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Review
. 2016 Feb 4:9:29-40.
doi: 10.2147/CCID.S69106. eCollection 2016.

The role of lasers and intense pulsed light technology in dermatology

Zain Husain  1 , Tina S Alster  2
Affiliations
Review

The role of lasers and intense pulsed light technology in dermatology

Zain Husain et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. .

Abstract

The role of light-based technologies in dermatology has expanded dramatically in recent years. Lasers and intense pulsed light have been used to safely and effectively treat a diverse array of cutaneous conditions, including vascular and pigmented lesions, tattoos, scars, and undesired hair, while also providing extensive therapeutic options for cosmetic rejuvenation and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatologic laser procedures are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and demand for them has fueled new innovations and clinical applications. These systems continue to evolve and provide enhanced therapeutic outcomes with improved safety profiles. This review highlights the important roles and varied clinical applications that lasers and intense pulsed light play in the dermatologic practice.

Keywords: dermatology; intense pulsed light; laser; technology; treatment.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Facial erythema and prominent telangiectasias in a patient with rosacea before (A) and after two 595 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatments (B).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Hypertrophic and erythematous surgical scar before (A) and after two pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatments (B). Note: Reprinted from Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am, 2011;19(3), Sobanko JF, Alster TS, Laser treatment for improvement and minimization of facial scars, 527–542, Copyright © 2011, with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Professional tattoo before (A) and after third picosecond Nd:YAG laser treatment (B).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Periocular rhytides before (A) and after three nonablative fractionated erbium (1,550 nm) laser treatments (B).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Severe atrophic acne scars on the back of a young man before (A) and 6 months after one ablative fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment (B).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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