Types of Laser Surgery Procedures

Many people are familiar with laser eye surgery, but they may not realize just how many other types of laser surgery procedures exist.

From dental and cosmetic treatments to complex urological and thoracic operations, the medical use of lasers has become widespread in modern healthcare.

By harnessing lasers in medicine and surgery, healthcare professionals can perform safer, more precise, and minimally invasive procedures — significantly enhancing patient care.

Skilled surgeon performing precise surgery on a patient.

The Medical Use of Lasers

Lasers used in surgery emit focused beams of light that accurately target tissue, helping reduce damage to surrounding areas. This precision is why lasers are adopted for both diagnostics and treatments across multiple specialties.

Lasers enable surgeons to tackle more complex tasks, minimize blood loss, lessen postoperative discomfort, and lower the risk of wound infection — all of which contribute to better healing.

As the use of lasers in the medical field continues to advance, the types of laser surgery procedures keep expanding, leading to more effective disease management, greater patient outcomes, and innovative treatments that push the boundaries of modern medicine.

What Medical Professions Use Laser Therapy

Various specialties use lasers in medicine and surgery, including:

Their goal is to offer safer, more precise treatments while improving patient comfort and recovery.

Types of Lasers Used in Surgery

CO₂ Lasers

CO₂ lasers deliver intense light energy at a wavelength absorbed by water-rich tissues.

Typical applications include ENT procedures (e.g., tonsil and throat surgeries), dermatological treatments (skin resurfacing), and various soft-tissue operations where precise cutting with built-in hemostasis is needed.

Examples: DEKA is recognized worldwide for its CO₂ laser technology, delivering exceptional soft-tissue precision and control.

Holmium Lasers

Holmium lasers produce light at a wavelength (around 2100 nm) absorbed by water, enabling the efficient fragmentation of stones and precise cutting of tissue.

Typical applications include urological stone management (lithotripsy), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatments, and orthopedic arthroscopic procedures.

Examples: Quanta System’s Holmium lasers offer robust energy output and fine control for stone fragmentation or soft-tissue work.

Thulium Lasers

Similar to holmium lasers in their water absorption properties, Thulium lasers operate at a slightly different wavelength (around 1900 nm), allowing for smooth tissue incision and effective vaporization.

Typical applications include urological treatments such as vaporization or enucleation of the prostate, along with select soft-tissue surgeries requiring precision and minimal bleeding.

Examples: Quanta System brings advanced thulium technology to the surgical field. Surgeons can perform tissue ablation and stone management with a cleaner, more controlled laser beam, improving patient outcomes.

Diode Lasers

Diode lasers typically emit at wavelengths absorbed by hemoglobin and melanin, enabling effective hemostasis and soft-tissue cutting.

Typical applications include dental procedures like gingivectomy, minor soft-tissue revisions in ENT or dermatology, and select cosmetic treatments (e.g., hair removal).

Examples: There are several types of diode lasers, including quantum well laser diodes, Fabry-Perot laser diodes, and fiber-coupled diode lasers, each offering distinct advantages in terms of wavelength, output power, and beam delivery.

Nd:YAG Lasers

Nd:YAG lasers emit near-infrared light (1064 nm) that penetrates deeper into tissues, providing strong coagulation and effective subgingival bacterial reduction.

Typical applications include certain periodontal procedures, vascular lesion treatments, and select minimally invasive surgeries where deeper thermal penetration is advantageous.

Examples: Nd:YAG lasers come in several forms, such as long-pulsed and Q-switched models, each offering distinct pulse durations suited for specific clinical applications.

Types of Laser Surgery Procedures

Dental laser used on a patient on soft and hard tissue.

Dental

Laser Use in Dentistry

Explore how dental lasers are transforming modern dentistry, from gingivectomy and operculectomy procedures to faster healing and better precision.

February 27, 2025

Doctor with laser and protective glasses treating a patient.

ENT

Laser Use in ENT Procedures

Explore how ENT laser surgery reduces bleeding and preserves delicate tissues, and learn how CO₂ lasers in ENT optimize precision and speed recove

February 24, 2025

Doctor screening and diagnosis mouth of tongue-tie patient.

ENT

Laser Frenectomy Procedure

Discover how a frenectomy laser can streamline tongue-tie or lip-tie treatments, reduce healing time, and improve patient outcomes.

February 20, 2025

Woman checking her smile through mirror in dental office.

Dental

Laser Gingivectomy Procedure

Discover how laser gingivectomy removes and reshapes gum tissue for crown prep or aesthetics with less bleeding, minimal pain, and faster recovery in modern dentistry.

February 13, 2025

Man smells mouth for bad breath in bathroom.

ENT

Laser Tonsil Cryptolysis Procedure

Discover how laser tonsil cryptolysis targets problematic crypts for tonsil stones and learn why CO₂ lasers are ideal for precise, minimally invasive cryptolysis.

February 10, 2025

Wisdom teeth affect and cause gum infection.

Dental

Operculectomy Dental Procedure

Discover how laser-assisted operculectomy procedures can effectively remove the operculum, reduce infection risk, and improve patient comfort in modern dentistry.

February 6, 2025

Partner with IML for Advanced Lasers Used in Surgery

International Medical Lasers (IML) specializes in distributing state-of-the-art medical laser systems from leading brands that allow for precise, effective, and patient-friendly procedures across all the specialties mentioned above.

Whether you’re a medical device sales professional in the U.S. looking to expand your business or a practice looking to integrate more lasers into your procedures, connect with us today for more information about our range of laser technologies.

International Medical Lasers (IML) has sourced the highest quality medical devices from around the world since 2011. As a company focused on innovation, we deliver cutting-edge medical devices to surgery centers, hospitals, and other medical institutions in the U.S.

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