Prior to Covid-19’s arrival, laser hair removal salons could be found almost on every street corner in New York. These establishments provided services tailored specifically towards women and men seeking long-lasting and beautiful skin.
Laser hair removal treatments are currently unregulated on a federal level; instead, each state imposes different regulations that vary based on what constitutes medical practice or require training and physician supervision for the procedures.
Training Requirements
Laser hair removal has become increasingly popular, alongside its use to remove tattoos and piercings, treat scarring and other cosmetic conditions, and produce younger-looking skin. While generally safe and effective, this procedure straddles both personal care and medical treatment; sometimes resulting in serious physical harm to users.
Since laser hair removal can cause discoloration and burns to the skin, most states require individuals operating the machines be licensed and trained before they operate them. New York stands out as being one of the few states without these requirements for aestheticians who specialize in this service.
Many states mandate laser technicians take and pass a state-approved course of instruction and written exam before becoming licensed professionals. Courses combine classroom study with hands-on experience at an accredited training facility to teach students how to properly operate a laser machine while complying with all necessary safety precautions.
Some states require laser hair removal specialists in clinics and spas to be licensed, with additional requirements such as having a physician on staff to oversee operations, review policies and procedures annually and provide consultation if complications arise during treatments.
Licensure requirements vary by state, but most require at least a high school diploma or equivalent and some form of certification from a national laser training academy. When enrolling in such programs it is vital that their curriculum be regularly revised in line with advances in laser technologies.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments in any state, individuals must undergo a “patch test.” This involves applying the device to a small patch of skin in order to assess its reaction and any possible side effects or complications from treatment. A patch test is especially vital if clients have sensitive skin or health conditions which make them prone to complications during treatments.
License Requirements
Laser hair removal is one of the world’s most sought-after non-invasive aesthetic treatments, yet its regulatory status varies by state. Some states consider laser hair removal part of medicine, meaning only physicians or physician assistants may perform it, while other require estheticians and beauty professionals to undergo this procedure under medical supervision.
New York stands alone among states in not requiring licensure to operate light-emitting devices like lasers, which can cause skin discoloration and burns if misused. Instead, New York requires that establishments offering laser treatments carry medical malpractice insurance to cover any possible medical damages caused by negligence.
For those considering becoming laser hair removal specialists, national certification from an organization like the American Electrology Association (AEA) should be pursued to bolster your resume and give clients confidence that you have undergone rigorous training and are dedicated to your profession.
Where licenses are necessary, most programs include at least two weeks of classroom study and hands-on practice at an accredited center. The training covers safety precautions for both client and laser specialist. Furthermore, it will offer an in-depth overview of laser science as well as techniques to use lasers safely and efficiently.
At their initial consultation for laser hair removal, clients are assessed based on a review of their medical history and examination of the area being treated. This will allow specialists to ascertain whether treatment is suitable and identify potential risks or complications that may arise during treatment, in addition to discussing any benefits or drawbacks of laser treatment as well as address any questions or voice any concerns from clients about its implementation.
Clients will then undergo a patch test to ascertain how sensitive their skin is to laser treatment, by performing a small patch of laser on either arm or leg and watching for redness or blistering. If symptoms do manifest themselves, however, a specialist should recommend alternative solutions like waxing or shaving in order to minimize further pain and discomfort.
Safety Measures
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies on cosmetic laser equipment have become more clear with time, and most laser hair removal courses cover these regulations to help ensure safety as a technician. Individual states have regulations regarding individual technicians; laws vary from one to another.
In New York, only salons owned by doctors or registered nurses are authorized to perform high-intensity laser hair removal treatments; however, many dermatologists and plastic surgeons also provide laser hair removal treatments at their private clinics or hospitals; these medical establishments usually carry greater responsibility to protect client safety, and will usually require that staff who operate lasers are licensed by the state.
Select a laser hair removal provider who puts client safety first and has highly trained practitioners. In Texas, for instance, state regulations mandate non-medical professionals with laser equipment must employ a medical director who must be on site during each treatment session – however the medical director may delegate non-ablative laser procedures to PAs, RNs or Master Estheticians under his or her guidance.
New York law will likely drive out some of the worst offenders, according to industry experts, yet still fall short in making business entirely safe. Unscrupulous salon owners may use substandard devices in an effort to lower customer prices; untrained and inexperienced technicians also perform treatments without adequate supervision or monitoring.
Due to an increasing number of beauty and wellness centers popping up nationwide, laser hair removal has become more widely accessible than ever. While men and women alike opt for this procedure, it’s essential that prior research be conducted when selecting an establishment for treatment. If in doubt about whether the establishment in question meets regulatory standards for laser hair removal treatments in your state. If in doubt contact either an attorney specializing in health care law or contact the American Spa Association for guidance regarding laser hair removal laws by state.
Procedures
Laser hair removal involves passing a device emitting light over the area where you wish to reduce unwanted hair, with each pulse of laser light taking less than a second and targeting multiple hair follicles at once. The procedure itself should be relatively painless; sensitive skin can request topical anesthetic be applied if necessary. Once treated, you should notice thinner and smaller hairs; multiple sessions may be necessary before permanent results become evident.
Many states deem laser treatments medical procedures, limiting them to healthcare professionals such as nurses and physician’s assistants. Some physicians set up medical spas or aesthetic centers which fall under the same laws as hospitals; those wanting to offer hair removal treatments must go through training similar to healthcare providers before offering these treatments to clients.
New York stands apart. While hair removal services in 44 other states are regulated similar to any cosmetic service, New York has yet to authorize or regulate them as an aesthetic service. That may soon change; a bill has been proposed in New York state legislature that would include licensing and education requirements for operators of light-emitting devices capable of discoloration or burns.
This proposal is the result of years of lobbying by the cosmetic industry and requires salons to undergo state-approved training and examination, in addition to purchasing an $1 million insurance policy. Furthermore, salons that employ high intensity lasers must register them with the state and assign someone responsible for assuring they remain safe for use.
Concerns were voiced by the Medical Society regarding how this bill might impede innovation and prevent New Yorkers from having access to cutting-edge hair removal treatments, yet they supported it if there was also an agreement that required physicians be present when laser therapy treatments are being administered to those requiring direct supervision by healthcare providers.
The bill has yet to pass, but appears on track for passage. Other states have experienced laser injury lawsuits as well; while news coverage usually focuses on such events due to technician mistakes, most incidents result from patient negligence or failure to adhere to proper instructions.
