Can lasers remove hair? Every year, a new laser gets the FDA approved indication of "hair reduction". It is important to realize that these lasers only occasionally result in "permanent hair loss". Thus, the "hype" of laser hair removal was to represent lasers as a reliable method of permanent hair loss while the "help" of lasers is actually "hair reduction".  Also, laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to see results and often requires "maintenance therapy" to maintain hair reduction. Generally, laser hair reduction is safe, easy and relatively painless. It should always be performed under the supervision of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Occasionally, unwanted side effects such as darkening or lightening of the skin occur with laser treatment. Hair removal by laser can be safely performed on most areas of the body.

Unsightly areas of pigmentation, blemishes, birthmarks, port wine stains and even tattoos can be safely treated with laser surgery. These procedures should be performed by experienced board certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons. Vascular lesions on the face typically respond better than on the lower extremities. In general, the lasers used to treat these conditions are safe and have been around for many years. It is not unusual for some persistent lesions to require more than one laser session, and on occasion, to recur even after successful treatment.

Lasers are also being used to treat wrinkles, so called "laser resurfacing". These lasers and this form of laser surgery carries the risk of unsightly scarring, lightening of the skin, prolonged redness and healing, and occasional secondary infection. Laser resurfacing can also be painful. Given the risks associated with this form of laser surgery, it is very important that the laser surgeon chosen is very experienced and specifically experienced with laser resurfacing. In addition, the laser surgeon should either be a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Dermatologists can be found by visiting the Website, http://www.findadermatologist.com or by contacting the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons.