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What is a laser?
A laser is a device which generates an intense, finely focused beam of light, known as a beam. This laser beam permits surgery to be performed more safely and conveniently for patients. This laser turns the water in the cells to steam, called vaporization. There is no burning.
Is laser surgery a new technique?
Lasers have been used in surgery for 20 years by eye surgeons and other specialists. Laser surgery to treat foot problems was introduced in the United States in the early 1980’s.
What foot problems are best treated by laser surgery?
The laser beam of light is used in place of the scalpel to remove warts, ingrown nails, infected toenails, and some deep-rooted callouses, among other foot problems.
What are the benefits of laser surgery?
Laser surgery takes advantage of the properties of lasers to remove tissue without many of the undesirable side effects that sometimes result from using a scalpel. The laser light vaporizes the affected tissues almost instantaneously and so precisely that normal surrounding tissue is not affected. The unique property of the laser is that as it vaporizes and destroys affected tissue, it also sterilizes and stops bleeding in the surrounding areas.
The result is much less tissue injury and swelling after surgery, which, in turn, results in less pain and discomfort. There is faster recovery, with better healing for the patient and the chances of infection are decreased. There is also a cosmetic advantage because there is usually no scar formation after laser surgery. With the laser, it is frequently possible to complete treatment in one visit, while with other techniques, many visits or even hospitalization may be required.
Where is laser surgery done?
Laser surgery is performed in our office and/or the local hospitals or surgery centers. The patient is first given a local anesthetic and then the laser light is beamed on the affected area. The entire procedure is completed in a short time and the patient is able to walk out of the office after the procedure. Postoperative discomfort is minimal.
Is the laser like an x-ray?
No. There is no ionizing radiation present in the laser beam so there is no danger of exposure. In fact, lasers are all around us today, not only in medicine. For example, supermarket checkout counters use lasers (of a different type) to read the universal code on packages. Lasers are used for many things from more accurate surveying to drilling holes in baby bottle nipples.
What is in the future for lasers?
Lasers have an important role to play in the future of medical treatment which is why we are so pleased about having one of today’s most advanced carbon dioxide lasers in our office. Because of the many advantages to the patient, lasers are here to assist us in the treatment of many podiatric disorders.
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