Laser hair removal is an effective solution to combating unwanted hair growth. It works by targeting pigment in hair follicles and converting their energy into heat; this damage disables them so they cannot produce new hair growth.
Before beginning laser treatment, it is crucial that you refrain from plucking and waxing for six weeks prior to receiving laser therapy. You must also refrain from sunless tanning for six weeks after.
Training Requirements
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular treatment that permanently reduces unwanted body hair by targeting its source – the hair follicles – and delaying or inhibiting future hair growth. A laser emits light energy which absorbs into pigmented follicles and converts it to heat energy; this damages or destroys them, and eventually prevents future hair growth from returning. Typically requiring multiple sessions before optimal results are reached, most clients find they no longer require routine shaving or waxing treatments once their unwanted body hair has been permanently reduced permanently removed!
Most states provide clear guidelines regarding who may provide laser/IPL hair removal services, with training requirements varying by state. Some require physicians to be present during every procedure while other may allow trained physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, or registered nurses provide services instead. Nonphysician providers include those trained as certified laser specialists while others hold medical degrees but no specialty certification – the latter often have less incentive for safety practices and may lack critical judgement during unusual clinical cases which could present unique safety concerns.
Food and Drug Administration regulations regarding laser technology also exist. Most laser hair removal training courses will cover these FDA policies as part of their course curriculum.
Qualifications for laser technicians vary by state, but typically include at least a high school diploma or its equivalent and extensive hands-on training with the lasers they will operate, as well as classes focused on skin safety and proper operation of equipment.
Candidates for laser hair removal must be in good health, and it is best to avoid other methods (plucking, epilating and waxing) of hair removal in the weeks prior to treatment – although shaving will still work since it doesn’t disturb hair roots as much as these other techniques would.
License Requirements
Laser hair removal is an effective and long-term way to reduce unwanted body hair. This treatment uses concentrated beams of light to generate heat that damages hair follicles, inhibiting their continued growth. While several sessions may be necessary, its results should last a long time; you may experience temporary redness following treatment similar to sunburn; however, results vary according to individual patients but most individuals notice permanent hair reduction after multiple treatments have taken place.
How often you need to visit your physician depends on your skin type and size of the treatment area, with consultation typically required to ascertain if you qualify.
At a consultation, a plastic surgeon will review a patient’s medical history and conduct an exam to ascertain whether they qualify as good candidates for laser hair removal. As well as evaluating skin tone and expectations/concerns of the individual patient, the consultation will also cover any expected or unwanted side effects from laser treatment.
Medical spas that specialize in laser hair removal services often employ trained nonphysician providers such as licensed practical nurses and registered professional nurses, as well as having physicians provide medical oversight – but not always physically present – through oversight agreements or remote supervision agreements.
Under this model of practice, physicians who are experts in certain medical specialties may subcontract certain laser procedures to lower-level providers, retaining their reputation while making almost as much money as nonphysician providers. Furthermore, malpractice insurance may cover their entire practice even though they only supervise delegated services.
At a laser hair removal treatment, patients will wear goggles to protect their eyes from laser light. A topical numbing cream may also be applied before beginning, depending on the patient’s level of comfort. After applying this cream, plastic surgeons use handheld laser devices with built-in cooling mechanisms which deliver pulses of laser light directly onto targeted areas – all the while helping ensure their patients don’t overheat during their procedure.
Career Opportunities
Laser hair removal treatments are a popular cosmetic procedure used to eliminate unwanted body hair. The technique involves targeting individual follicles to stop them from producing more hair growth; multiple sessions typically produce long-term reduction. Compared with shaving or waxing, this form of removal is virtually painless with no downtime involved – many opt for this alternative because it avoids needless repeated at-home treatments.
As part of becoming a certified cosmetic laser technician, it is vital that one enrolls in a training program that offers both classroom education and practical experience. Graduates will feel more comfortable administering various cosmetic laser treatments to clients upon completing this course, which may increase self-esteem while diminishing wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of aging for clients.
Laser hair removal training programs offered by various schools vary considerably; when selecting one that is accredited by the National Laser Institute is key. Training should last at least 750 hours and include clinical externship experience so students gain hands-on experience using various lasers while learning how to effectively treat different skin types.
Once they complete a course, students are eligible to sit for an exam and if successful will receive a certificate of completion and be able to apply for jobs at medical aesthetic spas or similar businesses offering laser treatments such as dermatologist offices, fitness centers or niche clinics.
Once someone is certified as a cosmetic laser technician, they can apply their skills and knowledge in real life settings. This career path can be highly satisfying as it allows the individual to feel secure about themselves as an expert technician while building up a clientele base of satisfied clients.
Cosmetic laser technicians can earn an attractive wage depending on their level of skill and experience; typically they can earn between $25-50 per hour for their services.
Certification Requirements
Laser hair removal is a safe, permanent way to reduce unwanted hair. Unlike shaving, waxing and depilatory creams which only target the surface layer, lasers target the root of each follicle to disrupt its growth cycle and achieve long-term hair reduction with typically less pain than at-home options.
To become certified to operate laser equipment, a comprehensive training program must be undertaken. These programs typically last several weeks or months and provide invaluable hands-on experience allowing you to understand how best to utilize the laser on your skin without side effects such as burns or scarring. When complete, a certification exam must be passed to obtain your credentials.
Some medspa physicians opt to delegate laser treatment administration to professionals such as an advanced practice nurse, physician assistant or licensed practical nurse with extensive training in administering lasers. Such professionals are capable of performing non-ablative laser procedures without direct physician supervision; if however an ablative laser procedure must be delegated he or she must remain present on-site and supervise the laser-trained staff member from his/her staff member medspa staff member.
At first, a clinician will shave or trim the area before applying a topical anesthetic cream to minimize discomfort. Next, they’ll place a hand-held laser instrument onto your skin and activate it. A beam of light then passes through your skin into your hair pigment where it overheats and destroys it – without harming nearby skin or leaving scars behind! Luckily this method allows them to treat large areas quickly without risk.
Laser treatments may cause a temporary stinging or burning sensation and your skin might look red for several minutes following treatment. Furthermore, you might see a few hairs fall out during or in the days following your appointment – these side effects will subside once hair follicles return to their regular growth cycles.
Laser technology is revolutionizing beauty and medical procedures. Thanks to advancements in this field, laser hair removal can now be performed on many different skin types and hair colors – including dark skin. At Bella Sana Med Spa in Chicago IL we specialize in dark skin laser hair removal using our Syneron Candela Gentlemax Pro system that utilizes both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers safely remove hair from any complexion.
