Laser therapy of the skin. A review of principles and applications.

Advances in laser technology now permit the physician to provide an effective form of treatment for a large variety of cutaneous disorders for which no previous therapy or only poor forms of therapy previously existed. Additional refinements in both laser instruments and treatment techniques are certain to have a profound impact on the practice of dermatology. For that reason, a complete understanding of the basic properties of lasers and how they can be utilized most effectively in various clinical settings is the goal of this article.