ABSTRACT
References 77
1. INTRODUCTION
Dermatologic laser surgery is regarded as one of the fastest growing areas in the
emerging fields of photomedicine and biomedical optics. The unique properties of lasers
create an enormous potential for specific therapy of skin diseases. As with any device,
the most efficacious and appropriate use requires an understanding of the basic photobiolo-
gical and photophysical principles of laser-tissue interaction as well as the properties of the
laser itself. Modifications of current lasers and innovative advances in biomedical laser
instrumentation may eventually allow the physician to match optimally the laser and treat-
ment procedure with the lesion. This chapter provides a brief description of the nature of the
laser, how it works, and the fundamental mechanisms of its interaction with human skin.
