Cutaneous laser surgery

More than 30 years of experience have resulted in advances of the technology, technique, and therapeutic efficacy of dermatologic lasers. The original lasers have been modified and improved, and new lasers with a more sophisticated technology have been introduced. Laser therapy has provided novel ways of treating difficult conditions and, for several skin diseases, it is now considered the treatment of choice. The goal of this article is to review laser physics and laser-tissue interactions, discuss the various groups of lasers and their clinical uses in dermatology, and to contemplate future developments in laser skin surgery.