Lasers

Chapter 6 of Volume 3, Skin, Burns & Surgical Principles. Revision notes and examiner-style viva questions with model answers for the FRCS (Plast).

18 viva questions in this chapter

1. How does a laser work, and how does it damage what you want it to damage?
   Model answer for subscribers
2. Why does spot size matter, and what is the optical window?
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3. What is fractional photothermolysis and why does it matter in burns?
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4. A patient is referred with a burn scar. How do you decide which laser?
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5. What does pulsed dye laser do to a burn scar, and what is the evidence?
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6. What settings would you use, and what is your endpoint?
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7. Take me through fractional CO2 for a thick, restrictive burn scar.
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8. What is the evidence for fractional CO2 in burn scars?
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9. Where do erbium, the pigment lasers, IPL and microneedling fit?
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10. What is LADD and would you use it?
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11. When would you start laser after a burn?
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12. This patient is Fitzpatrick VI. How does that change things?
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13. When would you not laser?
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14. What can go wrong, and how do you prevent it?
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15. You are setting up a laser list. What are your safety obligations?
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16. What about the plume?
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17. How would you consent this patient?
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18. How do you know whether it worked?
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