Laser Dermatology — State of the Art

Abstract

The use of the laser in dermatology has one of the longest histories in the medical application of the laser. Despite a period where dermatologists moved away from the use of the laser because of unwanted side effects such as scarring and hyperpigmentation, the past three years have seen a resurgence of interest in the use of this still-new modality. A better understanding of basic laser physics, biophysics, laser-tissue interaction and beam manipulation has led to good results, consistently achieved. The emergence of new wavelengths with highly specific tissue interactions has added to this growth phenomenon. Basic scientific studies and solid clinical data on photobiosti-mulation have added Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to the growing list of both new and tried and tested High Level Laser (HLL) modalities which form the armamentarium of the laser dermatologist. This paper will examine the basics of HLLT and LLLT, and look at the state-of-the-art applications of the laser in dermatology from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. It will become clear that, as Professor Leon Goldman has long said; “If you don’t need the laser, don’t use it”. However, if you have need of it, then do use it, always provided the user has the multidisciplinary background so necessary for successful application of the laser in any of the medical specialties, especially dermatology.