Developments in the fields of laser technology and application have significantly broadened its clinical use over the past two decades. As lasers became more smaller, more reliable and less expensive, dermatology will benefit new laser-based therapeutic and diagnostic methods. Relevant laser systems and their clinical applications are presented, as are investigational laser systems, which may be of importance for the future in dermatology. We review advances in the use of pulsed lasers for treating vascular and non-vascular, pigmented epidermal and dermal lesions, for precise cutting of tissue, for photodynamic therapy and the future role of diode lasers in dermatological laser surgery is also discussed.