Laser medicine
Light as a precision tool
From eye surgery to kidney stones to pigment spots: every medical laser works with a specific wavelength that hits a specific target in the tissue. Here we explain which laser does what, where the limits are and what to look out for before a treatment.
Logarithmic wavelength scale, schematic. Tap a laser to learn more.
All laser topics
- NewCompanionYour treatment companionStep by step before, during and after laser treatment – with a personal checklist.
- NewBasicsHow does a medical laser work?Wavelength, target structure, pulse duration – the principle behind every laser treatment.
- NewSafety & lawWho may perform laser treatments?What Germany’s radiation protection regulation (NiSV) reserves for doctors.
- SkinLaser treatment for pigmentationPreparation, aftercare and what a 30 % vitamin C serum really does.
- NewSkinVascular lasersFacial redness, rosacea, port-wine stains and haemangiomas.
- NewSkinLaser for acne and other scarsFractional lasers, timing, sessions and realistic expectations.
- SkinSkin pigmentation disordersAge spots, melasma and more: types, laser and care.
- NewEyesLaser eye surgery: LASIK, SMILE, PRKWho it suits, how it works and which risks remain.
- NewVeinsLaser for varicose veinsEndovenous laser therapy compared with other methods.
- VeinsVaricose veinsCauses, risks and treatment options at a glance.
- NewUrologyLaser for the prostate and kidney stonesHoLEP, thulium laser and laser lithotripsy explained.
- UrologyKidney stonesColic, treatment and prevention.
- NewDentistryLaser in dentistryWhere lasers help in the dental practice – and where evidence is thin.
Laser medicine series
- NewSeries · 5 partsHistory of the laserFrom Einstein’s idea in 1917 and the first laser in 1960 to fractional lasers and today’s laser eye surgery.
- NewSeries · 4 partsLasers & AIWhat artificial intelligence can do in laser medicine – diagnosis, precision, rules and data protection.
All parts: History of the laser · All parts: Lasers & AI · All laser articles
The principle in 30 seconds
A laser produces light of a single wavelength, focused and precisely dosed. Each wavelength is absorbed particularly strongly by certain substances in the tissue: melanin in pigment spots and hair roots, haemoglobin in blood vessels, water in skin cells, pigment particles in tattoos. With the right wavelength, energy and pulse duration, the laser heats or destroys mainly the target and spares the surrounding tissue. Experts call this selective photothermolysis. More: How does a medical laser work?
Before you have laser treatment
- Diagnosis first, then the laser: pigment spots and moles should be assessed by a dermatologist beforehand. Early skin cancer can resemble a harmless spot.
- Who treats you? In Germany, ablative laser treatments, the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions and the removal of tattoos and permanent make-up may only be performed by licensed doctors with appropriate specialist or further training (NiSV, Section 5).
- Skin and sun: tanned or darker skin reacts more sensitively. Sun protection before and after treatment is essential.
- Informed consent: ask about the goal, number of sessions, downtime, risks and alternatives – and which results are realistic.
- Medication and medical history such as photosensitising drugs, a tendency to cold sores or to scarring should be discussed beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Does laser treatment hurt?
That depends on the method and body area. Many treatments feel like the snap of a rubber band or like warmth. Cooling, numbing creams or local anaesthesia make stronger procedures such as ablative resurfacing tolerable.
Is IPL the same as a laser?
No. IPL devices (intense pulsed light) emit a broad spectrum of light that is adjusted with filters. They are used for similar purposes but are less targeted than a laser with a single wavelength.
Who may perform laser treatments in Germany?
The NiSV has applied since 31 December 2020. Certain applications – such as ablative procedures, the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions and tattoo removal – are reserved for doctors. For other cosmetic uses such as permanent hair removal, proof of specialist knowledge has been required since the end of 2022.
Does health insurance pay for laser treatment?
For medically necessary treatments, such as certain urological or eye procedures, often yes. Aesthetic treatments are usually paid privately. Check cover with your insurer beforehand.
Note: This section provides general information and does not replace medical advice. It is not advertising for any particular treatment or provider.