Do-it-yourself cosmetic lasers worry doctors

Last year, more than 11-million cosmetic procedures were performed in this country and 80-percent of them were non-surgical.

Now many people have found a way to revitalize skin, without the expense, in the comfort of their own home.

Hand-held, personal lasers pledge do-it-yourself costs with professional results. They promise to smooth wrinkles and get rid of blotches.

From $129 to upwards of $500, Web sites are loaded with convincing before and after photos.

"I think this is the wave of the future," says Dr. Jay Burns, former president of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Burns says some of the devices are based on legitimate science. Some are not.

The RejuvaWand is available online for just $159. It really does have two infrared wavelengths of laser energy. In theory, it's similar to the high-powered devices that cost customers hundreds of dollars a session.

Instead of half a dozen or so treatments over time, people are advised to use the RejuvaWand every day.

"The theory is that you do it every day so it adds up," says Dr. Burns. "Well, zero plus zero I think equals zero. I don't think there's enough energy to make a difference."

Aesthetician Tina Jackson says there may be another complication.

"I have a hard enough time getting my patients keep their cleanser on their skin for two minutes, let along hold a device on their skin for 10 to 30 minutes at a time," Jackson says.

News 8 also checked out the popular Zeno device which is widely advertised and sold in retail stores to reduce acne.

It operates on the same principle as a laser by heating beneath the skin to promote healing.

Dr. Burns says it does work.

"But if you compare that, it's actually no better than benzoil peroxide," Burns says. "So it might work, but it's a lot of money, and benzoil peroxide is just a prescription or over-the-counter [treatment]."

After several at-home treaments, patient Marsha Pendleton decided to return to a skilled clinician.

"I can already see more results than what I smeared on my face at home," she says.

Doctors say there may be some other positive news about these personal lasers. They're not powerful enough to do any real harm, right now.
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