Lasers and Energy‐based Devices

Abstract

Abstract Patients are best treated by laser and device specialists who understand skin and skin ageing, who are well trained and experienced, and whose motivation is totally focused on what is good for the patient. Everything else is secondary. Specific training is required to build upon the practitioner’s basic knowledge about device–tissue interaction. Fractionated ablative and non‐ablative lasers have revolutionised the way in which we can improve the appearance of ageing and scarred skin. They can also dramatically improve drug delivery for local or systemic benefit. Fat can be selectively reduced by non‐invasive techniques of bulk cooling or bulk heating. Focused ultrasound can now to be used to tighten skin, although without a surgical degree of benefit. Melasma, long the bête noire of aesthetic surgeons, can be controlled by medications, both oral and topical, and with the aid of devices. These are good times for laser surgeons: the development of new devices every year hold much promise for our patients.