It is important to discuss the pros and cons of laser use in your particular instance with your doctor. Nodules or polyps on the larynx and blood vessel defects in the upper airway are disorders that could be treated with a laser. In another instance, laser surgery might be performed to remove the stapes from the middle ear for treatment of otosclerosis. Lasers may be used also for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, eyes, ears and nose. Ask your physician if a laser is part of your treatment plan.
Lasers have distinct advantages in many instances.
In others, there are no advantages to using a laser, only added time and expense. In some cases, it is actually better not to use a laser. Check with your otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon for good advice. Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery is a specialty concerned with the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck. The specialty encompasses cosmetic facial reconstruction, surgery of benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, management of patients with loss of hearing and balance, endoscopic examination of air and food passages and treatment of allergic, sinus, laryngeal, thyroid and esophageal disorders.