Dr Royal Benson, III Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Smoking Cessation

The Omega X/P Laser is applied to specific energy points on the arms, hands, face, and ears that are associated with nicotine addiction. You may feel a warm sensation or sometimes a tingling feeling. Some patients only feel a calming sensation from the laser and some feel no sensation at all.  All of these feelings are normal and do not change to outcome of the laser. 

The Smoking Cessation Laser Therapy at Benson Laser Technologies involves 2 laser sessions, performed 48 hours apart. Included in the first session is a thorough consultation from a Certified Laser Technician. A booster is available within a month after the first session for an additional $50.

From the moment you have your first laser treatment and have put out your last cigarette, your body starts to recover. Physical withdrawal symptoms are likely to start a few hours after you've stopped smoking, peak within three or four days, then gradually decrease and fade away within three or four weeks. This is simply your body crying out for its poison. Rest assured it will get better.  The laser therapy will make these symptoms much less severe.

It's highly unlikely you'll experience all the symptoms listed below, but you will almost certainly go through a few of them. Don't worry, they don't last.

Constipation
Nicotine is a stimulant and has a laxative effect. You may also have cut down on other stimulants such as coffee and as a result may be slightly constipated for a few days. This is very common and providing you drink lots of water and eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and fiber-rich food, your body will quickly get back to normal.

Coughing or Sore Throat
You may have a sore throat and be coughing more than you ever did as a smoker! This is completely normal and is a sign that your lungs are doing what they're supposed to do and rejecting the tar and debris that has built up over the years.

Cravings
Cravings only last a few minutes. Even when they are violent and catch you unawares, they are still fleeting. Breathe through them. Take slow deep breaths. Drink water. Delay. The moment will pass.

Difficulty Concentrating
You may be having difficulty concentrating and the smallest task - paying the gas bill, for instance - may seem monumental. Don't worry, this is normal and it doesn't last. Your mind is simply adjusting to higher levels of oxygen, the loss of carbon monoxide and the absence of nicotine. Fresh air and exercise are far more effective stimulants and within two or three weeks, your concentration levels will begin to get back to normal.

Disturbed Sleep or Insomnia
Disturbed sleep patterns in the early days of stopping smoking are completely normal. Some smokers report night sweats, others that they wake at odd times of the night and can't go back to sleep. Occasionally, some people report mild panic attacks. These symptoms are unlikely to last longer than a week or two. Try deep breathing and simple relaxation techniques and avoid obvious stimulants just before you go to bed.

Emotional Outbursts & Moodswings
You may be feeling very tearful or really irritable. This is also totally normal (ask any ex-smoker). One of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal is a heightened sense of emotion so if you're not shouting, the chances are that you're crying instead. Let it out and don't worry, this phase passes.

Headaches, dizziness or tingling
Many people experience headaches and tingling. This is because blood vessels all over your body are opening back up and more blood is now getting to your brain. Dizziness can result from lowered blood pressure (your heart isn't having to work as hard as it used to) and an increase in oxygen to the nerves and tissue.

Increased Appetite
You may find you're unusually hungry. Because your body is in a state of repair, it needs more energy than usual. Fresh fruit, dried fruit and fruit juices are all great sources of natural energy and won't pile on the pounds.

Fatigue
You may be feeling unusually tired. Nicotine is a stimulant and speeds up your body's metabolism to an unnaturally high level. Your metabolism is adjusting, which may cause a drop in energy levels. If you're able to, go to bed and sleep. If you're at work and feeling droopy, two or three glasses of water or a quick walk round the block will help.