A battery-powered laser-based dermatological treatment device may include a laser unit comprising at least one laser diode, a battery unit, at least one sensor configured to generate sensor signals, and a laser drive control system including a laser drive circuit comprising the laser unit, the battery unit, a first switch (e.g., a first FET), and a second switch (e.g., a second FET), wherein the laser unit is arranged in series between the first switch and the second switch, and control electronics configured to control the first switch based at least on sensor signals from the at least one sensor, and control the second switch using pulse width modulation (PWM), thereby delivering current from the battery unit to the laser unit with a PWM current waveform. The laser drive circuit may also include a snubber circuit configured to prevent voltage spikes upon the second switch being turned off.