Laser beams are being used more and more in the medical field. Lately laser treatment to help smokers quit for good is gaining popularity. Clinical trials don't show the treatment to have the success many former smokers claim. That's why the US Food and Drug Administration doesn't hold a view on it.

Health Canada, the governing body for healthcare in that country, says it does not recommend laser treatment for smoking cessation because "a recent review of scientific studies indicated that these approaches were not any more effective than a placebo (i.e. an inactive treatment)".

In the UK the treatment is often covered by the country's National Health Service. Monklands Hospital in Scotland did clinical trials with its own staff and 52 percent kicked the habit.

In Bermuda, laser treatments for combatting smoking are available at at least one office. Azure Medical Spa started offering the treatment earlier this year. Licensed medical aesthetician Sasha Benson said about 50 people have used the service.

The Ministry of Health doesn't hold a view on the treatments but chief environmental health officer David Kendell said all laser equipment has to meet local regulations.

He pointed to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, which dictate that every office that has such devices must report them to the Health and Safety Office. He also noted that lasers can be dangerous to the eyes.