Laser Skin Treatments Usage by Clinics in United States 2025

Understanding Laser Skin Treatments and Their Applications

Laser skin treatments employ concentrated beams of light to target specific skin tissues. The energy from lasers can stimulate collagen production, resurface damaged skin, reduce pigmentation, or collapse unwanted blood vessels—all while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue. The two primary types of laser treatments are:

• Ablative lasers: These are more aggressive and physically remove the outer layers of skin. Examples include Er:YAG and CO2 lasers, typically used for resurfacing to reduce wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.
• Non-ablative lasers: These target deeper skin layers without damaging the surface and require less downtime. They are often used for skin tightening, reducing pigmentation, treating redness, and mild resurfacing.

Common cosmetic indications include fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, age spots, uneven skin tone, rosacea, spider veins, and unwanted hair removal.

Who Provides Laser Skin Treatments in US Clinics?

In 2025, laser treatments in the United States are offered primarily across three categories of providers:

• Fellowship-Trained Dermatologists: These are board-certified dermatologists who have completed a specialized Fellowship in Cosmetics and Lasers through the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). There are about 124 such specialists nationwide, reflecting rarity (approximately one per 2.7 million people). They tend to work in dermatology clinics.
• Plastic Surgery Offices: Plastic surgeons also provide laser treatments; their level of specific laser training can vary.
• Medical Spas: These establishments offer laser services with varying degrees of physician involvement and often employ nonphysician providers or laser technicians as primary operators.

Differences in Training, Provider Involvement, and Supervision

There are significant variations in provider training and involvement depending on the clinical setting:

• Dermatology Clinics: Physicians perform about 60% of laser procedures and personally consult 84% of patients. Furthermore, these clinics provide direct on-site supervision of nonphysician providers 93% of the time. Some dermatologists dedicate a substantial portion of their clinical time to laser treatments—with about 19% spending over half their clinical time in this specialty.
• Plastic Surgery Offices: Physicians perform approximately 33% of laser cases, nonphysician providers 18%, and laser technicians 35%. Supervision of nonphysicians occurs about 90% of the time.
• Medical Spas: Physician involvement is limited to about 9% of laser treatments, with laser technicians performing the majority (56%). Around 41% of these practices provide direct on-site supervision.

Higher physician involvement and supervision in dermatology clinics may support enhanced safety and treatment efficacy.

Technological Resources and Treatment Customization

Fellowship-trained dermatologists lead in technological investment:

• Dermatology clinics typically maintain a large and diverse inventory of lasers and energy-based devices. Approximately 18% of these clinics have more than 21 laser devices, enabling precise tailoring of treatments to individual patient needs.
• By comparison, medical spas and plastic surgery clinics generally have fewer devices, often only 2 to 4, which may limit customization options.
• Customized laser settings and combined treatment approaches are employed by 98% of dermatologists and plastic surgeons, while about 63% of medical spas offer customized plans.

More comprehensive customization options may help improve treatment outcomes and mitigate risks.

Costs and Accessibility of Laser Treatments

Costs for laser skin treatments vary based on provider type and procedure complexity:

• Consultation Fees:
• Dermatologists charge an average of $153 per initial consultation.
• Plastic surgeons average $78.
• Medical spas charge approximately $30.
• Procedure Costs:
• Ablative laser procedures cost about $4,055 at dermatology clinics.
• Plastic surgeons average $3,154 for ablative treatments.
• Medical spas offer lower prices, averaging $1,157 for ablative lasers.
• Nonablative procedures similarly tend to cost more at dermatology clinics than at other settings.

Higher costs at dermatology clinics may reflect advanced technology, specialized physician expertise, and comprehensive care. Patients often weigh factors including cost and wait times when selecting providers.

Regarding wait times for new patient consultations:

• Dermatologists average 23 days, reflecting demand and limited provider availability.
• Medical spas provide faster access, averaging 4 days.
• Plastic surgeons average about 11 days.

Safety and Quality Outcomes Tied to Provider Expertise

Available data indicate that laser treatments performed by fellowship-trained dermatologists tend to have lower complication rates compared to those conducted by providers with less specialized laser training.

High physician involvement, direct supervision, and extensive training in dermatology clinics are associated with:

• Enhanced patient safety
• Reduced risk of adverse effects
• Treatment outcomes aligned with personalized care approaches

Medical spas’ comparatively lower physician involvement and supervision may necessitate careful patient consideration and due diligence regarding safety standards.

Trends Impacting Laser Treatments in US Clinics

The laser treatment market in the United States is part of a global industry valued at over $4.1 billion in 2023, with projected growth partly driven by increasing demand for dermatologic and aesthetic laser procedures. A compound annual growth rate of approximately 11.1% is expected from 2024 through 2033.

North America leads the market, supported by consumer demand and the presence of key medical device manufacturers. Clinics continue to adopt cutting-edge laser technologies emphasizing precision and minimally invasive approaches.

In 2025, laser skin treatments in the United States are offered broadly but vary significantly depending on provider qualifications, clinical setting, technology, and treatment customization. Fellowship-trained dermatologists, while rare, represent the highest level of expertise and resource availability.

When considering laser procedures, patients may benefit from evaluating:

• The extent of physician involvement in consultations and treatments
• Provider training and supervision standards
• Clinic technology and capability for individualized treatment plans
• Cost differences that may reflect care comprehensiveness and quality
• Wait times in relation to provider expertise and safety

Choosing providers with advanced laser training and adequate clinical resources may help support safer treatments and favorable skin outcomes.

Sources

• Cosmetic Lasers in the US: Who’s Using Them, the Latest Technology, and What Patients Need to Know
• Transform Your Skin with Laser Treatments in Minneapolis
• Laser Treatment Market Report 2024–2033

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