Laser therapies in dermatology

Early lasers used in dermatology were continuous wave, with high energy focused in a small area, and did not utilise target specific wavelengths. They caused significant thermal injury to the skin surrounding the target. Over the past 8 years the safety of dermatological lasers has been enhanced by addressing these problems.

To discuss the advances in laser technology and the clinical uses of these new devices.

Modern lasers are designed with a wavelength specific for thermally destroying a particular target without significantly damaging surrounding tissues (selective thermolysis). Electronic systems have been developed which deliver short pulse duration energy sufficient to damage target tissue but limiting thermal conduction to surrounding tissues. These advances have made treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions and resurfacing techniques safer.