▶ Previous Artlcle: #4-3. Laser in Medicine: Basic Laser Terminology

 

So far, we have covered the basics necessary to use and apply lasers. If you understand the basics correctly, it will be helpful to determine what type of laser should be selected for the treatment of the diagnosed lesion to minimize side effects and maximize the effect as well as what lasers should be combined when you actually use various lasers.

 

The first thing we need to do before choosing a laser is an accurate diagnosis of the lesion. This is because a wrong diagnosis can lead to incorrect laser selection and result in ineffective treatment outcomes or side effects.

 

So, we will learn about the skin structure and function, skin lesions and their characteristics that we should know for laser treatment.

 

Skin Structure and Function

Skin is the largest organ in our body. The average weight varies depending on the individual, but it is about 3-4kg, which is 6-7% of body weight, and skin has an average area of 2m².

 

The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat. The epidermis consists of four cell layers (stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale) with an average thickness of 100µm. The cycle is about 52-75 days.

 

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The epidermis has keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells and is involved in skin barrier, pigmentation, immunity, and sense of touch.

 

The dermis is 1-4mm thick, divided into papillary and reticular dermis, supporting the epidermal layer, providing nutrients, and protecting from external damage.It also plays an important role in moisturizing the skin by regulating body temperature and storing moisture through hyaluronic acid.

 

It has sensory receptors and is involved in skin regeneration through interaction with the epidermis.Subcutaneous fat is separated by a diaphragm. It protects the body from external shocks, prevents heat loss, performs hormone secretion function, and serves as an energy storage.

 

From a cosmetic point of view, the distribution of fat on the face affects the formation of contours, and on the body, it affects the body shape.

 

- To be continued