Lasers turn back time

摘要

Lasers have been used for aesthetic treatmentsin theclinicalenvironment formanyyearsforproceduressuch ashairremoval, skinrejuvenation and even liposuction. Now, with advances in miniaturisation, aesthetic laser treatments are finding their way into the home. The first application to make the leap from clinic to consumer was hair removal - lightbased home-use devices for hair removal can now be found on store shelves next to the hair straighteners, electric toothbrushes and epilators. In the last twelve months another procedure has made the leap from clinic to consumer: skin rejuvenation. Two companies - first Palomar inthe US and then Philips in the UK and the Netherlands - have launched laser-based home-use devices for skin rejuvenation. The devices promise to improve the overall appearance of skin, reduce fine lines and smooth out wrinkles.