Abstract
Laser technology continues to increase in popularity and expand treatment options
for patients with common but challenging skin conditions including facial telangiectasias,
facial aging, striae distensae, and acne scars. Facial telangiectasias have been estimated
to occur in tens of millions of people worldwide. The 585-nm laser was the first to
follow the principle of selective photothermolysis for the treatment of cutaneous
vascular lesions, but it caused significant postoperative purpura. Newer diode lasers
target superficial and deep telangiectasias without the side effects of the 585-nm
laser. Ablative resurfacing was introduced in the 1990s with the carbon dioxide laser
to address facial rhytids and photoaging. While effective, the risks and downtime
were significant. The newest fractionated nonablative lasers are demonstrating impressive
results, with decreased risks and downtime. This new generation of lasers is being
used extensively and in unique combinations for facial aging, striae, and acne scars.
Keywords
diode laser - fractionated laser - acne scar - striae - scar
