Lasers & Light
Laser Treatments: what it is, what to expect and where to find it
What is Laser Treatments?
Laser treatments at a medical spa use concentrated light energy to target a specific part of the skin, such as hair follicles, pigment, blood vessels or the outer skin layers. Common examples are laser hair removal, laser resurfacing, laser treatment of redness and pigment, and laser tattoo removal.
How Laser Treatments works
Each laser emits light at a particular wavelength that a chosen target absorbs. The absorbed light turns into heat, which damages the target in a controlled way: a hair follicle, a cluster of pigment, a small vessel or a thin column of skin. The body then clears or repairs the treated tissue. Settings depend on skin type, the condition being treated and the device.
What to expect at the appointment
- A consultation that covers your skin type, sun exposure, medicines and what you want to treat.
- Often a small test patch to check how your skin reacts.
- Protective eyewear, a cooling device or gel, and pulses of light across the area.
- Aftercare instructions focused on gentle skin care and strict sun protection.
Recovery and downtime
Recovery ranges from almost none for gentle treatments to a week or more of peeling and redness for stronger resurfacing. Your provider should tell you what to expect for the specific device and settings used.
Safety and suitability
- Darker skin tones need lasers and settings chosen for them to lower the risk of burns and pigment changes.
- Recent tanning, certain acne medicines and photosensitising drugs can make laser treatment unsuitable for a while.
- Possible side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, pigment changes and, rarely, scarring.
- Most laser goals need a series of sessions rather than a single visit.
Questions to ask before you book
- Which laser will you use, and is it suitable for my skin type?
- Who operates the laser, and what training and supervision do they have?
- How many sessions should I plan for?
- What should I avoid before and after each session?
Laser Treatments FAQ
Are laser treatments safe for darker skin?
Many can be, when the provider chooses a suitable wavelength and conservative settings. Ask which device will be used, whether it is suited to your skin type and whether a test patch is planned.
Do laser treatments hurt?
Sensations range from warmth to a snapping feeling, depending on the device and area. Cooling systems and numbing cream are often used to keep people comfortable.
What is the difference between a laser and IPL?
A laser uses a single wavelength of light, while IPL uses a broad spectrum filtered for the target. Both treat pigment and redness, but they are different devices with different settings.
This is general information, not medical advice, and results differ from person to person. This treatment should be prescribed or performed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed medical provider. Talk to a licensed provider about your health history before booking.
Written and fact-checked against our editorial rules (no prices, statistics or promised results) by the MedSpa Listings editorial team. Last reviewed 2026-11-03.
Where to find Laser Treatments
City pages for Laser Treatments appear once at least three listed clinics in a city name it on their own website. Browse med spas by state.
42 listed clinics name Laser Treatments on their own website (MedSpa Listings service scan).