---

Select a Procedure Facial Procedures Nose Reshaping Eyelid Surgery Face Lift Forehead Lift Neck Surgery Ear Surgery Chin Surgery Cheek Surgery Lip Surgery Breast Procedures Breast Enlargement Breast Lift Breast Reduction Cosmetic Surgery for Men Male Breast Reduction Breast Reconstruction Body Contouring Procedures Tummy Tuck Buttock and Thigh Lift Liposuction Genital Cosmetic Surgery Labiaplasty Skin Rejuvenation Face Peeling Skin Resurfacing Laser Skin Resurfacing Botox ® Injections Injectable Surgical Fillers Collagen Injections Fat Transfer Other Procedures Endoscopy Laser Surgery Plastic Surgery for Men

Laser Surgery Questions

What is laser surgery?

Laser surgery is not just one procedure. Rather, it refers to a variety of procedures that rely on an intense, high-energy beam of light to target specific parts of the body. This light can shrink lesions or tumors, remove abnormal tissue, and seal blood vessels. From a cosmetic standpoint, laser surgery can reduce pigmentation, remove birthmarks, treat "spider veins," and more.

What are the different types of laser surgery?

Although new uses for lasers are continually being developed, there are three primary types of laser treatments. In the first, lasers are used to soften or remove wrinkles and blemishes on the face. In the second, lasers erase birthmarks or shrink blood vessels and spider veins. This type of last treatment is also effective in removing some tattoos. The third type prepares area on the head for hair transplants.

What are the advantages of laser surgery?

Laser surgery has many benefits over traditional surgery. The beam of light is intense and targeted, making it possible to treat a small area on the skin without affecting the healthy tissue around that area. Additionally, lasers keep the skin sterile, and they cause less bleeding than traditional scalpels. They can treat blood vessels under the skin without requiring cuts. Although some procedures are best performed through traditional methods, laser surgery is an increasingly popular and effective way to treat various skin conditions.

What should I expect during surgery?

How the laser will be used and the strength of the laser varies greatly depending on the procedure. Generally, however, Chicago Plastic Surgeon Dr. Placik will perform laser surgery either at his office or at an outpatient clinic. To ensure maximum comfort, you may receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. Also, depending on the procedure, Dr. Placik may choose to use a lower-intensity laser but treat the area more than once. He will discuss with you other considerations and how many laser treatments are needed to fully treat the targeted area.

What should I keep in mind after having laser surgery?

Although the post-surgery recovery period is relatively comfortable for most patients, you should expect some redness and swelling of the treated area. Dr. Placik will likely tell you to avoid direct exposure to the sun, and you might require additional treatments. If you don’t see immediate results post-surgery, do not be discouraged, as the full impact of surgery may take a few weeks to become apparent.

When you visit Dr. Otto J. Placik, you will receive the best possible care and attention. If you would like to schedule a private consultation, please send our plastic surgery office an email or call us at (847) 398-1660.

---

Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C.
Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313
Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois

---

View Our Cosmetic Surgery News Feed