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 variety of cutaneous disorders for which no previous therapy existed. Additional refinements in both laser instruments and treatment techniques are certain to have a profound impact on the treatment of skin lesions. For that reason, a complete understanding of the basic properties of lasers and how they can be utilized in various clinical settings is the goal of this article.