expertise with laser

arochaallen · #1 01-10-2011, 06:02 PM

My daughter has an h on her elbow area, about about 2.5 x 4.5 inches. It is flat, pink and splotchy--much improved over years past. She would like some laser to see if it can be lightened, and her dermatologist whom we love just bought a laser machine. My question is should we let him do the laser treatment? While he's a great dermatologist, he just got the laser machine. What do you guys think? Can he botch it or is it pretty straight forward? I think if the h was on her face or somewhere very obvious I'd be a lot more worried, but I'm still concerned about whether practice makes perfect. The dr. also said that since her skin is dark (she's Chinese) we should wait until the dead of winter to do it, since there would be no tan. So, if that's the case, we either do it now, or wait another year, or find a different dr.

smurph · #2 01-10-2011, 06:48 PM

I have no experience with laser (my daughter is actually going to be having laser done in a couple of months) but from a personal standpoint I would have a hard time letting someone do it on my daughter if they didn't have A LOT of experience with it. I mean, I know everyone needs to learn somehow, but I'd just want someone who has been doing it every day. That's just me. Hopefully some other people will chime in here that have some experience with laser.
Shannon

nickbar · #3 01-11-2011, 01:27 AM

Has your derm told you how much experience she has with lasers? ANy training? I would recommend emailing Dr. Stuart Nelson for his advice. Typically the first tx are conservative and likely she is using a pulse dye laser. Lowered settings, conservative approach for the first tx. might be a good idea to see how the skin/hemangioma reacts. I would ask more questions of your doctor though. Again, ask the expert is a great resource

arochaallen · #4 01-11-2011, 03:59 AM

The doctor actually lasered my husband, himself (the dr.) and me at the office appt. so my daughter could see what it was like. Just gave us each one blast with it. I had a little scab for awhile; it wasn't too bad. He would plan to do the same on her h and then give it several weeks then examine it before he did any more. I believe he doesn't have much experience with the laser. I will ask him what his training has been. Is Ask the Expert part of your website? Thanks, Michele

nickbar · #5 01-13-2011, 06:09 AM

Yes, Michele Ask the expert is on the home page of this website. Dr. Stuart Nelson is a laser expert and can give you his opinion on what he would recommend as far as settings, time between tx, etc.

nickbar · #6 01-13-2011, 06:09 AM

Let me know if you have any trouble getting a reply. Dr. N is usually very good at replying. Just email me if you need any help.