Suffolk Veterinary Group Laser Surgery Center
Human surgeons have been using surgical lasers in their practices since the 1960s. Everything from vision improvement and cosmetic surgery to complex surgical cases commonly include lasers as part of their procedure. It is widely recognized in human medicine that using lasers in surgical techniques reduces hospitalization times, decreases healing times, and reduces pain.
The Suffolk Veterinary Group Laser Surgery Center has been proud to offer the same benefits to your pet since 2010. We were the first general practice veterinary clinic in Eastern Suffolk to do so, and have done well over 1000 varied soft tissue procedures utilizing laser surgery techniques since then. Because we strongly believe our patients deserve the best care we can provide, we consider the use of laser surgical techniques to be the best choice in making your pet’s surgery as stress-free an experience as possible.
A graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Winkler is a professional Fellow member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, is a certified Veterinary Medical Laser Safety Officer by the American Institute of Medical Laser Applications, and is certified in Veterinary Laser Medicine and Surgery by The American Board of Laser Surgery. Dr. Winkler is the first and currently only veterinarian on Long Island to hold this latter certification in laser medicine and surgery, and is one of only six veterinarians in the world to have completed the American Board of Laser Surgery’s qualifications. Dr. Winkler takes a special interest in education of laser medicine and surgery for his fellow veterinary colleagues and their staffs. He is a faculty member of the American Laser Medicine College and Board and an active member and speaker of the American Laser Study Club. Dr. Winkler has appeared as a speaker and associate instructor of laser surgery for national veterinary conferences such as NY Vet, the AVMA, the WVC, and the NAVC, and is also a regular contributor of articles on laser surgery for Veterinary Practice News. He is the editor and co-author of the textbook pictured above, Laser Surgery in Veterinary Medicine (Wiley-Blackwell 2019).
Less Pain
The laser beam seals nerve endings as it vaporizes through tissue. This reduces the amount of pain your pet will feel during and after surgery. Suffolk Veterinary Group Animal Wellness & Laser Surgery Center also practices multi-modal pain management for all our surgical patients so that they experience as little pain as possible before, during, and after their procedure.
Less Bleeding
The laser beam cauterizes and seals small blood vessels as it vaporizes. This laser energy achieves hemostasis, and cauterized blood vessels are less likely to re-open after a surgical procedure, and heal faster.
Less Swelling
There is no physical contact between the laser and the surgical region, eliminating the tearing and bruising of tissue associated with traditional scalpel surgical methods. Lymphatic vessels are also sealed. This also helps reduce the pain associated with surgical sites and decreases the chance of additional bleeding.
Less Infection
Laser energy acts as an antibacterial agent by producing high temperatures, effectively eliminating microorganisms at the surgical site. Aseptic surgical techniques, sterile fields created by a gowned and masked surgical team, an aseptically scrubbed surgical suite and equipment, and completely individualized and autoclaved sterile surgical trays also protect your pet from infection while they are undergoing a surgical procedure.
Faster Recovery
As a result of all of the above, laser surgery provides the benefit of a quicker recovery for your pet. A majority of our surgical procedures are done on an out-patient basis, so your pet can be with you in the comforts of their own home on the same day.