ABSTRACT
Nonablative infrared lasers were developed in hopes of remodeling and rejuvenating the skin with fewer side effects. Infrared lasers such as the 1320-nm Nd:YAG, 1450-nm diode, and 1540-nm erbium: glass lasers were developed. These lasers demonstrated modest improvements in fi ne rhytides and acne scars (4-6). More importantly, these lasers were able to produce results in patients with darker skin types (7). But the results from these nonablative lasers paled in comparison with the traditional ablative procedures, leading patients and physicians to seek more effi cacious treatments. A comparison of types of ablative and nonablative lasers is shown diagrammatically in Figure 8.1.
