The distinctive technical conditions involved combine to make IPL technology an alternative and auxiliary treatment option to existing laser systems and conventional therapies.

After critical review and assessment of current literature on the treatment of rhytides, we have found that non-ablative methods do not appear to be a comparable alternative to ablative skin resurfacing in terms of their efficacy and side effects.

The Q-switched ruby laser appears to be a rapid and effective means of treating scar sarcoidosis with traumatic tattoos without incurring adverse effects. The definitive mode of action is still not fully known, however.

Currently, ablative laser therapy (with CO2/Er:YAG lasers) and deep chemical peeling are effective and promising methods of skin rejuvenation. The induction of collagen synthesis was observed after peelings with trichloroacetic acid or phenol as well as after treatments with the CO2 laser. In past years, the undesirable side effects and risks of these methods have led to intensified research in the fields of non-ablative facial rejuvenation and subsurfacing by means of ablative laser systems and intense pulsed light systems. The objective is to achieve selective, heat-induced denaturalisation of dermal collagen that leads to subsequent reactive synthesis but does not damage the epidermis. Recently, the results of numerous clinical and histological studies have indicated that these new technologies are successful. After critical review and assessment of current literature, we can say that in terms of their efficacy, non-ablative methods are not a comparable alternative to ablative skin resurfacing.

First reports about the use of the excimer laser in dermatology date back to 1997. It is seen as an improvement on conventional phototherapy and photochemotherapy because of the lower cumulative UV-dose involved, the shorter time frame required for treatment and the option of targeting individual lesions without affecting the surrounding healthy skin. In addition to the indications of psoriasis vulgaris, vitiligo and atopic eczema (for which there is now FDA approval in the US), the spectrum of possible uses for the excimer laser is growing rapidly, especially in the field of light-sensitive dermatoses. Case studies so far have ranged from post-operative hypopigmentation to acne vulgaris and from alopecia areata to parapsoriasis en plaque. The foremost priorities in the future will be to evaluate reproducible therapeutic regimens with realistic prospects of success in large-scale studies; assess potential iatrogenic risks in treatment; develop pathogenetic models for the mechanism of action; and define therapeutic approaches to new indications. This paper summarizes the publications to date and discusses our observations and experiences.