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First you need to know what this laser thing is all about. In simple terms it�s a concentrated beam of light, which is why we see it as a dot, transmitted over different wavelengths and frequencies. The different types of laser tend to be known by the gas or stone they use to produce the light beam.
The second thing you need to know is that the use of laser beams to treat people can also be split into types according to what they are used for and which professional uses them.
� Cosmetic lasers: these are like a toy infrared light. They stimulate cellular multiplication by heat and may be used by beauticians and doctors.
� Medical lasers: they have the same properties as the former but work at a greater depth and with more power, so they need to be handled by qualified medical staff.
� Surgical lasers: they emit such a huge amount of heat they can cut like a scalpel and can be used only by trained surgeons .

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Let�s set things straight
Operations with laser are a walk in the park. They don�t require you to be admitted, most are done without anaesthetic, they are painless, they require very little in the way of postoperative care and they let you get back to normal life almost immediately.
People who have had an operation with laser describe it as like being hit so quickly that it startles you but doesn�t hurt. It�s like a little electric shock. Afterwards the skin is a bit red, but this goes away in a few hours with some antibiotic, anti-inflammatory or soothing ointments.
It could be the answer if you have a lot of skin blemishes, shallow lines or if you hate the idea of needles. And it�s just the thing for getting rid of unwanted tattoos, for ophthalmologic operations and piles. But you should be aware that a laser doesn�t make invisible cuts, nor does it eliminate imperfections by magic. When it is used for hair implants, correcting sticking out ears or removing cellulite, it acts as an excellent scalpel to make incisions with, and also makes life easier for the surgeon, since he can work without blood because as it cuts it cauterises the wound. But the patient suffers the same discomfort and the same scar as if the operation had been done with a scalpel. The difference is that the post-operation period is shorter.

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Time for the operation
If you are seriously thinking about booking yourself in for an op, bear in mind that there are some prior considerations. Before any operation using a surgical laser (removal of bags under the eyes, skin resurfacing or corrective eye surgery), you should have a pre-operative examination. You�ll need to have a blood analysis to find out your clotting capacity, as well as a urine analysis, cardiological tests and a chest X-ray, to see how well your heart is working and what kind of shape it�s in. They�ll also test you for allergies to see if you can be anaesthetised.
They should also inform you about contra-indications and side effects:
� Before and after the treatment you shouldn�t sunbathe, since there is a risk of the skin burning and blemishes appearing.
� Skins with infections or open wounds shouldn�t be treated with laser either, and while there is no evidence that laser can harm a foetus, as a matter of precaution pregnant women should avoid this type of treatment.

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WHERE TO GET INFORMATION
It's easy to be blinded with all that light, all those promises and so many names. To make your search easier we�ve taken a look in our telephone book.
� Dr. Amaya San Gil. Tel. 91 570 70 83
� Ben�tez Roig Medical Centre. Tel. 91 576 01 12
� Cohen Clinic. Tel. 91 446 60 01
� Ruber Clinic, Dermatological Unit. Tel. 91 401 18 00
� Villafortuny Medical Institute. Tel. 977 36 13 04
� Dr. Guinot Clinic. Tel. 93 430 12 52
� Tecknon Clinic. Tel. 93 393 31 81
� European Institute of Ophthalmology. Tel. 902 13 01 00