Whenever we hear trhe word laser we often think it as a dangerous procedure;but here i bring you few facts and braknig the myth about laser treatment.LASER(Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Raditation) is more of physics than medicine.The principle of LASER is when an excited electron which is shifted from stationary orbit to the next energy orbit and when it is hit by a photon the excited electron comes back from the excited state to the stationary orbit by releasing two photons of equal energy.This process repeats to achieve a population inversion(most of the electrons releasing energy in the form of photons in the lasing media) and finally a beam of laser light is emitted.

Main properties of LASER: 1.Monochromatic( single wavelength)

                                                2.Coherent(light beam parallel to each other)

                                                3.Collimated

Leon Goldmann is the father of LASER in medicine.

The main cosmetical indication most of the people come for is acne scars and hair reduction.

There are other indications as well such as nevi,tattoo removal,pigmented disorders,stretch marks,freckles and many more.

Many types of LASER exists such as Nd-YAG,CO2,pulsed dye laser,Argon laser,ruby laser,erbium laser,etc.,

Depending on the indication different type of LASERs are used 

1.Hair removal:Ruby laser,Alexandrite,Diode,Nd-YAG laser

2.Tattoo removal:Nd-YAG Ruby,Alexandrite laser

3.Acne scars:Nd-YAG laser,CO2 laser,Er-YAG laser.

Few contraindications for LASER treatment are:

patients less than 15years,presence of photo-aggravated skin diseases(eg.,SLE),treatment area having active infection or wounds,patients with keloids and keloidal tendencies,psoriasis and vitiligo patients and finally patients with unrealistic expectations.

As LASER treament is not an instant noodles and is a long process treatment one must be patient and not expect a picture perfect results.There are many steps to be followed before starting the LASER treatment and also after getting done the treatment such as complete history to be taken ,proper examination has to be carried out ,consent to be taken and test patch to be done before the treating the affected area.

And as a dermatologist i would kindly recommend everybody out there to meet a dermatologist and not just blindly follow all the so called home remedies for the same.Because everybody's skin is different and response to the treatment varies largely.Thus LASER treatment is safe if shown to a trustworthy and skilful certified Dermatologists.