Seeing the Light

By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 05th October 2010

Laser and light-based procedures are increasingly popular but many of us are in the dark over safety issues surrounding these treatments. The industry deregulation that comes into play on 1st October 2010 is about to make things a lot more tricky

A bitterly fought battle to stop deregulation of the laser and light-based industry will finally be over on 1st October as new rules come into place. Leading experts and industry watchdogs have warned of the implications to the consumer as beauty therapists and aestheticians will no longer need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in order to be able to offer these treatments.

There are worries that there will soon be an insurgence of poorly trained practitioners offering cheap light-based procedures to the public. As Boston Aesthetics Clinic (UK) Ltd. warns: “However attractive cheap treatments appear, patients should remember that lasers carry certain risks. Patients should be treated by properly trained practitioners – half a day’s training from the manufacturer is not enough, a BTEC or equivalent is a must.”

What’s it all about

Previously, all operators of laser or intense pulse light machines had to be registered with the CQC, but after 1st October most of them will not be guided by the Commission.

Non-healthcare professionals will instead be regulated by their local authorities, as Dr Philip Dobson, the Medical Director of LCS Healthcare explains to us: “Local authorities are coming on line slowly to regulate and this seems to be happening in two ways. Firstly, in London and selected areas, they have decided to regulate laser and intense pulse light systems under the existing Special Treatments License system from 1st October.

“Local authorities that do not have STL powers are being advised by central government to regulate under general health and safety law.This means that they already have the power to visit and insist on safety requirements (risk assessments, rules and protocols, etc).”

Low cost, high risk

Understandably, patients want to get the best value for money possible from their aesthetic treatments, but these powerful machines in non-trained, noneducated hands can present a risk to the public.

The range of possible complications include burns or changes to skin tone such as hyperpigmentation, which is a darkening of the skin, or hypopigmentation, which refers to the lightening of the skin. Even when you are not at risk of these complications then a more likely outcome is that you’ll just end up being disappointed with the results.

To get the most from your treatment – whether you’re talking about skin resurfacing or hair removal – then a laser or light-based machine needs to be wielded by a fully trained professional to achieve maximum satisfaction for the patient. Remember – you get what you pay for.

Foreign invasion

Dr Elizabeth Raymond Brown, Director of Education of the LCS Academy, warns that deregulation will also have an impact in terms of the devices that are being used.

“I don’t envy those trying to make that all important decision on which technologies and manufacturers to choose. I appreciate that choosing laser or IPL equipment can be daunting, but I don’t understand why so many people, particularly those new to the market, choose to buy from the internet or overseas, without taking advice or learning the basics.

“Even more worrying is that when deregulation takes place non-healthcare professionals will be able to directly purchase systems from abroad that are wholly inappropriate for them to use, e.g. ablative CO2 lasers.

“It is not in anyone’s interest for such devices to be used by those without the appropriate background, medical protocols and safety support or insurance, for the treatments they plan to provide.”

Laser and IPL treatments can achieve fantastic results, but it is more important than ever to do your research.

Safety rules

So what should the consumer be looking out for? Boston Aesthetics Clinic (UK) Ltd. runs through the important considerations

• All BAC laser staff are trained with BTEC. It is essential to have a core working knowledge of laser procedure.

• Ask what qualifications they hold. All our treatments are carried out by fully qualified female medical staff who have completed government approved laser and IPL BTEC courses.

• A test patch is essential four days before treatment. Pregnant or breast feeding women must not be treated. With deregulation these essential safeguards will no longer have to be observed.

• Don't be swayed by sales people - you should have a proper medical consultation

• Make sure the laser or IPL machine is from a recognised manufacturer with all relevant safety certificates.

• Is the laser/IPL machine serviced and maintained by a recognised company? This is essential for safety as poorly serviced machines can give false readings on power output.

• Most local authorities are recommending that clinics seek advice from a suitably qualifed Laser/IPL Protection Adviser, but we believe it should be a requirement for clients' and practitioners' safety.