Lasers and laser-like devices: part two

Abstract

Part two of this review series evaluates the use of lasers and laser-like devices in dermatology based on published evidence and the collective experience of the senior authors. Dermatologists can laser-treat a wide range of dermatoses, including vascular, pigmentary, textural, benign proliferative and premalignant conditions. Some of these conditions include vascular malformation, haemangioma, facial telangiectases, café-au-lait macules, naevi of Ota, lentigines, acne scarring, rhytides, rhinophyma and miscellaneous skin lesions. Photodynamic therapy with lasers and intense pulsed light is addressed, with particular reference to actinic keratosis and actinic cheilitis. A treatment algorithm for acne scarring based on scar morphology and severity is comprehensively outlined. Following from part one, the various devices are matched to the corresponding dermatological conditions with representative pictorial case vignettes illustrating likely clinical outcomes as well as limitations and potential complications of the various laser and light therapies.

Keywords: CO2 laser; Er:YAG laser; KTP laser; Nd:YAG laser; QS laser; acne; pigment; rhytides; ruby laser; vascular.