Cosmetic use of lasers.

During the 35 years of their existence, lasers have assumed an ever-expanding role in cosmetic surgery due to their reproducible precision in effectively managing a number of cutaneous conditions and disorders for which no acceptable form of treatment has been developed. Current medical lasers can be used to fade or remove many vascular and pigmented birthmarks, decorative and traumatic tattoos, solar and rosacea telangiectasia, and many acquired pigmentary disorders, without a visible scar or change in texture. In order to provide their patients with the best possible aesthetic result, cosmetic surgeons should be familiar with the advantages, disadvantages, and potential complications of lasers.