Laser surgery is a technique used across various medical specialties, with lasers being used for skin resurfacing, hair removal, vision correction, and therapeutic treatments. Laser surgeons can offer less traumatic procedures with shorter healing times, but patients should choose a certified surgeon with proven experience. To become a laser surgeon, physicians must complete their medical education and pursue additional training and certification in laser surgery.
A laser surgeon is a surgeon who performs procedures with the use of a laser. Lasers can be used in a wide variety of medical procedures in both humans and animals, and surgeons who work with lasers can obtain certification from professional organizations that promote high standards in the field of laser surgery. Laser surgery is not, however, a medical specialty; rather, it is a surgical technique that relies heavily on a very unique tool and is performed across a broad spectrum of medical specialties.
Various medical fields have benefited enormously from the development of lasers suitable for medical applications. In dermatology, lasers are used for things like skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, removing unwanted scars and birthmarks, and removing tattoos. Ophthalmology has also benefited from the development of medical lasers, with lasers being used in ophthalmic procedures such as LASIK to correct vision problems. Lasers are also utilized by a laser surgeon in the therapeutic treatment of a variety of medical conditions.
Laser surgeons can also use lasers as an alternative to the traditional scalpel in surgical procedures. Laser surgery creates less blood loss and less trauma to the wound site, which shortens the healing time for patients and can reduce post-operative pain and discomfort. Many surgeons offer laser surgery as part of their services, and some use lasers exclusively in their work, depending on the type of surgery they perform, their personal preferences and where they trained.
A patient who is interested in having a laser surgical procedure should discuss the option with a physician. Laser surgery is not an option for all patients and all medical conditions, but when it is, your doctor may refer you to a laser surgeon. When selecting a laser surgeon, patients should look for a surgeon with certification from a professional organization, proven experience in laser surgery, and a good history of surgical procedures.
To become a laser surgeon, the physician must choose a medical specialty of interest, ranging from ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery to veterinary surgery, and complete their medical education, ideally at a facility that offers training to surgeons who wants to work with lasers so that the doctor has a chance to work with lasers as early as possible. Upon completion of medical studies, the physician may pursue additional training and eventual certification with lasers, learning about laser safety, the applications of laser surgery, and how to educate patients about the use of lasers in surgical procedures.
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