title: Role of laser therapy in pediatric patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laser applications have revolutionized the treatment of many cutaneous vascular anomalies. Because most of these lesions are congenital, the pediatric population has benefited primarily. In this article, the authors focus primarily on laser treatment options, realizing that this modality is but one part of an overall comprehensive plan of management options for these affected children.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature was reviewed and interjected into the authors' 20 years of experience in the use of lasers in the pediatric population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of different therapy modalities, such as the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, pulsed dye laser, erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, and intense pulsed light systems, is discussed. Outcomes, risks, benefits, and treatment protocols vary for each entity and for each laser. The authors' results and those of others are presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lasers play a vital role as an adjunctive therapy or definitive therapy in many of the authors' pediatric patients. Anyone treating such patients should be well aware of lasers as a valuable tool.
authors: Dallas, Texas From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
authors: A Jay
authors: AJ
authors: Burns
authors: J Alberto
authors: JA
authors: Navarro
mesh_terms: D019080:Cafe-au-Lait Spots / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000002:abnormalities; D009506:Nevus / Q000151:congenital; D019339:Port-Wine Stain / Q000601:surgery*; D019233:Retreatment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014402:Tuberous Sclerosis / Q000601:surgery; D054079:Vascular Malformations / Q000601:surgery*