Book excerpt: CONSUMER HEALTH . Sunlight and gravity cause facial aging. Lasers enable safe and predictable resurfacing to smooth facial wrinkles as well as surgery to remove aging tissue from eyelids while minimizing bruising. Lasers can also eliminate excess blood vessels and unwanted hair, and erase tattoos without scarring. Laser surgery must be performed with great precision and care. Ideally, it should provide satisfactory improvement of one's appearance and do so with no adverse side effects. It is a complement to such non-laser surgeries as face-lift. Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery spells out the technology of the laser and its suitability for many cosmetic surgeries. Included in the discussions are the physiology of the skin, the basics of the surgical procedure, the preparation for surgery, a pointing out of risks, and an advisory on the postoperative recovery. This information is presented in clear, jargon-free language that explains how a laser procedure is accomplished without affecting the surrounding skin. A comprehensive overview that keeps the patient's perspective in mind, Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery is for the general reader and for those considering this elective surgical procedure. This useful, enlightening book written by a practicing professional answers questions patients ask and lets them know what to expect from surgery. Robert Langdon, a private-practice dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in Guilford, Connecticut, is a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine.