Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment that reduces the need for shaving, waxing and tweezing to manage unwanted hair growth. Furthermore, it provides more permanent results than electrolysis methods.
Practitioners using such powerful devices must be licensed medical professionals such as an MD, RN, PA or NP; however a non-medical professional or entrepreneur may own the clinic in which these powerful weapons are deployed.
Benefits
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses light energy to effectively and permanently eliminate unwanted hair. This procedure can be performed on virtually any part of the body – such as face, underarms, bikini area and legs – quickly and painlessly without anesthesia required – most commonly offered at spas or salons but also available from medical offices and dermatology centers.
Professionals licensed as laser hair removal specialists can become certified to offer this service either independently or in partnership with doctors. This enables physicians to expand their range of procedures while increasing revenue for their practice; many clients appreciate the convenience and affordability of this service; it should be noted, however, that not all professionals receive identical training from physicians because each state’s rules regarding certification vary accordingly.
Physicians performing laser treatment directly are at greater risk of malpractice lawsuits, making them more inclined to be safe when administering laser treatments directly. Nonphysician providers, on the other hand, may be partially or fully protected by their supervising physician’s malpractice coverage; this may reduce their incentive to be safe as well as their likelihood to exercise critical judgment when faced with clinical cases that present unique safety risks.
Laser hair-removal providers should be trained in using various wavelengths for different skin and hair types, be familiar with their physiology, be able to assess each patient’s individual skin and hair type prior to treatment and modify protocols accordingly; additionally they must understand any potential adverse side effects from treatment.
While laser hair removal has long been seen as a cosmetic treatment reserved for women, more men than ever are seeking it to address unwanted hair and associated problems such as razor burn and ingrown hairs. Indeed, male laser hair removal patients are now the fastest growing population. Men may choose to treat their necks, faces or shoulders and reduce or eliminate ingrown hairs or razor bumps altogether.
Training Requirements
Laser hair removal is one of the top five nonsurgical cosmetic treatments, according to 2016 statistics. As such, demand for trained laser professionals is high. Many colleges offer certification courses that teach students how to safely and effectively perform these procedures; however, not all training programs provide equal instruction – make sure you find one which provides hands-on experience with multiple types of lasers as well as knowledgeable and experienced instructors.
According to the Texas Board of Nursing, licensed health professional individuals may only operate laser devices after being delegated by their physician. Such individuals must hold one of the following licenses: RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse), PA (Physician Assistant), MD (Medical Doctor), or DO (Osteopathic Doctor).
Understanding how each laser device differs is also critical, so completing a program that trains you specifically on those used in your desired work environment. Attending classes that cover various types of lasers will enable you to better comprehend their uses once hired by a medical spa or private physician’s office.
An assistant laser practitioner typically is qualified to conduct various cosmetic laser procedures, including hair removal, skin tightening and rejuvenation. Beyond their core competencies such as hair removal and tightening/toning/tattoo removal/paint removal/tattoo removal/scarring removal as well as photodynamic therapy (PDT), an assistant laser practitioner should possess additional qualifications as part of a Certificate of Added Qualification program.
When seeking an education in cosmetic laser treatment, choosing an institution with extensive clinical experiences should be of utmost importance. At Longstreet Institute we have over 19 years of practical training in aesthetic laser medicine with experienced instructors and clinicians dedicated to medical esthetics results. Furthermore, the school offers various courses from basic laser hair removal through to microneedling and dermaplaning.
Procedures
Laser hair removal is one of the most frequently performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States, providing an effective, fast and safe method to permanently eliminate unwanted hair growth. This outpatient procedure may be completed at a spa, salon, or medical facility and typically costs less than other methods like shaving and waxing.
During a laser treatment, its light energy will pass through your skin to target pigment and disintegrate hair follicles that produce unwanted hair growth. A cool contact tip protects and comforts you during this treatment experience – your unwanted hair should typically vanish within four to eight treatments; and results will last long-term.
Laser hair removal in the US is subject to more stringent regulation than other laser procedures like tattoo removal. Due to its physical mechanism, laser hair removal is more prone to injury and requires additional training and oversight than other forms of lasers such as tattoo removal. Most states require a licensed physician perform laser hair removal procedures while Florida allows estheticians and nurses to complete an intensive laser hair removal certification course and become certified practitioners themselves.
Laser hair removal certification courses include an in-depth overview of the science underlying this procedure, as well as hands-on training with different types of lasers. Students learn about Fitzpatrick scale, laser safety training, skin and tissue interactions and pre/post treatment care – and they gain practical experience working within a medical spa environment.
After successfully completing your laser hair removal certification course, it is time to start working with clients. Review their medical history, skin tone and hair color assessment as well as educate on both benefits and risks of the procedure before beginning client consultations. It may also be necessary to seek referral from primary care physician if their health could alter how they react during treatment.
Aftercare
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective method to rid yourself of unwanted hair. As one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the US, it has quickly become one of the most sought-after alternatives to shaving and waxing; also used to treat ingrown hairs quickly and painlessly. There are some considerations before opting for laser hair removal treatment:
Laser hair removal is a relatively painless cosmetic procedure that can be performed on almost any part of the body, such as the face or underarms. The procedure aims to reduce or eradicate unwanted hair growth through laser beam heating of hair follicles; its benefits extend across all skin types with light to medium hair color and texture being most significant.
Aftercare following laser treatments is critical in order to minimize side effects and damage to treated skin. Scrubbing or picking at the area must be avoided; also recommended is no deodorant use in this area, plus applying high protection sunscreen daily and spaced no further apart than four weeks between recurrent sessions.
If you are planning to add laser services to your spa, med spa or salon, be sure to attend a training course approved by the National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC). This organization sets the standards for registration of practitioners as well as offering written cosmetic laser procedures exams to obtain your certification.
Establishing a new service within your business can expand its clientele and increase income. NCLC offers training in laser hair removal as well as non-invasive cosmetic procedures like microneedling, photo facials and LED light therapy – among many others.
As an esthetician or cosmetologist, you likely received training in laser hair removal and IPL. Registered Nurses and LPNs may take this advanced course as an addition to their skill set and make their practice more profitable; however, RNs and LPNs cannot use Class IIIb lasers without first seeking physician authorization; according to Texas Board of Nursing Position Statement.
