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The following is a summary of “Cosmetic Lasers in the US: Who’s Using Them, the Latest Technology, and What Patients Need to Know,” published in the May 2025 issue of Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology by Coyle and Kesty. 

The use of laser treatments for cosmetic and medical dermatologic conditions had increased, while provider training varied widely, raising concerns about patient safety and treatment effectiveness.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the availability and practice patterns of fellowship-trained laser dermatologists compared to medical spas and plastic surgeons providing laser services.  

They performed an online search and telephone survey in September 2024 to identify board-certified dermatologists who completed an American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Cosmetics and Lasers Fellowship. Data were collected from dermatology, plastic surgery, and medical spa practices on consultation availability, pricing, provider involvement, technology investment, and treatment customization.  

The results showed that 124 fellowship-trained dermatologists were identified. Compared to medical spas and plastic surgeons, these dermatologists had longer consultation wait times (23 vs 4 and 11 days) and higher consultation fees ($153 vs $30 and $78) and also possessed more laser devices per practice. Physician involvement in laser procedures was higher among dermatologists (60%) than plastic surgeons (33%) and medical spas (9%). Medical spas relied mainly on nonphysician providers (26%) and laser technicians (56%), with only 41% providing direct on-site supervision. Treatment customization was more common in dermatology and plastic surgery practices (98%) compared to medical spas (63%). Dermatologists dedicated more clinical time to laser procedures, with 19% spending over half of their practice on lasers, while none at medical spas or plastic surgery offices did so.  

Investigators concluded that fellowship-trained laser dermatologists delivered greater physician involvement, advanced technology, and tailored treatments, emphasizing the critical role of specialized training for optimal patient care compared to medical spas and plastic surgeons. 

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.70235