Interview with Expert: Professor Li Qin, Director of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at Guangzhou Military General Hospital
Amidst the overwhelming advertising, many beauty seekers are likely already familiar with the term "laser cosmetic treatment"—short treatment times, quick results, and virtually no side effects...In today's efficiency-driven society, the myriad benefits of laser beauty treatments have made them highly sought after. But do you truly understand laser beauty? Today, Public Health Network invites Professor Li Qin, Director of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at Guangzhou Military General Hospital, to comprehensively address four key questions about laser beauty.>>>Li Qin: Winter is Prime Time for Laser Treatments—Post-Procedure Moisturizing and Sun Protection Are Crucial
Li Qin, Director of Plastic Surgery at Guangzhou Military General Hospital and Director of the PLA Laser Plastic Surgery Center.
Question 1: Does laser treatment show results after just one session?
Director Li Qin: "Most lasers require multiple sessions."
"How many laser sessions are needed? It depends on the specific treatment and your individual skin condition."Director Li Qin explains that most laser treatments—including pigmentation removal, redness reduction, scar treatment, hair removal, and skin rejuvenation—require multiple sessions. "Typically, a treatment course consists of 3 to 4 sessions. For some individuals, a second or even third course may be necessary after the initial one, depending on their specific condition."As the saying goes, 'Illness strikes like a mountain collapsing, recovery unfolds like drawing silk.' Recovery is a gradual process, and treatment is also gradual. We must also consider whether applying laser too deeply in one session could cause adverse reactions like scarring or pigmentation issues," Director Li Qin explained.
Question 2: After laser treatment, will my face become very red and thin?
Director Li Qin: "In reality, it should thicken the skin rather than thin it."
Addressing this concern, Director Li Qin clarified, "This is actually a common misconception about laser therapy." Under normal circumstances, laser treatment does not cause skin thinning. Laser therapy works through photothermal effects, directly targeting the dermis to stimulate collagen regeneration, thereby achieving sustained improvement in skin structure.This stimulation enhances the skin's repair capabilities through subcutaneous collagen while promoting collagen restructuring. The outcome should be thickening, not thinning. If skin thinning occurs, it's primarily due to improper laser selection or incorrect treatment techniques by the practitioner.
"Overall, laser stimulation is entirely safe when performed by an experienced physician at a qualified hospital or cosmetic facility who accurately controls treatment parameters.Of course, some individuals may experience temporary redness and swelling immediately after treatment—these are normal reactions. Within hours to days, the redness and swelling subside, and the skin returns to its usual state. Question 3: What distinguishes lasers from other treatments like photorejuvenation or IPL? Director Li Qin: "Photorejuvenation and laser treatments are fundamentally different." "Laser," "photorejuvenation," "IPL"—today's technologies seem to outdo each other in novelty, often exaggerating their advantages. Faced with relentless marketing hype, many consumers feel overwhelmed."Laser," "photorejuvenation," "super-combination light therapy"... Today's technologies seem to outdo each other in novelty, often exaggerating their advantages. Many consumers feel overwhelmed by the barrage of marketing hype. Director Li Qin explains that whether it's called IPL or photorejuvenation, the formal name is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which essentially means the same thing."There's also a new term called OPT, which is essentially the next-generation IPL. These seemingly advanced technologies are fundamentally upgraded and evolved versions of traditional photorejuvenation techniques and skin-rejuvenating devices."
"Lasers, however, are monochromatic light sources capable of producing high energy, precise focusing, and a certain degree of penetration. They act on human tissue to generate localized high heat, thereby achieving the goal of removing or destroying target tissue;Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), however, is a multi-wavelength light. Unlike the single wavelength of lasers, each has its specific applications. Lasers primarily treat pigmentary skin conditions such as Nevus of Ota, café-au-lait spots, and post-eyebrow tattoo pigmentation removal. IPL is most commonly used to address skin imperfections and aging caused by aging and UV exposure. We can collectively refer to both as laser and phototherapy devices."
Question 4: Are lasers completely free of side effects and suitable for any application?
Director Li Qin: "Both a reputable institution and a professional physician are indispensable."
While laser aesthetics offer excellent results, misleading marketing often leads some individuals to mistakenly believe lasers can cure all conditions with no drawbacks whatsoever, resulting in regrettable outcomes.Director Li Qin emphasizes that laser treatment inherently involves skin stimulation, and individual responses vary significantly. Therefore, misuse is unacceptable, and laser therapy is not suitable for everyone. Thorough pre-treatment communication is essential.
"Thorough communication is crucial. What specific concerns do you wish to address? What outcomes can the doctor realistically achieve? These must be clarified before treatment. Additionally, observe whether the doctor is truthful. If they make extravagant claims, promising everything is perfect, you should be skeptical. Modern medicine has advanced significantly, resolving many issues, but numerous challenges remain unresolved. Overpromising is simply unrealistic."Therefore, Director Li Qin emphasizes that patients seeking cosmetic enhancement must choose reputable plastic surgery institutions and professional surgeons. Laser cosmetic procedures fall under the medical category and can only be performed in licensed medical facilities. Do not casually trust false advertisements from beauty salons or small private institutions. Non-medical establishments lack both the technical expertise and appropriate environment, and can only perform non-medical treatments like facial care for women.Claims like "eliminate melasma in ten days" are fundamentally impossible. "It is crucial to evaluate, research, and communicate thoroughly."
Expert Profile:
Li Qin, Chief Physician, Professor, Doctor of Medicine, Doctoral Supervisor, Master's Supervisor.Graduated from the Military Medical Department of the Third Military Medical University. Currently serves as Director of Plastic Surgery at Guangzhou Military Region General Hospital and Director of the PLA Laser Plastic Surgery Center. With over 20 years of experience in plastic and aesthetic surgery, possesses extensive clinical expertise and comprehensive specialized skills.
Specialties:
1. Facial Aesthetic Surgery: Long-term dedication to clinical research in facial aesthetic procedures, particularly accumulating rich experience in comprehensive nasal aesthetic surgery and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation.
2. Sequential Treatment of Hemangiomas and Vascular Malformations: Hemangiomas and vascular malformations in the maxillofacial region are common clinical conditions in this field. In 1996, he pioneered the application of modern laser technology in China and introduced photodynamic therapy for treating hemangiomas and vascular malformations in South China, earning him high recognition within the industry.