Unwanted facial hair growth can be an embarrassing reality for many people, particularly women. Sometimes this condition results from hormonal issues.
Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment option for eliminating unwanted hair and preventing future growth, but prior to undertaking this procedure it is essential that a dermatologist is consulted.
Non-Medical Practitioners
Lasers work by targeting melanin, the pigmentation in hair cells. This process heats up the skin and destroys basal stem cells in hair follicles to stop producing additional hair follicles from growing unwanted hairs. We advise scheduling sessions at least 4-6 times every month apart for best results and avoid sun exposure as well as any sunless body creams prior to beginning this treatment process.
Most states recognize laser hair removal as a medical procedure and require licensed practitioners to perform it, however some states have looser regulations and don’t mandate special training or certification for practitioners who operate equipment – leading to an emergence of high-volume spas offering discounted services at bargain basement prices.
A proposed law would change this by mandating that salons and practitioners be licensed with the state, while setting stricter training and supervision standards and mandating liability insurance minimum requirements for practitioners and salon owners alike. This proposal has gained support among beauty experts and salon owners who have seen numerous lawsuits brought against unlicensed providers.
Physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners could still offer laser services, provided they undergo targeted laser training and are overseen by physicians with specific expertise in laser hair removal. But any supervising physicians must be on site.
The proposed laws would prohibit non-physician providers from administering injectable treatments like Botox and Restalyne that are considered medical services and should only be performed by physicians. They’re also forbidden from offering any appearance enhancing services using devices capable of producing electroshock injuries like electric wands.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises choosing a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC as your laser hair removal provider, for maximum success. She’s internationally acclaimed and boasts two and a half decades of experience performing cosmetic procedures that include laser hair removal. Dr. Michele Green can help determine whether laser hair removal is suitable for you while crafting an individualized plan to meet your unique needs.
MedSpas
Many New Yorkers who seek laser hair removal use medical spas as the sole option, typically consisting of doctors, nurses or physician assistants with advanced training in laser treatments. Also referred to as medi-spa or aesthetics clinic, such centers typically provide laser services like hair removal, Cool Sculpting, microneedling and spider vein reduction treatments for their clients.
Most states require anyone operating a laser be licensed as either a doctor, nurse, or physician assistant; New York stands out as being unique as being the only state where licensure and training are not mandatory for operating light-emitting devices that could cause discoloration or burns. New York lawmakers have proposed legislation to bring New York in line with other states in terms of laser hair removal treatments and related issues.
Lasers used to remove unwanted hair effectively remove its color chromophore (colorant) from hair follicles, thus disabling them and safely and effectively treating even dark complexions. GentleLase and GentleYAG lasers are two popular choices; each serves to treat lighter skin tones with pulsed-dye laser technology while the latter uses YAG wavelength for deeper complexions.
Dermatology and Laser Group, Bared Monkey and Spark Laser Center are three popular New York medical spas for laser hair removal services, using state-of-the-art equipment and certified medical estheticians to offer clients an outstanding experience. In order to ensure client safety they provide full consultations prior to each procedure.
The New York Dermatology and Laser Group is an esteemed NYC medical spa offering laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, Botox fillers, skin care treatments and laser tattoo removal. Their experienced staff is committed to delivering superior customer service using modern laser technology with proven results – not only can you find laser hair removal here but they offer Botox fillers skin care as well as Botox tattoo removal! With clinics conveniently located throughout Manhattan and Upper East Side.
Dermatologists
Laser hair removal provides fast, efficient and permanent solutions for unwanted body and facial hair. Unlike tweezing and shaving which only remove hair at its tip follicle level, lasers target and destroy every single one to stop future hair growth. Dermatologists are specifically trained in performing this procedure safely and effectively; using only approved equipment according to a strict protocol with every patient they treat. Furthermore, dermatology services also help address other skin concerns like ingrown hairs, razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae), birthmarks or excess post surgical procedures.
Safety with laser hair removal depends on a number of factors, including skin type, age and hormone levels. Dermatologists are experienced at quickly recognizing any complications that might arise and providing treatment quickly if they occur. Furthermore, a detailed medical history review can ensure there are no preexisting conditions that increase risk or hinder treatment efforts.
Since laser hair removal can cause lasting skin damage, it’s essential that patients locate a facility with experienced staff and competitive prices that offers safe yet effective treatment options. Arash Akhavan and his team at The Dermatology & Laser Group offer just that with their experienced staff offering safe yet cost-effective services for patients in NYC looking for high-quality laser hair removal treatments.
States where regulations are lax and physician supervision isn’t mandatory have witnessed some high-volume spas mushroom into laser hair removal factories, with dermatologists reporting seeing many victims of these businesses.
Some providers go as far as to refuse delegating laser services to non-physician personnel and, when they do so, are quite selective about which patients they treat. Jeffrey Dover, MD of a private practice in Chestnut Hill, MA for instance has stated that only relatively straightforward cases – fair skinned, dark haired patients without major health concerns will be allowed their head nurses perform laser hair removal treatments.
Medical Spas
Most states’ license requirements for laser hair removal involve medical oversight from a physician; however, in New York there’s a loophole that allows beauty salons to offer this service without such oversight from a physician. Consumers seeking non-invasive procedures like laser hair removal should always seek an experienced cosmetic dermatologist such as Dr. Green in NYC in order to minimize risks of complications during non-invasive treatments like laser hair removal.
Medical spas are beauty salons that specialize in non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal. Med spas provide convenient services in a more relaxing atmosphere, often featuring state-of-the-art technology and highly experienced staff, all while guaranteeing safe and effective services to their clients. Before making the decision to undergo laser hair removal at a med spa, it is essential to keep these factors in mind:
Most medical spas offer consultations prior to any procedure, so clients can discuss their goals and address any concerns before beginning. Furthermore, this allows specialists to determine whether a client is an ideal candidate for laser hair removal as well as provide instructions regarding preparation and aftercare of the treatment.
An esthetician or cosmetologist licensed to practice laser hair removal can usually obtain certification. Most schools provide training as part of their curriculum; some cosmetologists or nurses also take courses specifically dedicated to laser hair removal as a way of expanding their career prospects. At consultation time, skin type assessment takes place as well as any potential risks or side effects being addressed.
In 44 states, laser hair removal practitioners can perform laser hair removal without being licensed or under any sort of oversight. While this might make the procedure seem less costly, its lack of regulation raises risks related to inexperienced practitioners using substandard equipment that could result in burns or discoloration if performed improperly. As a result, consumers should look for aesthetic service providers that prioritize safety with certified and licensed professionals on staff.