Over the past decade there has been a huge increase in interest in the use of lasers in dermatology. The number and choice of lasers have increased dramatically. This has expanded the number of conditions treatable by lasers and also the number of clinicians now wishing to include dermatological lasers in their therapeutic armamentarium. Marketing forces and commercial pressures have led to a situation where lasers are purchased and used without a broad-based understanding of this important and developing field. The aim of this textbook is to provide a comprehensive guide to the theoretical and practical aspects of lasers used in the fields of dermatology and plastic surgery. I would hope this book would allow the trainee, consultant dermato logist or plastic surgeon to gain a full understanding of all aspects of lasers in der matology, both from the basic science and safety aspects through to the most appropriate choice of laser for the treatment of most particular conditions. This, however, is not a "how to ... cook book"; guidance only on treatment is pro vided based on my own experience and published research. Full understanding of the "whys" and "whens" of treatment are the aim, coupled with an extensive review of current and "cutting edge" research. This textbook will be an ideal complement to practical hands-on laser training to provide the clinician with all that is necessary for safe and competent practice in this field. vii ·"~i·:r..; Acknowledgements .,~.

Zusammenfassung
I would hope this book would allow the trainee, consultant dermato­ logist or plastic surgeon to gain a full understanding of all aspects of lasers in der­ matology, both from the basic science and safety aspects through to the most appropriate choice of laser for the treatment of most particular conditions.

Inhalt
1 The Basic Science of Laser-Tissue Interactions in Dermatology.- Laser Radiation.- Laser Construction.- Laser Light Delivery.- Terminology.- Laser-Tissue 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.- Laser Training.- References and Further Reading.- 3 Laser Treatment of Cutaneous Vascular Lesions.- 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.- 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.- References and Further Reading.- 6 The Carbon Dioxide and Erbium:YAG Lasers in Dermatology.- CO2Laser Treatment in Dermatology.- Resurfacing Skin with the CO2 Laser.- Erbium:YAG Laser Treatment in Dermatology.- 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.- Topical Photodynamic Therapy.- Light Sources.- Treatment of Cutaneous Malignancies with Topical Photodynamic Therapy.- Photodynamic Therapy for Benign Skin Disease.- References and Further Reading.- 9 New Lasers, Emerging Technology, Experimental and Developing Applications.- Diode Lasers.- Excimer Lasers.- Intense Pulsed Light Source.- Non-Ablative Cutaneous Laser Resurfacing.- Conclusions.- References and Further Reading.- Appendix: Index of Laser Manufacturers.