A surgical laser is a specialised piece of equipment that can cut through skin and other soft tissues, just like a normal surgical blade, but since the emitted energy also results in heat, small blood vessels are sealed immediately. The laser therefore cuts and vaporises tissue, with minimal bleeding.

This is particularly useful when operating on skin tumours, where there is an increased risk of spreading the tumour via the blood or lymphatic system. As the laser vaporises the cells it cuts, any potential cancerous cells are also killed, thereby reducing the chance of tumour cells contaminating the surrounding healthy tissues. Once the growth is removed the underlying area can be crosshatched with the laser to vaporise any remaining cancerous cells.

The laser has distinct advantages over other treatment methods such as the application of creams as these often have to be reapplied on numerous occasions. Laser therapy however removes the offending tissue in one session. It also has the benefits of rapid healing times, good cosmetic results, minimal complications and most importantly good success rates with a low recurrence rate. Despite all its advantages some sarcoids, depending on the type and position, are still best treated by more traditional methods or a combination of the laser with other options.