Dermatology Laser Course

Lesson 1 • Principles of Light and Photons

Covers electromagnetic spectrum, photon energy, and coherence properties of laser light. Establishes the physics vocabulary needed for all subsequent laser topics.

Lesson 2 • Laser Generation Mechanisms

Explains stimulated emission, population inversion, and optical resonator function. Links lasing medium properties to clinical wavelength selection.

Lesson 3 • Laser Beam Characteristics

Defines beam divergence, spot size, fluence, and irradiance. Connects beam parameters to tissue penetration depth and treatment precision.

Lesson 4 • Light-Tissue Interaction Basics

Introduces absorption, scattering, reflection, and transmission in biological tissue. Provides the mechanistic basis for understanding clinical endpoints.

Lesson 1 • Layers and Structures of Skin

Reviews epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers with their cellular components. Anchors laser targeting decisions in anatomical context.

Lesson 2 • Skin Phototypes and Melanin Risk

Applies the Fitzpatrick scale to assess melanin density and adverse event risk. Guides parameter adjustment for darker skin tones.

Lesson 3 • Key Chromophores in Dermatology

Identifies melanin, oxyhemoglobin, water, and tattoo ink as primary laser targets. Explains absorption spectra that guide wavelength selection.

Lesson 4 • Selective Photothermolysis Theory

Presents the principle of matching wavelength, pulse duration, and fluence to target chromophores. Explains thermal relaxation time and its clinical significance.

Lesson 1 • Emerging Energy-Based Devices

Surveys radiofrequency, ultrasound, and plasma devices used alongside lasers. Positions these tools within a comprehensive energy-based treatment menu.

Lesson 2 • Pigment and Tattoo Removal Lasers

Describes Q-switched and picosecond lasers targeting melanin and tattoo pigment. Connects pulse duration to photoacoustic vs. photothermal mechanisms.

Lesson 3 • Ablative Resurfacing Lasers

Reviews CO2 and Er:YAG lasers that vaporize tissue through water absorption. Distinguishes full-field from fractional ablative delivery.

Lesson 4 • Non-Ablative and Fractional Lasers

Introduces non-ablative 1320/1450/1540 nm lasers and fractional non-ablative platforms. Explains the concept of microscopic treatment zones.

Lesson 5 • Vascular Targeting Lasers

Covers pulsed dye, KTP, and Nd:YAG lasers used for vascular lesions. Explains wavelength rationale for oxyhemoglobin targeting.

Lesson 1 • Laser Safety Officer Responsibilities

Defines the role of the Laser Safety Officer in training, auditing, and incident reporting. Connects organizational accountability to regulatory compliance frameworks.

Lesson 2 • Laser Plume and Airborne Hazards

Explains the biological and chemical risks of laser-generated plume during ablative procedures. Specifies evacuation equipment and filtration standards.

Lesson 3 • Skin and Fire Hazard Controls

Addresses non-beam hazards including skin burns, drape ignition, and flammable prep agents. Establishes protocols to eliminate ignition sources near the treatment field.

Lesson 4 • Ocular Hazards and Eye Protection

Identifies retinal and corneal injury risks from direct and reflected laser beams. Specifies optical density requirements for wavelength-appropriate eyewear.

Lesson 1 • Informed Consent and Expectation Setting

Outlines the elements of valid informed consent including risks, alternatives, and realistic outcomes. Addresses patient psychology and common misconceptions about laser results.

Lesson 2 • Skin Assessment and Phototyping

Applies Fitzpatrick typing, Wood's lamp examination, and dermoscopy to characterize lesions. Guides device and parameter selection based on objective skin findings.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Treatment Skin Preparation

Covers topical anesthesia, skin cooling, depigmenting pretreatment, and antiviral prophylaxis. Prepares the skin to maximize efficacy and reduce adverse event risk.

Lesson 4 • Medical History and Contraindications

Screens for photosensitizing medications, isotretinoin use, autoimmune conditions, and active infections. Identifies absolute and relative contraindications before device selection.

Lesson 1 • Pigmented Lesion Treatment

Uses Q-switched and picosecond lasers to treat lentigines, melasma, and nevus of Ota. Emphasizes differential diagnosis before treatment to avoid malignancy mismanagement.

Lesson 2 • Vascular Lesion Treatment

Applies pulsed dye and Nd:YAG lasers to port wine stains, telangiectasias, and hemangiomas. Teaches pulse stacking, overlap technique, and endpoint recognition.

Lesson 3 • Skin Resurfacing Procedures

Performs ablative CO2 and Er:YAG resurfacing for photoaging, scars, and rhytides. Covers pass technique, depth control, and immediate post-procedure wound care.

Lesson 4 • Laser Hair Removal Technique

Delivers alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG energy to target follicular melanin across phototypes. Covers fluence titration, cooling, and treatment interval rationale.

Lesson 1 • Dyspigmentation Complications

Addresses post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation causes, prevention, and treatment. Emphasizes phototype-specific risk stratification and sun protection.

Lesson 2 • Infectious Complications

Covers bacterial, viral, and fungal infections following ablative and non-ablative procedures. Specifies prophylaxis regimens and treatment protocols for each pathogen type.

Lesson 3 • Common Side Effects and Expected Reactions

Distinguishes expected transient reactions such as erythema, edema, and crusting from true complications. Establishes normal healing timelines for each laser modality.

Lesson 4 • Scarring and Textural Changes

Identifies hypertrophic scarring, atrophic changes, and textural irregularities following over-treatment. Covers early intervention with steroids, silicone, and laser scar revision.

Lesson 1 • Onychomycosis and Nail Laser Therapy

Applies Nd:YAG laser to subungual fungal infections as an adjunct to antifungal therapy. Covers treatment parameters, session frequency, and outcome measurement.

Lesson 2 • Treatment of Darker Skin Phototypes

Adapts laser parameters and device selection to safely treat Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin. Emphasizes longer wavelengths, lower fluences, and aggressive cooling strategies.

Lesson 3 • Combination Laser and Injectable Protocols

Integrates laser resurfacing with neurotoxins and fillers for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Sequences procedures to avoid interference and maximize synergistic outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Laser Treatment of Acne and Scars

Combines fractional ablative, non-ablative, and vascular lasers to address active acne and atrophic scarring. Sequences treatments to maximize collagen remodeling without over-treatment.

Lesson 5 • Skin Tightening and Rejuvenation

Uses non-ablative fractional and radiofrequency-assisted lasers to stimulate neocollagenesis for laxity. Addresses patient selection, realistic outcomes, and multi-session planning.