In 1983, selective photothermolysis dramatically transformed vascular surgery, reducing the adverse effects and increasing its efficacy. As a result, laser surgery is now considered the gold standard treatment for many congenital and acquired skin vascular disorders. In this paper, the authors analyze the main laser sources for vascular surgery, the general parameters regarding laser-tissue interactions that can influence the treatment (such as hemodynamic features, anatomical areas, vessel depth, and diameters), and other aspects important for a good laser practice. Afterward, the main indications for laser treatment in vascular cutaneous disorders are discussed, with particular reference to port-wine stain, hemangioma, facial telangiectasia, rosacea, spider angioma, venous lake, varicose leg veins, and leg telangiectasias.
© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.