Contributing Authors
Foreword
Preface
1 History of Lasers in Medicine 3
2 An Introduction to Lasers 11
3 Laser-Tissue Interactions in Dermatology 25
4 Laser Instrumentation 52
5 Continuous-Wave and Quasi-Continuous-Wave Lasers 67
6 The Flashlamp-Pumped Pulsed Dye Laser for Cutaneous Vascular
Lesions 108
7 The Nd:YAG Laser in Cutaneous Surgery 124
8 Selection of the Appropriate Laser for the Treatment of
Cutaneous Vascular Lesions 150
9 Lasers for the Treatment of Cutaneous Pigmented Disorders 165
10 Tissue Cutting: Traditional Lasers, Solid-State Devices, and
Diode Laser 188
11 The CO[subscript 2] Laser: Use as an Excisional Instrument
205
12 The CO[subscript 2] Laser: Use as an Ablative Instrument 227
13 Laser Skin Resurfacing 262
14 Excimer Lasers 290
15 Biologic Effects of Low-Energy Lasers 303
16 The Infrared Coagulator 329
17 Principles and Applications of Photodynamic Therapy in
Dermatology 349
18 Psychosocial and Physician-Patient Issues in Laser Treatment
385
19 Hazards Associated with the Use of Lasers 401
20 Strategic Planning and Establishment of a Laser Surgical Unit
in an Office Practice and in a Hospital 421
21 Education and Credentialing in Laser Surgery 446
Index 473
