Abstract
Introduction
Laser has progressed significantly over the last three decades. Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (lasers) are currently employed by a number of medical and surgical specialties and used to treat a wide range of conditions.
Aim
This article aims to provide an insight into laser science and describe its current usage in the treatment of cutaneous lesions and its potential for future developments.
Conclusion
There are many types of lasers, each having unique properties that enable them to fulfil their task and achieve the desired result. Their applications will no doubt continue to expand with the parallel advancement in laser technology.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Goldman L (1966) Schweizerische Nationalliga für Krebsbekämpfung und Krebsforschung. Laser cancer research. Springer, Berlin
Tan OT, Sherwood K, Gilchrest BA (1989) Treatment of children with port-wine stains using the flashlamp-pulsed tunable dye laser. N Engl J Med 320(7):416–421
Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick RE, Ruiz-Esparza J (1993) Treatment of port-wine stains (capillary malformation) with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser. J Pediatr 122(1):71–77
Ashinoff R, Geronemus RG (1991) Flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser for port-wine stains in infancy: earlier versus later treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 24(3):467–472
Lacour M, Syed S, Linward J, Harper JI (1996) Role of the pulsed dye laser in the management of ulcerated capillary haemangiomas. Arch Dis Child 74(2):161–163
Taylor CR, Anderson RR (1993) Treatment of benign pigmented epidermal lesions by Q-switched ruby laser. Int J Dermatol 32(12):908–912
Raine C, al-Nakib K, Quaba AA (1997) A role for lasers in the treatment of pigmented skin grafts. Burns 23(7–8):641–644
Apfelberg DB (1992) Atlas of cutaneous laser surgery. Raven Press, New York
Cordisco MR (2009) An update on lasers in children. Curr Opin Pediatr 21(4):499–504
Kopera D (2003) Verrucae vulgares: flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser treatment in 134 patients. Int J Dermatol 42(11):905–908
Dave R, Monk B, Mahaffey P (2002) Spontaneous disappearance of refractory viral warts at distant sites following carbon-dioxide laser treatment. Br J Plast Surg 55(8):696–698
Christenson LJ, Borrowman TA, Vachon CM et al (2005) Incidence of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas in a population younger than 40 years. JAMA 294(6):681–690
Miller SJ (1995) Etiology and pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma. Clin Dermatol 13(6):527–536
Grobbelaar AO, Horlock N, Gault DT (1997) Gorlin’s syndrome: the role of the carbon dioxide laser in patient management. Ann Plast Surg 39(4):366–373
Haywood RM, Monk BE, Mahaffey PJ (1999) Treatment of traumatic tattoos with the Nd YAG laser: a series of nine cases. Br J Plast Surg 52(2):97–98
Ono I (2002) Therapeutic effect of using a long-pulsed alexandrite laser system with a cooling device for epilation in reconstructive surgery of auricular malformations. Ann Plast Surg 48(2):115–123
(2003–2004) British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Annual Audit Results
Ross EV, Domankevitz Y, Skrobal M, Anderson RR (1996) Effects of CO2 laser pulse duration in ablation and residual thermal damage: implications for skin resurfacing. Lasers Surg Med 19(2):123–129
Tanzi EL, Alster TS (2003) Side effects and complications of variable-pulsed erbium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser skin resurfacing: extended experience with 50 patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 111(4):1524–1529 (discussion 30–32)
Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RK, Tanner H, Anderson RR (2004) Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury. Lasers Surg Med 34(5):426–438
Conflict of interest statement
None of the authors have any competing interests.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Seoighe, D.M., Conroy, F.J. & Beausang, E. The use of lasers in the treatment of cutaneous lesions. Ir J Med Sci 179, 321–326 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0487-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0487-1