Laser treatment demand and trends
As patient demand grows, laser treatments offer a high-value, non-invasive addition to clinic services—from hair removal to skin rejuvenation. With new regulations and risk factors, clinics must stay clinically prepared, insured, and compliant.
As consumer demand for non-invasive, results-oriented procedures continues to grow, lasers have become an essential part of a modern aesthetic practice. The technology is not only more advanced than ever, delivering improved efficacy and reduced downtime, but is also more versatile, addressing everything from unwanted hair to skin rejuvenation and body contouring. This makes it a powerful tool on any clinic treatment menu.
The global market for aesthetic laser and light therapy systems was valued at approximately $2.5 billion (£1.87bn) in 2022 and is projected to reach $3.8 billion (£2.84bn) with a CAGR of 6.4% by 2029.
But what’s driving this demand? Patients today are savvier and have higher aesthetic expectations. They want treatments that work quickly, offer minimal recovery time, and deliver visible results. The post-pandemic shift towards self-care and virtual presence has also intensified this trend, as people become increasingly conscious of their appearance on screen.
Simultaneously, broader societal factors such as hormonal health awareness and the normalisation of cosmetic procedures have made treatments like laser hair removal and tattoo reduction more socially acceptable, and therefore more in demand.
For clinics, laser services represent a high-value and scalable addition to any treatment menu. But to succeed, providers must pair clinical innovation with regulatory compliance, patient safety, and robust insurance coverage.
Laser and IPL hair removal remains one of the most requested treatments across all clinic types. Driven by the demand for long-term, low-maintenance hair reduction, it is a treatment that appeals to a wide demographic, from younger patients seeking preventative grooming solutions to older, menopausal clients experiencing hormonal hair growth.
According to recent data from Rare Consulting, laser hair removal is now the most popular treatment in UK aesthetics, overtaking botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, with around 5.6 million people in the UK now considering laser hair removal treatment in the next 12 months. In addition, Grand View Research predicts the laser hair removal market in the UK will reach a projected revenue of US$ 93.2 million (£69.77m) by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate of 17.2% from 2023 to 2030. One increasingly important driver of laser hair removal demand is hormonal change. With greater awareness of how conditions like PCOS influence hair growth, there is a growing opportunity to support those with underlying hormonal issues. Hormonal hair growth also impacts many women going through perimenopause and menopause. Declining oestrogen levels can trigger coarse facial hair growth, particularly on the chin, jawline, and upper lip. This can be distressing and significantly impact self-esteem.
Medical aesthetic clinics are uniquely positioned to support menopausal patients. Using appropriate laser wavelengths, practitioners can offer effective, long-term hair reduction while managing expectations around hormonal influence and the potential need for maintenance sessions. Hormonal hair can be challenging to treat even with laser, so managing expectations is key.
Laser hair removal is also a popular treatment with male patients, with larger spot sizes and more comfortable treatments making it easier to treat areas like backs and chests. According to research by Rare Consulting, the most important driver for men seeking aesthetic treatments is the desire to improve self-confidence. This motivation is followed by a desire to counteract ageing (35%), look their best for special occasions (31%), or simply look good for a holiday (28%).
Laser hair removal also plays a pivotal role in gender-affirming treatment plans for transgender and non-binary individuals.
Clinics offering laser hair removal to trans patients must prioritise sensitivity, inclusivity, and robust consultation protocols. Key considerations include:
Respectful language and gender-neutral forms
Understanding of hormone therapy and its impact on hair growth
Patch testing and device calibration for varying hair thickness and skin types
Affirming aftercare that reflects both clinical and emotional needs
Read our article on gender identity and how to be more inclusive in aesthetics and listen to our podcast with Dr Vincent Wong for more on this topic.
Laser skin rejuvenation is seeing renewed interest as patients look for effective treatments that restore skin texture, tone, and luminosity without surgery. These procedures address common concerns such as fine lines, enlarged pores, rough texture, sun damage, pigmentation and general skin dullness.
The global market for skin rejuvenation devices was estimated at $2.5 billion (£1.86bn) in the year 2024 and is expected to reach $4.2bn (£3.12bn) by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.9%. Growth in the laser-based devices segment is estimated at 9.6% CAGR over the analysis period.
The growth in the skin rejuvenation devices market is driven by several factors, including the rising popularity of aesthetic and non-invasive cosmetic procedures and technological advancements in laser, RF, LED, and ultrasound technologies. The growing use of skin rejuvenation devices for anti-ageing, acne treatment, and scar removal, coupled with the demand for energy-based, light-based, and combination therapy devices, is creating new opportunities for market growth.
In addition, trends such as the Korean beauty-inspired “glass skin” have now caught on globally, and are particularly popular among the younger generation seeking skin health treatments. Demand for “glass skin products” has skyrocketed by 202% in the past five years, according to Fresha with the hashtag #glassskin, trending on social media.
The reduced downtime now offered by newer fractional technologies and the increasing popularity of multi-modality approaches has given laser a place at this table.
Other trends include ‘collagen banking’, an approach to proactively maintain and boost collagen earlier, and the role of certain laser treatments in boosting collagen production is now being recognised. Treatments like laser skin tightening can stimulate collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. This also sits alongside the demand for regenerative procedures and no-needle therapies.
Hamilton Fraser’s 2024 practitioner survey showed 64.1% of respondents were interested in regenerative therapies for their ability to “transform skin health, not just appearance.”
Lasers fit perfectly into this trend. By stimulating controlled micro-injury, they trigger the body’s natural wound-healing cascade, resulting in:
Collagen and elastin production
Smoother texture, improved tone, and tighter skin
Enhanced absorption and performance of PRP, exosomes, and polynucleotides when used together.
Once a niche service, tattoo removal is now one of the most consistently growing treatment categories. Millennials and Gen Z, many of whom got tattoos in their teens and twenties, are now seeking revision or removal, often for professional or personal reasons. We are also seeing the trend among celebrities with stars such as comedian Pete Davidson, actor Angelina Jolie and reality star Khloé Kardashian undergoing removal.
According to data from AllWhite Laser, the UK tattoo removal market presents a lucrative business opportunity. An estimated one in five Brits regret at least one tattoo, and demand for safe, effective removal is growing, with 17% expressing a desire to have them removed.
This growing interest is projected to continue, with an estimated annual growth rate of 5.5% from 2021 to 2028.
Clinics are increasingly investing in Q-switched and picosecond lasers, which are capable of breaking down ink particles more efficiently with lower risk of scarring or pigmentary changes. These advanced lasers are especially popular due to their ability to treat a wider range of ink colours and skin types. Tattoo removal is often a long-term journey, requiring multiple sessions and setting realistic patient expectations is key.
Combination treatments: The rise of ‘treatment stacking’
Another trend we identified at the start of 2025 was combination treatments or treatment stacking. Patients are now looking for multi-layered results, minimal downtime, and customisation. This has given rise to an increase in the popularity of combination therapy over single modailites, where treatments such as lasers, injectables, and regenerative solutions are layered strategically in one session or over a short course of treatment.
The global market for combination treatments in aesthetics was valued at $3.69 billion (£2.79bn) in 2024 and is forecast to more than double to $8.03 billion (£6.06bn) by 2034. Lasers play a key role in this growth, often combined with:
PRP and polynucleotides to enhance skin regeneration
Radiofrequency or ultrasound for synergistic tightening
Fillers and toxin to reduce volume loss or address lines and wrinkles
This “treatment stacking” trend places new emphasis on practitioner expertise, requiring detailed treatment planning, anatomical understanding, and knowledge of how various technologies interact.
Hamilton Fraser supports clinics offering combination treatments under its Essential, Essential+, and Laser insurance packages – provided appropriate training and protocols are in place.
Beyond facial aesthetics, lasers are playing a growing role in intimate health and women’s wellness. CO2 lasers can be used in intimate health primarily for vaginal rejuvenation and addressing symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, which can be associated with menopause or other conditions.
They work by stimulating the production of collagen, rehydrating and tightening the membrane lining of the vaginal wall. The new collagen and elastin growth improves lubrication and restores the strength and elasticity of the vaginal walls.
These non-surgical, quick, and low-downtime procedures offer relief from symptoms such as:
Vaginal dryness and atrophy
Pain during intercourse
Mild urinary incontinence
In addition, Erbium YAG laser can be used to treat vulvar lichen sclerosis, a chronic condition causing itching, pain, and skin changes.
Undertaking intimate health procedures requires appropriate training, insurance and safeguarding measures. Read our guide on Safeguarding women undergoing intimate health procedures in aesthetic clinics for more.
Hamilton Fraser provides cover for clinics embracing the future of aesthetics, including:
High-demand laser and IPL treatments
Advanced combination therapies
Regenerative protocols
Hormonal and gender-affirming hair removal
Intimate health laser procedures
Start protecting your clinic today. Get a quote online or call 0800 63 43 881 to speak to a member of our team.
Long-term results with minimal downtime
Hormonal and lifestyle changes
Aesthetic trends and social media influence
