Lasers in Dermatology: An Introductory Guide provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of cutaneous laser treatment. Practical aspects of laser selection and treatment are combined with easily understood sections on basic science, laser safety and current regulations. The author is internationally recognised for his research in the laser treatment of skin disease, and has close links with the development of training programmes for the use of lasers in Dermatology.

Inhalt

1 The Basic Science of Laser-Tissue Interactions in Dermatology.- Laser Radiation.- Laser Construction.- Laser Light Delivery.- Terminology.- Spatial Average Energy Fluence.- Number of Passes.- Laser-Tissue Interactions.- Photothermal Interactions.- Selective Photothermolysis.- Further Reading.- 2 The Safe Use of Lasers in Dermatology.- Classification of Lasers.- Warning Signs for Laser Equipment.- Environmental Considerations for the Safe Use of Lasers in Dermatology.- Local Rules.- Laser Controlled Area.- Fire, Ignition and Electrical Hazards.- Ocular Hazards.- Hazards of the Laser Plume.- Laser Training.- Core of Knowledge.- Laser Safety Education Program.- Clinical Training.- References and Further Reading.- 3 Laser Treatment of Cutaneous Vascular Lesions.- Treatment of Port Wine Stains.- Principles of Selective Photothermolysis and the Treatment of Port Wine Stains.- Port Wine Stain Treatment with the Flashlamp Pulsed Dye Laser.- Side Effects from Pulsed Dye Laser Therapy.- Psychological Aspects of Port Wine Stain Treatment.- Argon Laser Treatment of Port Wine Stains.- Continuous Wave Dye Laser Treatment of Port Wine Stains.- Robotic Scanning Handpieces.- Copper Vapour Laser Treatment of Port Wine Stains.- Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Port Wine Stains.- Krypton Laser.- CO2 Laser Treatment of Port Wine Stains.- Laser Treatment of Capillary (Strawberry) Haemangiomas.- Laser Treatment of Leg Veins and Telangiectasias.- Treatment of Other Cutaneous Vascular Lesions.- Laser Treatment of Scars and Striae.- Laser Treatment of Striae Distensae.- Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Psoriasis.- Laser Treatment of Viral Warts.- References and Further Reading.- 4 Laser Treatment of Pigmented Lesions.- Categories of Pigmented Lesions.- Pulsed Dye Laser (510 nm) Treatment of Pigmented Lesions.- Q-Switched Ruby Laser Treatment of Pigmented Lesions.- Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Pigmented Lesions.- Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser Treatment of Pigmented Lesions.- Copper Vapour Laser Treatment of Pigmented Lesions.- Other Lasers for the Treatment of Pigmented Lesions.- Treatment of Melanocytic Naevi with Lasers.- References and Further Reading.- 5 Laser Treatment of Tattoos.- Q-Switched Ruby Laser Treatment of Tattoos.- Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Tattoos.- Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser Treatment of Tattoos.- Pulsed Dye (510 nm) Laser Treatment of Tattoos.- Comparative Studies of Lasers Used to Remove Decorative Tattoos.- Laser Treatment of Other Tattoos.- Cosmetic Tattoos.- Traumatic Tattoos.- References and Further Reading.- 6 The Carbon Dioxide and Erbium:YAG Lasers in Dermatology.- CO2Laser Treatment in Dermatology.- Incisional Surgery with the CO2 Laser.- Wound Healing with CO2 Laser Excisions.- Pulsed, Superpulsed and Scanned CO2 Lasers.- Tissue Ablation with the CO2 Laser.- Resurfacing Skin with the CO2 Laser.- Mechanism of Action.- Preoperative Patient Evaluation and Preparation.- Treatment Methods.- General Considerations.- Coherent UltraPulse.- Sharplan SilkTouch/Feather Touch.- Other CO2 Lasers.- Postoperative Management.- Complications of Resurfacing with the CO2 Laser.- Long-Term Results of CO2 Laser Resurfacing.- Comparison Between CO2 Laser Resurfacing and Chemical Peels.- CO2 Resurfacing of the Acne-Scarred Face.- Erbium:YAG Laser Treatment in Dermatology.- Clinical Studies with the Er:YAG Laser.- Comparisons and Combinations of the Er:YAG and CO2 Lasers.- Conclusions.- References and Further Reading.- 7 Hair Removal by Lasers.- Laser Removal of Hair by Selective Photothermolysis.- Ruby Laser Treatment of Hair.- Alexandrite Laser Treatment of Hair.- Diode Laser Treatment of Hair.- Other Laser Treatments for Hair Removal.- Intense Pulsed Light Laser Treatment of Hair.- Treatment Techniques for Selective Photothermolysis of Hair.- Conclusions.- Laser-Assisted Hair Transplantation.- References and Further Reading.- 8 Photodynamic Therapy in Dermatology.- Systemic Photodynamic Therapy.- Clinical Studies.- Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma.- Bowen's Disease.- Malignant Melanoma.- Kaposi's Sarcoma.- Topical Photodynamic Therapy.- Light Sources.- Treatment of Cutaneous Malignancies with Topical Photodynamic Therapy.- Basal Cell Carcinoma.- Actinic Keratoses.- Bowen's Disease.- Squamous Cell Carcinoma.- Mycosis Fungoides.- Photodynamic Therapy for Benign Skin Disease.- References and Further Reading.- 9 New Lasers, Emerging Technology, Experimental and Developing Applications.- Diode Lasers.- Clinical Use in Dermatology.- Excimer Lasers.- Intense Pulsed Light Source.- Non-Ablative Cutaneous Laser Resurfacing.- Conclusions.- References and Further Reading.- Appendix: Index of Laser Manufacturers.