As laser devices become smaller, more reliable, and less expensive, dermatology will benefit from new laser-based therapeutic and diagnostic methods. Already there are simple, non-scarring, and relatively painless techniques for removal of pigmented lesions, tattoos, and vascular lesions. Because much of the basic and applied research in photobiology is grounded in dermatology research, dermatology will continue to be a major contributor to advances in laser medicine and photomedicine. An increase in understanding and ability to manipulate laser-tissue interactions will add greatly to the future of medicine and surgery, especially in applications utilizing pulsed lasers. We are learning how to: 1) vary wavelength, pulse duration, and energy to influence the nature of microscopic injury and host response in order to achieve a net therapeutic benefit; 2) utilize exogenous chromophores to increase the selection of targets for laser radiation; and 3) capture optical technology developed for industrial and military use, in order to benefit mankind with new medical and surgical techniques.