The CO2 laser is a very versatile and effective tool for the ablation
of various epidermal and dermal lesions. The development of high peak
power, short pulse, or rapidly scanned resurfacing CO2 lasers has impr
oved the safety and efficacy of CO2 laser treatment significantly. Man
y lesions amenable to CO2 laser vaporization, however, can be treated
by other, far less expensive treatment modalities. It is therefore the
laser surgeon's responsibility to use the CO2 laser only in cases in
which its use has been demonstrated to be the best treatment option.