What Are
Lasers
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The term "laser" is an acronym for Light Amplification
by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are instruments which
can convert electrical energy into light which can be used for a
variety of purposes. Lasers have come to occupy unique and
important roles in medicine and surgery.
Lasers are the brightest known source of light, and can have
extremely powerful effects on the human body. The uniqueness of
lasers derives from a number of special properties. Among these
are extreme high intensity, coherence, which permits focusing on
a very small spot size, and provides the capacity for delivered
in very brief pulses. The skin is a highly accessible target
organ for the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of lasers.
Dermatologists have used lasers since the 1960's for the
treatment of skin lesions, although generalized acceptance of
laser therapy has occurred only in the last few years. Most
recently, revolutionary technological advances have improved
lasers to the point where they now offer significant advantages
over standard techniques used for the treatment of skin
blemishes, tumors, birthmarks and facial aging changes. Specific
lasers are chosen based on the condition one wishes to treat.
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