What Are The Four Main Types Of Lasers
Sep 17, 2026
The four main types of lasers in professional aesthetic and medical applications are commonly categorized by the material or technology that generates the laser beam:
1. Diode Lasers
Diode lasers use semiconductor materials to generate laser energy. They are compact, efficient, and available in various wavelengths.
Common aesthetic applications:
Hair removal - 755 nm, 808 nm, 1064 nm
Vascular treatment - 980 nm
Nail fungus treatment - 980 nm
Some skin and tissue applications
2. Nd:YAG Lasers
Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers commonly operate at 1064 nm and can also produce 532 nm through frequency doubling.
Common applications:
Tattoo removal
Pigmentation treatment
Vascular treatment
Hair removal
Skin rejuvenation
3. CO₂ Lasers
CO₂ lasers typically operate at 10,600 nm and are strongly absorbed by water in tissue.
Common applications:
Fractional skin resurfacing
Acne scar treatment
Wrinkle improvement
Skin texture improvement
Scar treatment
CO₂ lasers can produce stronger ablative effects than many non-ablative laser systems, so treatment settings and patient selection are particularly important.
4. Er:YAG Lasers
Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers typically operate at around 2,940 nm and have very high absorption by water.
Common applications:
Skin resurfacing
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scars
Skin texture improvement
Selected ablative dermatological procedures
Quick Comparison
| Laser Type | Typical Wavelength | Common Aesthetic Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Diode | 755–1064 nm, depending on system | Hair removal, vascular, nail fungus |
| Nd:YAG | 1064 / 532 nm | Tattoo, pigmentation, vascular |
| CO₂ | 10,600 nm | Fractional resurfacing, scars, wrinkles |
| Er:YAG | 2,940 nm | Resurfacing, wrinkles, scars |
