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History of Laser Skin Resurfacing

The incredible results of laser skin resurfacing have caused its popularity to skyrocket in the past 10 years.

Facial cosmetic clinics similar to the one operated by Dr. Cory Torgerson in downtown Toronto have seen an explosion of clients who are interested in this non-surgical cosmetic procedure. The fresh, glowing complexions that many are enjoying is the result of long, arduous study in the laboratories of scientists, engineers, and surgeons.

Sometimes Laser Is Found To Be More Precise Than A Scalpel

Laser History

The first mention of laser and the medical industry began over 60 years ago in 1951. Experiments and studies continued over the next decade, and in 1962 Leon Goldman was the first surgeon to use laser technology to remove an unwanted tattoo. In 1963, a surgeon named McGuff successfully used argon laser combined with CO2 laser in a cardiovascular surgery to remove plaque. The medical community was not willing to lay down their scalpels because of a couple of successes and the clinical studies and lab experiments continued over the next decade.

The next surge of success occurred in the early 1970’s when an engineer named Uzi Sharon and a plastic surgeon named Isaac Kaplan combined their skills. They blended visible red helium laser with an invisible beam of CO2 laser to conduct many successful reconstructive and plastic surgeries. Their clinical studies were widely accepted by the medical community, and as a result, Dr. Isaac Kaplan became known as the Father of Laser Surgery. He passed away only recently in 2012 at the age of 93.

CO2 laser was first discovered using a high-powered, continuous infrared beam. The laser light was delivered via an articulated arm and a hand-piece. An articulating arm is basically a hollow tube filled with mirrors to enable the surgeon to direct the beam to a precise area. Slowly, laser surgery began to be used in every type of surgical procedure. Advantages began to be seen when using laser rather than a surgical knife. Because laser was non-contact, it was bloodless, which aided in the healing process following surgery. Surgeons discovered that the laser beam helped seal the blood vessels as well. Patients found it a less painful mode of surgery, which also aided in post-operative healing. In some surgical procedures, laser was found to be more precise than a scalpel because the depth of the incision could be controlled.

Assessing Which Type Of Cosmetic Laser Treatment Would Be Best For You

Rapid Recovery Time

Argon laser, which uses blue-green coherent light, was the next wave of discovery. The laser light was delivered via a flexible fibre-optic system and a microscopic hand-piece. This type of laser was first used in ophthalmology surgeries, but was soon incorporated into surgeries to remove polyps and surgeries involving bleeding ulcers. Argon laser beams aided in blood vessel coagulation.

Erbium or Yag laser uses infrared “coherent” light (2 or more waves having the same frequency) and is the latest technology that has taken the facial plastic industry by storm. This laser is less invasive than CO2 laser because it targets underlying skin tissues rather than the outer layer. Because of this, the recovery time is rapid. Erbium laser is used extensively with gastrointestinal surgeries and urological disorders.

Dr. Torgerson offers many types of laser skin resurfacing at his private surgery centre in Yorkville. Although laser technology has been used successfully for many years, he still recommends that you choose a licensed, experienced practitioner to administer the laser. When you book a consultation, he will be able to assess which type of cosmetic laser treatment would be best for you.

State-Of-The-Art Surgical Facility

Our facility offers a luxurious, comfortable and private setting for consultations and surgery with a waiting room that is both spacious and inviting. Although we hope you don’t have to spend too much time waiting to see Dr. Torgerson, within a few minutes you will feel relaxed and at ease.

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