A comprehensive study of laser use in dermatology: assessing the safety, innovations, and effectiveness of laser technology for skin treatment.

Objectives: The objective of this review article is to provide a general overview of the development of laser technology and its applications in dermatology. It will describe the mechanism, effectiveness, and hazardous characteristics of different laser modalities used for the treatment of skin diseases, such as disorders of pigmentation, vascular malformations, acne scarring, and photoaging.

Methods: There was a thorough literature review through databases such as Scopus and PubMed, along with Google Scholar. Articles from 2000 to 2023 that were peer-reviewed were included. In addition to pulsed dye lasers, the search terms used in the literature review involved "laser dermatology," "skin treatment," and names of specific lasers such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), Er: YAG, and Nd: YAG. Information on adverse effects, long-term effects, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction ratings was gathered.

Results: The results show that, in the past 20 years, laser treatment has evolved significantly. Relative to historical approaches, innovations like fractional lasers have been more effective with reduced downtime. For conditions like melasma, as much as acne scars, evaluations show high levels of patient satisfaction from diverse populations. Darker skin types continue to be susceptible to adverse effects like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Conclusions: The efficacy and versatility of laser therapy have made it an anchor of dermatologic practice. Laser technology is continually evolving, with the hope of enhanced results at lower risk. To optimize benefit and minimize side effects, future research should aim to design therapy regimens specific to each skin type.