Frequently Asked Questions

TheLaserPages.com FAQ's

Here you will find the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding, laser surgery, laser therapy, cosmetic laser treatments, laser technology, and laser terminology.

GENERAL LASER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: Who Invented The Laser?

The invention of the laser, which stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation", can be dated to 1958 with the publication of the scientific paper, Infrared and Optical Masers, by Arthur L. Schawlow, then a Bell Labs researcher, and Charles H. Townes, a consultant to Bell Labs. That paper, published in Physical Review, the journal of the American Physical Society, launched a new scientific field and opened the door to a multibillion-dollar industry. source: http://www.bell-labs.com/history/laser/

LASIK VISION CORRECTION OR LASER EYE SURGERY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What type(s) of Lasers are Used for LASIK or Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser Systems Approved By The FDA for LASIK surgery Since 2006

VISX STAR S4 IR EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

STAT S4 IR EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE SPOT SCANNING (VSS) AND WAVESCAN WAVEFRONT SYSTEM

STAT S4 IR EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE SPOT SCANNING (VSS) AND WAVESCAN WAVEFRONT SYSTEM

MEL 80 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

BAUSCH& LOMB TECHNOLAS 217Z ZYOPTIX SYSTEM

STAR S4 IR EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE SPOT SCANNING (VSS) WAVESCAN WAVEFRONT SYSTEM

STAR S4 IR EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE SPOT SCANNING (VSS)

STAR S4 IR EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM & WAVESCAN SYSTEM

WAVELIGHT ALLEGRETTO WAVE EYE-Q EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

NIDEK EC-5000 EXCIMER LASER

VISX STAR S4 IR EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM AND WAVESCAN SYSTEM

LADARVISION 4000 AND LADAR6000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEMS AND THE CUSTOMCORNEA SURGERY PLANNING SOFTWARE

NIDEK EC-5000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

WAVELIGHT ALLEGRETTO WAVE EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

LADARVISION 4000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM AND THE LADAR 6000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

ALLEGRETTO WAVE EYE-Q LASER SYSTEM

ALLEGRETTO WAVE EYE-Q EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

VISX STAR S4 IR EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE SPOT SCANNING (VSS) AND WAVESCAN WAVEFRONT SYSTEM

LADARVISION 4000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM AND THE LADAR 6000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

LADAR 6000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

LADARVISION 4000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

LADAR 6000 EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

WAVELIGHT ALLEGRETTO WAVE EXCIMER LASER SYSTEM

BAUSCH & LOMB TECHNOLAS 217Z ZYOPTIX SYSTEM FOR PERSONALIZED VISION CORRECTION

Q: What is LASIK?

LASIK, or laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a quick and relatively painless procedure where a surgeon creates a small flap in the outer layers of the eye's cornea. The surgeon then uses a laser to precisely remove a small amount of the tissue beneath the corneal flap. The flap is then replaced and the eye heals quickly. When done using the latest laser technology and by an experienced surgeon, the entire procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes.

Q: Can LASIK Give Me 20/20 or Better Vision Again?

Yes 20/20 vision or better is a reality with today's vision correction laser technology. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that nine out of 10 patients achieve 20/20 vision, but 20/20 does not always mean perfect vision. Detailed, precise vision may be slightly diminished. Several factors such as overall eye health, thickness of the cornea and corneal topograpy have to be carefully considered. LASIK is now the optimum vision correction solution for many more people than a few years ago due to advances in laser technology.

Q: Is LASIK Vision Correction Safe?

Yes. LASIK is probably the best known of today's vision correction procedures, and is now the most widely performed surgery of any kind in the U.S. Of course any medical procedure has risks and below is a list of possible complications and side effects of LASIK surgery.

LASIK Complications can include:

over- or under-correction. These problems often can be improved with glasses, contact lenses and retreatments.
corneal infection.
a decrease in contrast sensitivity, “crispness,” or sharpness. That means that even though you may have 20/20 vision, objects may appear fuzzy or grayish. This is referred to as “Lasik 20/20 or 20/40.”
flap problems, including: irregular or incomplete flaps, ingrowth of cells under the flap that may need to be surgically removed, and irregular healing that results in a distorted cornea, which can only be corrected with a corneal transplant.
“loss of best corrected visual acuity”– that is, you would not be able to see as well after surgery, even with glasses or contacts, as you did with glasses or contacts before surgery.

The following LASIK side effects are possible, but usually disappear over time. In rare situations, they may be permanent.

discomfort or pain
hazy or blurry vision
scratchiness
dry eye
glare
haloes or starbursts around lights, and problems with night driving that may require glasses
light sensitivity
small pink or red patches on the white of the eye

Q: How Long Does a Typical LASIK Vision Correction Procedure Take?

With the newer LASIK technology, the actual laser vision correction takes about 8 seconds per eye. From the time you lay down, till the time you get up from the surgery, takes about 15 minutes in most cases.

Q: How Much Does LASIK Vision Correction Cost?

An experienced surgeon, using the latest laser vision correction equipment will charge $1,800 -2,400 per eye for LASIK.

Q: What is the difference between PRK & LASIK?

Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK is a refractive surgery used to reshape the cornea. PRK was the first laser surgical procedure developed to reshape the cornea for vision correction. LASIK was developed later. The same type of laser is used for LASIK and PRK. The major difference between the two surgeries is the way that the stroma, or middle layer of the cornea, is exposed before it is vaporized with the laser. With PRK, the top layer of the cornea, or epithelium, is manually scraped away to expose the underlying stromal layer. In LASIK, a flap is cut in the stromal layer and the flap is folded back before the laser is used to reshape the stromal layer of the cornea.

Q: Can LASIK Vision Correction Work Even If I Have Astigmatism?

Yes, in most cases LASIK can correct your vision even if you have Astigmatism. Make an appointment with your LASIK physician for a complete examination and consultation to see if LASIK vision correction is your best option for vision correction.

Q: Can I Have LASIK If I Have Had It Before?

Yes. This is often referred to as an "enhancement".

Q: What is Radial Keratotomy & Laser Radial Keratotomy?

Radial Keratotomy or RK is a refractive surgical procedure to correct myopia or near sightedness. Laser Radial Keratotomy is the same procedure but performed with the aid of a laser.

Q: What If I Have Had Laser Radial Keratotomy or Radial Keratotomy, Can I Still Have LASIK?

In most cases yes. Set up a free consultation and exam with a qualified lasik surgeon to see what will be your best vision correction solution.

Q: What is LASEK?

A newer laser vision correction procedure is becoming available that varies from traditional LASIK called LASEK. LASEK vision correction uses a trephine to create an epithelial flap rather than a deeper stromal flap as with LASIK. An alcohol solution is used to preserve the cells in the epithelial flap once it is created and lifted. The laser vision correction then proceeds like traditional PRK before the epithelial flap is repositioned. LASEK preserves more of the corneal tissue than LASIK and PRK and may provide a safe alternative for patients with thin corneas.

Q: How Do I Know If I Am A Good Candidate For LASIK Surgery?

The only way to really know is to get a complete examination from a qualified lASIK surgeon.

Q: What Is The Recovery Time From LASIK Surgery?

Generally within 24-72 hours you can return to normal activity following lasik vision correction surgery.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: How Long Has Laser Hair Removal been Around?

Q: What Type of Laser is Used for Laser Hair Removal?

Q: How Many Treatments are Generally Necessary with Laser Hair Removal?

Q: How Long Should I Wait Between Laser Hair Removal Treatments?

Q: Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Q: Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

Q: Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

LASER SKIN RESURFACING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What Type of Laser is Used for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Q: Does Laser Skin Resurfacing remove wrinkles?

Q: Does Laser Skin Resurfacing remove skin imperfections?

Q: Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Painful?

Q: What Is The Recover Time Following Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Q: How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

Q: What Types of Skin Care are Possible With Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Q: How Often Can I Get Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Q: What Should I Do Following My Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What Type of Laser is Used for Laser Tattoo Removal?

Q: How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Are Necessary to Remove Most Tattoos?

Q: Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?

Q: Will Laser Tattoo Removal Leave A Scar?

Q: How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Q: Does The Laser User for Laser Tattoo Removal Work Well On All Colors?

Q: How Long Should I Wait Between Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments?

LASER VAGINAL REJUVENATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What Type of Laser is Used for Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Q: How Long Does A Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery Last?

Q: What Is The Average Recover Time Follow Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgery?

Q: Can Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Really Tighten My Vagina?

Q: What is Labioplasty?

Q: What is Designer Laser Vaginoplasty or DLV?

Q: Can Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Increase My Sexual Pleasure?

Q: Who Should Have Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation?

COLD LASER THERAPY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What Type of Laser is Used for Cold Laser Therapy?

Q: How Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Relieve Pain?

Q: How Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Speed Healing?

Q: Is Cold Laser Therapy Referred To By Any Other Names?

Q: Can Cold Laser Therapy Help Me Stop Smoking?

Q: Can Cold Laser Therapy Help Me Lose Weight?

LASER TEETH WHITENING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What type of Laser is Used for Laser Teeth Whitening?

Q: What Are The Benefits Of Laser Teeth Whitening vs. Traditional Teeth Whitening?

Q: Is Laser Teeth Whitening Safe?

LASER DENTISTRY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What type of Lasers are Used for Laser Dentistry?

Q: What Types Of Laser Procedures Are Used By Dentists?

Q: What Are The Benefits of Laser Dentisty?

LASER LIPOSUCTION & LASER BODY SCULPTING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What type of Lasers are Used for Laser Liposuction or Laser Body Sculpting?

Q: What Is The Difference Between Laser Liposuction and Laser Body Sculpting?

Q: Is Laser Liposuction Safe?

Q: Is Laser Liposuction Painful?

Q: What Is The Recovery Time From Laser Liposuction?

Q: How Do I Know If I Am A Good Candidate For Laser Liposuction?

LASER HAIR RESTORATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What type of Laser is Used for Laser Hair Restoration?

Q: Can Laser Hair Restoration Really Help Re-Grow Hair?

Q: How Does Laser Hair Restoration Work?

Q: Are There Any Risks with Laser Hair Restoration?

VETERINARY LASER SURGERY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: What type of Laser is Used for Veterinary Laser Surgery?

The most commonly used veterinary surgical laser is a CO2 laser which produces an invisible beam of light that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissue. A laser is a much more precise way or removing tissue as it can be done one thin layer at a time and leave the surrounding tissue unaffected.

Q: What Types of Surgery are performed by Veterinarians?

Many types of surgeries are performed on pets today using a laser. The most common laser procedures are for the removal of cysts, tumors, wars, and infected, damaged, or dead skin. Many internal laser surgeries are also possible using a C02 surgical laser.

Q: What Types of Animals Are Good Candidates For Laser Surgery?

Laser surgery is ideal for a wide array of animals including dogs, cats, birds and many other pets. Ask your Veterinarian if laser surgery is right for your pet.

Q: What Are The Benefits Of Laser Surgery For My Pet?
The most significant benefits of laser surgery for your pet are:

Less Pain, Less Bleeding, Less Swelling, More Precision, Less Risk of Infection, and Quicker Recovery Time.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on The Laser Pages, including cosmetic laser surgery, laser surgery articles, laser hair removal, LASIK, and any other cosmetic or surgical laser procedure is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for sound medical advice from a qualified laser physician, laser surgeon, or certified laser operator.