Lasers are being used more and more often in plastic surgery. Beauty surgery with lasers can be used for many different purposes. Because lasers produce a super strong beam of energy, they can make changes to the skin or hair. The intense light can be in different colors, making lasers a very versatile cosmetic tool.

A plastic surgeon will decide if a laser is the right tool for a particular procedure based on what the patient hopes to achieve, and the extent of change in appearance that is desired. Some examples of cosmetic surgeries and beauty procedures that can use lasers include:

• laser hair removal - lasers can be used to zap unwanted hair on the face and body.
• lasers in hair transplant - if someone is getting a hair graft, lasers can be used to prepare the area where the transplants are going to be placed.
• cosmetic laser dentistry - lasers can be used to help the appearance of the teeth
• laser skin resurfacing - lasers can be used to rejuvenate skin, enhance beauty and to remove wrinkles, age spots and areas of hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration. Laser resurfacing can be used during other cosmetic procedures such as face lift or eye lift to do areas of the skin that need smoothing.

Lasers can also be used to remove other issues wuch as skin growths and veins.

Lasers can make incisions, treat skin conditions, and they can even cause tissue changes without making an incision. When a laser is used like a scalpel, there can be less bleeding. Although lasers have advantages, there are also risks to any kind of beauty surgery, such as scarring, infection, and other issues, so you need to discuss these with your surgeon. Remember that this is in fact very serious surgery. Make sure you've considered all the less major alternatives.

Laser surgery can be done in a hospital, and there are laser surgery clinics and centers. It is important that you choose a qualified location for any surgery. You must also choose a qualified board certified plastic surgeon, with experience using lasers for the procedure you are requesting. Ask to see before and after pictures. Ask questions about the cost. Among your other questions for the cosmetic surgeon should be why he or she is using a laser and what type of laser will be used.