Aesthetic surgery: Coming of age

Vascular lesions, such as superficial blood vessels, telangiectasias, port-wine stains, haemangiomas, and leg veins, as well as scars, striae, and diffuse skin redness, can be treated quickly and effectively with several lasers, including the potassium-titanylphosphate laser and the newest-- generation pulsed-dye lasers, which can eliminate vascular patches with little or no bruising. Pigmented lesions, including tattoos and dark brown birthmarks, can be lightened with lasers that selectively destroy the pigment while sparing the adjacent tissue by emitting very short intense bursts of laser energy called Q-switched pulses. Q-- switched lasers of specific wavelengths (Q-switched ruby, alexandrite, or neodymium YAG lasers) are best suited for removing tattoos of particular colours. Unwanted hair can also be treated quickly with lasers adapted for this purpose. Best results are seen in dark-haired, light-skinned patients, in whom a few treatments can result in a sharp permanent reduction in hair growth.