“We did the first laser hair removal in the mid-1990s,� says Rox Anderson, director of the Wellman Research Center at Harvard Medical School. “Today, it’s the most popular medical use of lasers in the world.�

Now Anderson is introducing reversible tattoo ink and taking aim at fat with a laser that could “kill fat-containing cells,� potentially reducing cellulite, spare tires, and saddle bags:

“Our experiments have shown that it’s feasible to kill some fat without hurting overlying skin, but we haven’t yet treated people.â€? According to Anderson, lasers have limitless possibilities – “people think new technology is making things happen, but often it’s a new understanding of what already exists.”

Here, the treatments that are direct result of Anderson’s work:

Pulsed-dye: Lightens spots and port-wine birthmarks.

Fraxel: Tightens skin and eliminates some scars, spots, and wrinkles.

Alexandrite (for light skin), Diode (for medium), or Nd:YAG (for dark): Removes unwanted hair.

As yet unnamed fat-burning laser (in development for about two more years): Intended to kill fat cells, possibly reducing cellulite, stomach bulge, and thigh jiggle. [source: Allure]