Brief Overview of Lasers in Dermatology

                     Lasers basically emit  bright beams of light energy that is converted

to heat energy in the skin. And,it is this heat energy that performs the many

dermatological functions of lasers.

                    These functions include treating spider veins,dilated blood vessels,

the redness of rosacea,scars,stretch marks, liver spots,freckles,tattoos, and benign dark

spots on the skin such as age spots.

                    In addition,lasers help to remove unwanted body hair and stimulate

collagen production to eliminate fine lines,skin creases,and wrinkles.

                   In my opinion,the birth of fractional resurfacing lasers  is one

of the most exciting developments in laser therapy since these lasers literally

treat only a "fraction" of the skin at a time and, therefore, dramatically reduce

the incidence of side effects such as scarring,pigment changes, and infection.

                 Future possible therapeutic uses for lasers include  enhancing

the percutaneous delivery of drugs and also healing chronic wounds  and ulcers.