Lasers and skin disease. What works and what doesn't

Lasers have been used in surgery for over 20 years. Their application has expanded enormously due to a better understanding of laser/tissue interactions and the development of sophisticated delivery systems. Resurfacing techniques using a carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of acne scarring and wrinkles has proved to be a very effective tool. Certain cutaneous vascular malformations, benign and malignant skin lesions, as well as pigmented skin lesions and decorative and traumatic tattoos are now successfully treated with lasers with minimal or no scarring.