How it works
A laser produces a selected wavelength of light. That energy may be absorbed by pigment, blood, water or another target. Some lasers remove microscopic columns or layers of tissue; others heat a target without ablating the surface.
All technology categories
Technology category · 23 devices
Laser devices
Laser is a family of technologies, not one treatment. Different wavelengths, pulse patterns and delivery methods interact with different targets in skin or hair. The exact laser, settings, skin type and operator matter more than the word ‘laser’ alone.
Always follow the directions for use.
Potential benefits discussed
- The wavelength and pulse can be selected for a particular target.
- Fractional delivery can treat spaced columns while leaving intervening skin intact.
- Some systems have multiple wavelengths or handpieces for different intended uses.
Common use cases
- Hair-reduction discussions
- Pigment or tattoo-related discussions
- Vascular appearance
- Skin-resurfacing and texture discussions
Limits that matter
- One laser cannot be assumed to treat every concern.
- Skin colour, recent tanning, medicines, active skin conditions and the nature of a pigment or lesion can change the risk assessment.
- A cosmetic laser should not be used to remove or obscure a lesion that first needs medical diagnosis.
Risks and cautions
- Burns, blistering, infection, scarring and temporary or lasting pigment change are possible.
- Eye protection and device-specific training are essential.
- Darker skin tones may require different device choices and settings; risk cannot be judged from a brand name alone.
Devices in this category
These are all active device terms in the internal directory taxonomy for this category as reviewed on 12 August 2026. Inclusion is not approval, endorsement or proof that every clinic listing is current.
1064 nm Nd:YAG laser
Aerolase Neo Elite
A short-pulse 1064 nm laser platform used by clinics for selected skin and hair applications.
Read the device explainerAblative CO₂ and non-ablative 1570 nm laser platform
Alma Hybrid laser
A resurfacing platform combining two laser wavelengths that can be delivered separately or in a planned sequence.
Read the device explainerLow-level pulsed laser system
Byonik laser
A low-level laser platform used in facial protocols, commonly alongside applied skin-care products.
Read the device explainerFractional non-ablative laser
Clear + Brilliant
A fractional laser platform designed to create microscopic treatment zones without ablating the full skin surface.
Read the device explainerQ-switched Nd:YAG laser handpiece
Alma ClearLift
A Q-switched laser treatment option available on selected Alma platforms.
Read the device explainer10,600 nm ablative carbon-dioxide laser
CO2RE
A carbon-dioxide laser platform that can remove or fractionally ablate skin tissue.
Read the device explainerLong-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser protocol
Laser Genesis platform
A Cutera protocol using 1064 nm laser energy delivered in repeated passes to gradually heat selected tissue.
Read the device explainer755 nm alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser
Cynosure Elite iQ
A dual-wavelength platform used for selected hair, pigment and vascular applications.
Read the device explainerPicosecond and nanosecond Nd:YAG laser platform
Cutera Enlighten
A short-pulse laser platform with wavelength and pulse-duration options used for selected pigment and tattoo applications.
Read the device explainerQ-switched and long-pulse multi-wavelength laser platform
Fotona StarWalker
A platform offering several wavelengths and pulse modes for selected pigment, tattoo, vascular and other applications.
Read the device explainerFractional non-ablative laser
Fraxel laser
A well-known fractional laser family that treats spaced microscopic columns rather than the entire surface.
Read the device explainer755 nm alexandrite laser
Candela GentleLase
An alexandrite laser platform commonly associated with hair reduction and selected pigment targets.
Read the device explainerHybrid fractional ablative and non-ablative laser
HALO laser
A fractional platform that delivers ablative and non-ablative wavelengths in the same treatment area.
Read the device explainerMulti-application laser and light platform
Alma Harmony XL Pro
A modular platform that can host laser, IPL and other handpieces for different applications.
Read the device explainerQ-switched 1064/532 nm Nd:YAG laser
Hollywood Spectra laser
A dual-wavelength Q-switched platform used for selected pigment and tattoo applications and branded facial protocols.
Read the device explainerFractional non-ablative thulium laser
LaseMD laser
A fractional thulium platform that creates microscopic treatment channels at the skin surface.
Read the device explainer1927 nm fractional non-ablative laser
MOXI laser
A fractional thulium laser platform used at selectable energy and density settings.
Read the device explainerQ-switched Nd:YAG laser
Pastelle laser
A Q-switched platform with 1064 nm and 532 nm options for selected pigment and tattoo targets.
Read the device explainer755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser
PicoSure laser
A picosecond laser platform centred on a 755 nm wavelength with additional delivery options.
Read the device explainerMulti-wavelength picosecond laser
PicoWay laser
A picosecond platform with multiple wavelengths and handpieces for selected tattoo and pigment applications.
Read the device explainerQ-switched Nd:YAG laser
RevLite laser
A nanosecond Q-switched platform offering 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths and additional handpiece options.
Read the device explainerDiode laser hair-reduction platform
Alma Soprano
A diode-laser family that can deliver energy in repeated-motion hair-reduction protocols.
Read the device explainer595 nm pulsed-dye laser with 1064 nm Nd:YAG
Vbeam Prima
A vascular laser platform combining a pulsed-dye wavelength with a second Nd:YAG wavelength.
Read the device explainerQuestions worth asking
- What exact device and handpiece will be used, and what is it intended to do?
- Who will perform the treatment, and what training and experience do they have with this device?
- What results are realistic for me, how many sessions may be discussed, and when would change be assessed?
- What are the important risks, alternatives, costs and aftercare requirements?
How to read the evidence
Laser evidence is wavelength-, indication- and protocol-specific. Published results for one device or skin type should not be treated as proof for a different platform, setting or person.