Before COVID-19 came into force, laser hair removal parlors could be found virtually on every street in NYC. Some were storefront setups while others were run by cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
Parlors that specialize in laser treatments typically adhere to state laws that regulate their equipment and offer treatments, with many laws mandating training programs and standardizing equipment in order to guarantee consumer safety and deliver high-quality results.
Training
Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments available in New York City, due to its safety, effectiveness, and convenience. It should be noted, however, that only licensed estheticians and cosmetologists with proper training should perform laser treatments as the state medical board considers it medical procedure which requires physician supervision compared with massage or waxing treatments which do not fall under this classification.
To become certified in laser hair removal, a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a laser hair removal course are both essential steps. While numerous schools provide these courses, it’s crucial that you select an institution which offers quality education and certification programs as well as accreditation from an acknowledged body.
This course will teach you how to safely and effectively utilize laser equipment in various settings – spas, clinics and private practices among them. Furthermore, the FDA regulations regarding laser devices will be addressed as will any legal implications that come with conducting laser procedures.
Laser hair removal involves using a beam of light to attack and destroy hair follicles that contribute to growth, by targeting their chromophore found within hair cells. Lasers of certain wavelengths can then damage these hair cells which create unwanted hair growth – leaving patients feeling similar to when snapping a rubber band snaps; multiple sessions may be required before seeing desired results.
New York law mandates that laser technicians obtain a license before performing this treatment. After passing a background check, these individuals must receive training on both laser physics and skin physiology; emergency protocols; as well as medical protocols in case of medical emergencies. Individuals looking for careers in laser hair removal should enroll in courses offered by reputable academies; while those interested in training should look for schools with experienced faculty who have proven track records of success.
Safety
Laser hair removal has been FDA-approved as a safe, noninvasive solution to reduce unwanted facial and body hair. The procedure uses light-based technology to deliver pulses of energy directly into each individual follicle in order to damage it so it no longer produces new hairs. When choosing an experienced, board-certified dermatologist as your laser hair removal provider, to maximize results without risking burns or hyperpigmentation complications.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, be sure to ask about their training and certification as well as experience treating your skin type/tone. Inquire as well whether they can test their device on a small patch of skin prior to beginning treatment; additionally, shaving prior to your session is also highly recommended so enough anagen phase hairs can be targeted by laser energy.
Students undergoing laser hair removal training gain knowledge on the proper procedures. This includes how to recognize and address side effects associated with laser treatments such as blistering, hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation as well as how to manage pain during an appointment.
While laser devices used for cosmetic procedures are unregulated in all states, it’s still essential to be aware of potential risks. Diabetes or an increased propensity for keloid scarring may increase your chances of complications during laser treatments and lead to greater discomfort after treatment.
Laser hair removal typically causes a burning sensation in the treated area due to laser energy penetrating deeply into skin layers and stimulating hair follicles to enter their resting phases, but this should only last a few minutes at most. Therefore, it is crucial that patients follow instructions given by their doctors regarding applying ice or topical numbing cream prior to their appointments in order to keep discomfort at a minimum.
Though laser treatment is generally safe, for optimal results and minimal side effects it is wise to consult a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. She will work closely with you to tailor an individual plan according to your goals and timeline.
Legality
Laser treatments use light energy to permanently damage hair follicles responsible for hair growth. Each pulse of laser energy takes less than one second to target each follicle and treat multiple hairs simultaneously. Most patients report no discomfort during this procedure; those who feel discomfort should consider applying topical numbing cream or placing ice on the treated area prior to treatment for additional relief.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines establish legality of laser hair removal treatments. Your training will cover these guidelines so you can determine if any treatment is safe for you. Furthermore, many states have their own cosmetology boards which set forth policies and guidelines pertaining to laser treatments.
As the cosmetic laser industry expands, it has become more important for professionals to follow state governing and regulatory guidelines. Doing so not only will improve treatment quality but will also build consumer trust; more state government agencies are passing laws regulating laser treatments.
New York recently proposed a law to mandate licensing and training requirements for laser practitioners – marking a dramatic departure from current practice where only 44 states consider laser treatment medically permissible under supervision by either a physician, nurse, or physician assistant.
New York would join other states that require licensed estheticians and cosmetologists to undergo education and training to perform laser hair removal treatments, along with licensed laser centers ensuring their employees receive appropriate training. The proposal stipulates that New York would join these other states by mandating training of licensed estheticians and cosmetologists as well as licensing of laser centers that host these services for hair removal treatments.
The proposal also establishes minimum equipment standards and a training curriculum for laser technicians. Training should take place at an accredited institution under the supervision of licensed specialists; participants may take part in clinical practicum sessions which give participants an opportunity to work on real clients under direct supervision from licensed specialists.
Plaintiff’s Complaint alleges that defendants breached Education Law SS 6512, which stipulates that any appearance enhancement service must only be administered by licensed medical professionals or directly under physician supervision. It further alleges that they engaged in unlicensed practice of medicine causing plaintiff injury, disfigurement, emotional distress and financial losses.
Cost
New Yorkers often struggle with the high costs associated with laser hair removal treatments. There are ways you can lower these expenses while receiving top-tier care; during your consultation your provider will help create an appropriate treatment schedule to achieve optimal cosmetic results without exceeding your budget. Furthermore, they may provide tips on how to use an at-home laser device correctly so as to avoid damaging skin or creating side effects such as burns.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies regarding laser safety have been put in place, with laser hair removal training courses offering courses covering these policies as continuing education credits. Furthermore, American Spa Association also offers certificate programs for aestheticians wanting to become laser technicians.
AmSpa reports that currently, more than 300 self-described salons or spas in New York offering laser hair removal are registered with it; these storefront locations may belong to chain operators as well as independent operators, while many cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons also provide laser services within their offices.
New York state regulations do not impose additional credentials upon an individual wishing to open and run a laser hair removal business, however some states do require individuals with certain levels of education or experience to obtain a license in order to operate as laser technicians – Georgia for instance requires holders of master cosmetologist/aesthetician licenses before running such businesses.
For your own safety and peace of mind, always choose an experienced dermatologist. A board-certified dermatologist can perform laser hair removal safely and affordably while offering long-term cosmetic results.
Although laser hair removal may cause discomfort for some patients, most find the procedure painless. Most describe its sensation as being similar to rubber bands snapping against your skin. A topical numbing cream may also help alleviate pain during laser hair removal treatments.
As the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end, New York businesses that survived lockdowns, reduced customer traffic and consumer fear are facing a difficult battle to comply with proposed state rules governing appearance-enhancing procedures such as laser hair removal. If these rules are adopted they would regulate salons similarly to doctors’ offices by mandating periodic oversight by physicians.
