[Medical-cosmetic devices for home use: Present and future considerations]

Laser systems and other energy sources for home use are being developed and will have an exponential growth in the coming years. It is in the field of laser hair removal and hair regrowth where these lasers and intense pulsed light systems for home use are gaining most ground. There are few studies supporting their efficacy and safety and there are still no long term studies. Currently these systems do not require medical prescription and can be purchased in the same way as any over-the-counter product. Although they are not a substitute for professional medical systems, they will play an important role in the treatment of medical and cosmetic conditions, and dermatologists should know about them. Technological progress and commercial and market pressures will encourage the development of more sophisticated devices and broaden the cosmetic and medical indications. Appropriate use and rigorous long-term studies would be desirable to better define their safety and efficacy.