The public harbors misconceptions about laser treatments. To address these, Huang Lvping, Director of the Laser Cosmetic Center at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, recently granted an exclusive interview to clarify common misunderstandings. Misconception 1: Lasers emit radiation, so protective gear is required. Some patients visiting laser centers express surprise: Why don't doctors wear protective suits? Isn't laser radiation supposed to be hazardous? Shouldn't special protective clothing be worn in laser treatment rooms?
Huang Lvping: The wavelengths used in laser centers fall under surgical lasers, which emit no radiation. The laser equipment used for treatments is high-energy, so patients must wear specialized glasses with specific wavelengths and optical densities during treatment. These glasses are designed to protect the eyes from specific wavelengths.
Misconception 2: Laser treatment for birthmarks works regardless of size
Some cosmetic clinics claim: "Laser birthmark removal has a 100% success rate. It doesn't damage normal skin—safe, efficient, and scar-free." Consumers believe this, go in excited, and leave disappointed.
Huang Liping: Birthmarks vary greatly, and treatment outcomes depend on the patient's age, birthmark location, and size. Additionally, most birthmarks require multiple sessions.
Huang: Cafe au lait spots generally respond well to treatment, with about 70% of cases showing good results. Typically, 1-3 sessions are needed, though stubborn cases may require more.Overall, café-au-lait spot treatment offers high hope, with particularly high cure rates for small patches.
Hei: Nevus of Ota (Tätowierung) varies in severity. Lighter cases may resolve in four sessions, while more severe ones may require over ten treatments. The number of sessions closely correlates with the birthmark's pigmentation.
Red: Port-Wine Stain (Hemangioma) Port-wine stains, commonly known as vascular birthmarks, can be significantly lightened through laser treatment. While results aren't as dramatic as with Nevus of Ota, the color typically fades by more than half, with some cases achieving 80%-90% reduction.
Misconception 3: Laser Tattoo Removal—Effortless and Scar-Free
Misled by exaggerated claims from some cosmetic clinics, many believe: "Laser tattoo removal can completely erase tattoos effortlessly without leaving scars."
Huang Liping: In reality, once a tattoo is in place, it cannot be removed simply because one desires it. For lighter-colored tattoos, some changes may be visible after treatment, but full results typically take a year and a half to manifest—and that's under ideal conditions. Colorful tattoos fare worse and often leave scars. Before removal, check if the tattoo is flat. Some are raised like relief sculptures; if it feels smooth to the touch, the outcome is likely to be better.Eyeliner and eyebrow tattoos fall under this category and generally respond well to removal. Similarly, tattoos caused by foreign matter trapped from injuries often clear up effectively after treatment.
Misconception 4: Laser freckle removal causes recurrence
Laser freckle removal does not lead to recurrence. The appearance of pigmented spots after laser treatment indicates treatment failure.
Huang Liping: Freckles are a common concern, but laser treatment isn't 100% effective. After 2-3 sessions, 50%-90% of freckles can be removed. If they reappear, it doesn't necessarily mean the treatment failed, as laser freckle removal isn't a permanent solution. Post-treatment care is crucial. To prevent "recurrence," proper skincare is essential after the procedure.First, prioritize sun protection. Second, schedule regular maintenance treatments. Individuals who have undergone freckle removal should return for maintenance once a year, with the frequency adjusted based on individual constitution and treatment outcomes.
Misconception 5: Laser hair removal is available at beauty salons
"Laser hair removal is incredibly simple—just visit any beauty salon for a quick, affordable solution." This misconception is widespread, yet choosing a beauty salon for hair removal carries risks.Huang Lvping: Hair removal is relatively safe, but only when performed at a legitimate medical institution. Why is it inadvisable to choose beauty salons? The effectiveness of hair removal depends on three factors: the equipment, the practitioner, and the patient's specific condition. Since hair removal equipment ranges from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, subpar equipment poses greater risks.For instance, high-quality machines feature self-diagnostic processes to verify sufficient and stable light energy output, whereas inferior equipment lacks such functionality. Secondly, practitioners at beauty salons are typically not licensed physicians but merely staff with minimal training. Thirdly, individuals vary in their physiological makeup. Should abnormalities arise—such as not only excessive hair growth but also irregular menstrual cycles—a physician must assess potential underlying health conditions. Considering these three factors, seeking treatment at a reputable hospital remains the safest approach.