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Lasers in Dermatology
Different types of laser used in Dermatology
(1) Argon Laser
The Argon laser emits blue-green light at 488 nm and 514 nm. These wavelengths of light are preferentially absorbed by oxyhaemoglobin and, to a lesser extent, by melanin in the skin. The light energy absorbed by erythrocytes within blood vessels is converted to heat, leading to red cell destruction and thrombosis of small vessels.
(2) Tunable Dye Laser 577 nm
By increasing the wavelength of light from 577 nm to 585 nm the penetration depth is increased from 0.5mm to 1.2 mm in port wine stained skin while maintaining the same degree of vascular selectivity.
(3) Pulsed Tunable Dye Laser
By using microsecond impulses it is possible to confine thermal injury to targetted blood vessels without heat diffusion to surrounding tissue.
(4) Carbon Dioxide Laser
Carbon dioxide laser therapy removes tattoo pigment after vapourisation of the epidermis and superficial dermis and is used also for skin resurfacing. Although effective, this laser has a high incidence of scarring and pigmentary disturbances in inexperienced hands.
(5) Ruby laser
Q-switching whereby high energy levels (5-10J/sqcm) are delivered in ultrashort pulse widths (10-80ns) of Ruby, Nd:YAG and Alexandrite lasers, has offered significant advances in the treatment of tattoos. Ruby lasers emit light at 694 nm. The Ruby laser can also be used to treat green tattoos.
(6) Alexandrite Laser
The Alexandrite laser, with a wavelength of 755 nm produces slower results than the Ruby and Nd:YAG Q-switched lasers, but may be of value in the treatment of tattoo pigments of other colours.
(7) Nd:YAG lasers
Nd :YAG lasers emit light at 1064 nm. Frequency doubling of Nd:YAG laser light produces green light of wavelength 532 nm. This green light can produce fading of red tattoo pigments.
About the Author Dr. Patrick Treacy is a cosmetic expert. He is Medical Director of Ailesbury Clinics Ltd and the global Cosmetic Medical Group. He is Chairman of the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors and is Irish Regional Representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. He is European Medical Advisor to Network Lipolysis and the UK's largest cosmetic website Consulting Rooms. He practices cosmetic medicine in his clinics in Dublin, Cork, London and the Middle East. Dr. Treacy is the European Representative for the NetWork-Lipolysis where he is on the Medical Advisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board. Ailesbury Clinics Ltd Suite 6 Merrion Road Ailesbury Road Dublin 4 Ireland Phone +35312692255/2133 Fax +35312692250 www.ailesburyclinic.ie
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