Argon laser

Ion gas laser in continuous wave or pulsed continuous wave process. Emission lines at 488 and 514 nm, preferential absorption in haemoglobin and melanin, low penetration depth (0.2-0.5 cm). Especially suitable for the treatment of superficial pigmented as well as vascular changes. Coagulation depth is usually about 1 mm, can be increased to 3-4 mm by cooling the surface via higher power densities. In contrast to other systems, the argon laser can be used to treat punctually along teleangiectatic lesions. As an alternative to the argon laser, the krypton laser, which also photocoagulates, can be used.

Coagulation of superficial vascular malformations and neoplasms such as nevus araneus, fine superficial vasectasia, nevus flammeus (especially deep red nevi in adults) and others, possibly vaporization of small superficial skin lesions. With tattoos, scar-free removal is not possible. Disadvantage: Clear painfulness. Due to very rapid reflex reddening during treatment, the therapy zones can be poorly recognized, so that only small areas can be treated per session. Success depends on the localisation and colour of the vascular change as well as on the age of the patient.

Depending on the power used (watt) and the contact time: scarring, pigment shift, keloids.