Laser Treatment of Oral Lesions (growths)
The laser uses a very concentrated beam of light to cut and vaporize tissues. It actually seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it cuts, allowing many different types of procedures to be performed. Dr. Reznick frequently uses the CO2 laser for removal of growths from inside the mouth, rather than conventional surgery.
In many cases, use of the CO2 laser has many advantages over conventional surgery, including:
- Less postoperative pain
- Less bleeding
- Less swelling
- Reduced need for anesthesia
- Less scarring
- Elimination of the need for stitches
- Elimination of the need for skin grafts
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This benign growth (fibroma) on the cheek was removed with the CO2 laser, eliminating the need for any stitches. The patient reported no swelling or discomfort, and did not need any pain medications.
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This young patient had a condition known as ankyloglossia ("tongue- tie"). It interfered with his speech and eating. It was corrected in the office using the laser. Complete healing took about 10 days. He had about 2 days of mild soreness.
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The CO2 laser cannot be used for all types of surgery, but when it is appropriate, it makes the surgery significantly easier for both the surgeon and the patient. If you need surgery for removal of a growth in the mouth, or for other types of "soft tissue" procedures, call our office to arrange a consultation exam to see if laser surgery is a good option for you.
Laser Treatment of Facial Lesions (Growths)
Many types of growths can occur on the face and neck. Most are benign, but some can be more serious, especially if there has been a change in color, size, or shape, or bleeding. Some distract from an otherwise attractive face, or are just bothersome to the owner. Removal of these growths with a scalpel may leave scars that are just as unesthetic as the original lesion. Using the CO2 laser, many different types of facial and neck growths can be removed, resulting in minimal scarring and a much more esthetic result.
After a clinical examination, Dr. Reznick will determine the best way to remove the lesion and decide whether a biopsy (microscopic examination by a pathologist) is necessary. When the laser is used, there is generally no need for sutures. The laser leaves a small scab, which is usually gone after one week. The treated skin is slightly pink after the scab falls off, the pinkness then fades with time, leaving normal appearing skin.
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This woman had this raised mole on her right chin, and a similar one on the left. It had not changed in size or color in the past 10 years. It was removed with the laser. Biopsy was not necessary.
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This is how it appeared after three weeks. There is a small pink area where the lesion was removed. This faded completely after one month.
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This young woman, who spent considerable a amount of time in the sun, noticed that this dark mole had gotten larger in the past few months. It also had variations in color within it. It was first biopsied, then the remaining lesion was removed with the CO2 laser.
The biopsy showed the lesion to be completely benign.
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Because the lesion was quite deep, complete removal was accomplished over two treatments to minimize scarring. This photograph was taken three months after the final treatment.
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This woman saw Dr. Reznick because of multiple skin tags on her neck. They were constantly rubbing on clothes or being irritated by jewelry. They also detracted from the appearance of her neck, making her appear older. They were removed in the office using the laser.
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