The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Without getting too technical- this basically means that light source is specially focused into a very intense beam and is usually coherent, meaning it is reduced to a very particular wavelength of the light spectrum and is controlled to "vibrate" in only one plane. Some laser light is visible to the naked eye and some is in a part of the spectrum that can not be seen visually. 

So, where and how does this focused light technology come into play in the field of dermatology and more specifically cosmetic dermatology? All lasers, regardless of type or wavelength, basically cause some form of localized heating to occur when applied to the skin. The trained laser dermatologist makes use of this epidermal or dermal heating effect to achieve a desired outcome. Some procedures may literally be designed to burn away a small portion of the layer of skin, while other procedures may be designed to cause some heating and slight burning of the skin layers with the intent to cause healing to take place which in turn causes new skin growth and a tightening effect. Lasers are also used to burn away undesirable growths such as tumors or moles and also to remove items such as tattoos or scars. Some of the most common dermatological lasers and their common applications are listed below. Each laser has a particular wavelength of light, a variety of beam focus and pulsing options and a variety of intensities allowing minor heating to major burning capabilities. The skill of the laser dermatologist is the key to a good laser outcome as the highly trained physician will understand how to apply the right laser in the right intensity to gain the desired outcome.

1450 nm diode Laser: This is a deeply penetrating laser that is very effective for treating acne and wrinkles. Typically, no recovery time is needed after treatment. The 1450 diode can even clear the most stubborn cystic acne on the face, back, and chest. This particular wavelength will also improve older and deeper acne scars.

CO2 High Intensity Super Pulse Laser: This is a very powerful laser generally used for skin tumors and skin cancer removal.

CO2 Silktouch Laser: A stronger resurfacing laser usually used for severe wrinkles.

Erbium 294 Yag Laser: This is a fast healing resurfacing instrument used for wrinkles, scars, and tumors. There is a new Erbium version called microerbium for fractional resurfacing with no down time recovery.

Fractionated CO2 Laser: This is a newer CO2 technology targeted for use in removing acne scars, wrinkles, surgical and trauma scars.

Long Pulse Alexandrite Laser: This version laser is most often used for hair removal on individuals with olive complexions.

Long Pulse Dye Laser W/ Cooling: This version laser is most often used for vascular lesions, stretch marks, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, and acne scars.

Long Pulse Ruby Laser: This instrument is most often used for hair removal on fair skinned individuals.

Long Pulse Yag Laser: This instrument is used for removal of unwanted hair on dark skinned individuals and also removal of leg veins, and general skin tightening. Also used for removal of fine hair.

Photo-Dynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT involves a chemical application that is applied to the skin prior to laser treatment for active acne and is also used to augment skin rejuvenation.

PhotoMedex XTRAC Excimer Laser: This instrument is most often used for treating psoriasis and vitiliago.

Q-Switch Ruby Laser: This is the most powerful laser for tattoo and birthmark removal and pigmented lesion treatment.

Q-Switch Yag Laser: This instrument is a common choice for tattoo removal, pigmented lesion treatments, acne scar removal, and general skin rejuvenation.

Q-Switch Yag 5 Laser: This laser is popular for skin rejuvenation, pigmented lesions, and removing tattoos that contain color.

Radio frequency Laser: This instrument is commonly used for non-surgical face lift and skin tightening. The procedure is an advanced way to tighten skin with the touch of a sophisticated computerized treatment tip to the skin. It requires no incisions and no recovery time. Excellent results can often be seen with just one treatment.

Short and Long Pulse Flashlamp Dye Laser: This instrument is most often used for vascular lesions, stretch marks, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, and removal of acne scars.

These are some of the more common dermatological lasers and their common applications. Some laser dermatologists will own and operate several of these instruments while some clinics may only own one or two particular lasers. It is really up the preference of the laser physician and what tools they feel they need to do the procedures that are the forte of their particular practice. Lasers have helped open up a whole new field of skin treatments and have also helped to make previously performed procedures faster and often less painful with much shorter recovery times and decreased chance of complications. 

Always consult only a licensed physician or similarly licensed medical facility before undergoing any medical procedure.