental absorption of water. The main constituent of skin, accounting for some 77% of its total volume, is water. The water thus plays a major role in interaction with laser light.
The Erbium:YAG laser is a high powered energy beam that removes (shaves) the top layer of skin to a precise depth. When the energy of the laser beam reaches a threshold, the water component of the skin evaporates suddenly, removing any solid component of the skin. This effect is called PHOTOABLATION.
Due to the short duration of the laser pulse and the thermal conductivity properties of the skin, there is no appreciable heating of the surrounding area. This results in a very thin coagulation zone directly adjacent to the laser beam. There is usually no bleeding or minimal bleeding so the exact depth of the photoablation can be visualised.
Superficial, raised lesions of the skin such as seborrhoeic keratoses, solar keratoses and skin tags. Moles can not be treated as the base of the mole is too deep in the skin.
A photograph is taken prior to treatment.
Then once lying down or seated, protective eye wear will be applied.
The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. At your first consultation the doctor will advise you whether any analgesia is required. Patients are usually advised to take two paracetamol one hour prior to treatment. Often, a topical anaesthetic cream, EMLA, will be applied prior to treatment if a large area is to be treated.
Immediately following treatment with the laser, ice will be applied to relieve any discomfort and to help minimise swelling that may follow treatment.
Following treatment with the laser, the skin will appear slightly red, swollen and may ooze a clear fluid (serum). On larger lesions, a dressing (hypafix tape) may be applied. Usually on smaller lesions, no dressing is required.
The lasered area will form a scab within 24-48 hours and usually takes two weeks to heal. After the scab comes off, the new skin will be pink and may take 6-8 weeks to return to normal skin colour. Sun avoidance is necessary (or sunblock if sun exposed) until skin is “back to normal”, which may take 1-2 months.
You will be given an instruction sheet after treatment to tell you how to care for your lasered area.
