Update on Dermatologic Laser Therapy

In recent years, dermatological laser therapy saw advancements with new wavelengths, concepts, and treatment combinations, leading to various new indications. Fractional laser therapy became a standard for treating chronic actinic skin damage, proving safe and effective for both non-ablative and ablative treatments, as well as for pigmented and vascular skin changes. Innovations in laser epilation, such as linear scanned and low fluence laser systems, showed promise, with the former allowing quick treatments for large areas and the latter being used in home devices, though long-term efficacy and side effects remain untested. Laser lipolysis emerged as a minimally invasive method for removing small fat deposits, potentially significant for liposculpture. Ultra-short pulsed laser systems, like femtosecond lasers, offered precise ablation without thermal damage.