International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology
LASERSURGERY
Lasers are devices that emit one specific wavelength of light in short bursts or in pulses. Different laser wavelengths are selectively absorbed by different structures in the skin such as melanin pigment in skin and hair follicles, hemoglobin found in red blood cells, and water concentrated in the cellular epidermis and upper portions of the dermis. Because of this specific absorption, lasers are able to target certain structures while sparing others. Absorption of laser energy causes heating of the intended target and subsequent destruction.
Some of the commonly used lasers in dermatology include:
| LASER TYPE | APPLICATION |
| Pulsed dye | Blood vessels |
| (V-beam) | Vascular birthmarks |
| Freckles | |
| Ruby | Tattoos |
| Short pulsed Nd:YAG | Freckles and pigmented birthmarks |
Alexandrite |
|
| Diode | Hair (pigmented) |
| Long pulsed Nd:YAG | Hair (pigmented), leg veins |
| Infrared Lasers | Laser resurfacing |
| (CO2, Er:YAG, Diode) | Skin tightening |
| Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) | Multiple including photorejuventaion, blood vessels, hair removal |
Tanya R. Humphreys, MD
Philadelphia, PA, USA
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