Laser hair removal can be found at most beauty salons and spas. In addition, numerous physicians such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer this treatment option as well.
New York stands alone among states when it comes to licensing and training requirements for cosmetic laser procedures, with only 44 states considering cosmetic laser treatment a medical procedure requiring supervision by a physician, nurse or physician assistant.
Licensing
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies regarding laser equipment have clear regulations. A school with an excellent reputation should include these regulations into their training curriculum to ensure compliance with applicable laws while protecting both themselves and their clients.
Laser aesthetic procedures blur the lines between personal care and medical treatment, as their use can cause both discoloration and burns that could potentially be dangerous or even life-threatening.
Due to this trend, many states have implemented stricter regulations for beauty professionals providing laser hair removal and other cosmetic services. 44 states mandate licensure as either a doctor, nurse or physician assistant before operating a laser; five additional states also require some sort of license before using light-emitting lasers such as hair removal lasers; only New York does not mandate licensure or training to perform these treatments.
While most laser hair removal procedures are conducted for aesthetic reasons, they can also be extremely effective at permanently eliminating or significantly reducing unwanted hair growth. Utilizing the appropriate device and treating skin in accordance with best practice is key to its success; consult with clients beforehand in order to set clear expectations; this is especially relevant when treating those with darker skin who may require multiple sessions to achieve results.
Christian Karavolas of Manhattan salon Romeo & Juliette says that, although initially opposed to making laser hair removal a medical procedure, his company and others across the country being hit with lawsuits has led him to support it as an effort against litigation. But he cautions against laws mandating physicians’ employment – an expense which would be avoided if training and licensing requirements for non-medical operators were tightened up instead.
Training
Laser hair removal training can be found through several esthetics schools and programs, while some laser-specific schools also provide standalone certification courses. While requirements to enroll vary by program, common ones include having earned either a high school diploma or GED certificate, passing a background check and being at least 16 years old. Physical health must also be an important consideration since laser treatment technicians will be using hands-on equipment and need complete control over all their limbs as well as good eyesight.
On a laser hair removal course, students will gain knowledge about the anatomy of a person’s skin and hair follicles to better comprehend how these treatments work. In addition, they’ll receive instruction on evaluating customer skin to ensure it can safely undergo procedures as well as being introduced to the Fitzpatrick scale, which classifies different skin types according to how they react with UV light exposure.
Laser hair removal has an increasing demand in the beauty industry and many estheticians and cosmetologists are opting to pursue certification programs in this field. Receiving their license could open up job opportunities at spas, dermatology offices and beauty clinics alike; technicians seeking such training should seek programs offering practical lessons supervised by experienced trainers that include online lectures as well as live demonstrations as well as practice sessions using actual models as well as client consultation and laser physics principles.
Experience
Laser hair removal is an extremely effective and safe cosmetic treatment that can significantly reduce or even eradicate unwanted hair growth. The procedure uses a laser beam to target pigment in hair follicles and destroy them while stimulating collagen and elastin production in your skin, leading to smoother, more appealing skin. These non-invasive, fast, and painless sessions won’t leave redness or swelling after your appointment; for added comfort use a topical numbing cream prior to each session for the ultimate experience.
When selecting a laser hair removal clinic or salon, ensure they offer experienced staff. In addition, ensure there are lasers suitable for different skin tones – those with darker complexions are particularly prone to laser burns and hyperpigmentation, so selecting an appropriate laser is vital.
Anybody seeking to offer laser hair removal services must first complete an intensive laser training course. These classes provide instruction on how to use equipment correctly, treat various skin colors and hair types effectively, and safely perform laser hair removal on clients of all ages and genders.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green in New York City first. Your consultation will give you all of the information and advice needed to make an informed decision; additionally, they may offer pre-treatment preparation or aftercare recommendations to follow.
Insurance
Are you fed up with shaving, plucking and waxing your body hair every day? Laser hair removal could be a perfect solution! Unfortunately, since it’s considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary procedures, most insurance companies won’t cover its cost; in rare cases it may be covered under private health insurance plans; you should consult with both parties involved before making your decision.
Cost of laser hair removal varies based on the area being treated and number of sessions necessary, with facial areas typically needing more sessions than legs; furthermore, prices increase when applied to larger parts of the body such as arms or chest.
Laser and IPL treatments differ from other forms of hair removal by targeting individual follicles directly, which causes them to self-destruct and inhibit future hair growth. You should expect four or six treatments in order to experience optimal results.
Before your treatment, it’s a good idea to avoid sun exposure and spray-tanners as these can interfere with the laser’s ability to effectively treat your skin. Your provider should advise on the best ways to prepare for it during consultation. Also avoid other hair removal methods like waxing or plucking as these may disturb hair follicles. Finally, apply broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen as this will protect from UV rays.
Safety
Clients seeking laser hair removal want to feel secure in knowing that both equipment and personnel are safe; this ensures both their comfort and reputation of the business owner. Therefore, having a laser safety program covering such items as delegation of authority and responsibility, classification/hazard evaluation process, training requirements as well as designated laser treatment controlled area designating. These requirements should also include engineering/procedural controls.
Some programs may include a list of authorized personnel for laser equipment as well as details regarding their training. Furthermore, certain states mandate that an LSO conduct periodic safety inspections on facilities with lasers – this allows him or her to identify any deficiencies within their controlled areas and take corrective actions accordingly.
LSOs must also be capable of determining whether laser light could start fires in combustible material such as wood and paper, such as by calculating beam energy per pulse in Joules per Pulse and dividing by pulse time; then converting to Watts.
Laser hair removal can be highly effective at eliminating unwanted body hair, but only when proper procedures are followed. Doing so will minimize potential injuries while assuring clients of positive experiences and great results. Regulations and standards vary from state to state so it’s wise to contact a national training institute in your state for specific regulations and standards regarding laser hair removal treatments in your area. For New Yorkers seeking such treatments, Nao Medical’s trained technicians offer safest and most efficient treatments available today.
