Low level laser, or cool laser, is one of the new high-tech devices we use at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery in Sacramento. Although it has been used for years in chiropractic to decrease pain and inflammation, this laser is relatively new to plastic surgery.
How can something that looks like a Star Trek Tricorder, and shines a flashing red light that you can’t feel, actually do anything? Well it does, and surprisingly well! Scientists have known for a long time that light is biologically active. Look at photosynthesis, how light creates energy in plants. In a similar way, light creates energy in all of us in the cellular energy cycle.
The cool laser has a wavelength of 635 nanometers. Don’t worry; you’re not supposed to know what that means. This is a wavelength that is biologically active, that it influences the energy in our bodies. It penetrates the cells and activates enzymes that increase something called ATP which is the energy currency of our body. This also increases circulation decreases pain and suppresses inflammation.
On a practical level, every one of my patients is treated post-operative with the cool laser. It works dramatically to decrease swelling, discomfort, and pain. The healing time has been cut down in most procedures as well as the amount of pain medicines taken. It is used for facial surgery, breast enhancement surgery, body contouring, and VASER Hi Def liposuction.
