[Pigmentary lasers and other polychromatic implements]

Since the beginning of the 21st century, lasers and flashlamps have replaced liquid nitrogen and peelings for depigmentation. They target either endogenous or exogenous hyperpigmentation from melanin and tattoo pigments, respectively. Ideally, specific QS laser is used, which explodes the target by energy confinement with a minimum of side effects. The new fractional lasers, although less specific, nevertheless seem promising, notably in melasma, which is not an indication for QS laser. Flashlamps, with a broader spectrum, are sometimes preferred in certain indications such as Erythrosis coli. The choice of the treatment parameters is made based on the type and depth of the pigmentation but also the patient's skin phototype.