ABSTRACT
References 263
1. INTRODUCTION
The development of Q-switched solid state lasers has revolutionized the treatment of a
variety of cutaneous lesions. The challenge in selective destruction of targets has been
to spare competing structures in the epidermis and the dermis. Selective photothermolysis,
the use of narrow bands of light and pulse widths, and photoacoustic effects allow
Q-switched laser delivery systems to preferentially target pigment-containing structures
such as lentigines, ephelides and tattoos. Q-switched ruby lasers (QSRLs) utilize a wave-
length of 694 nm and pulse durations of 20-30 ns to effectively treat a variety of benign
pigmented lesions.
