Who Should Perform
Laser Hair Removal?
 Hippocrates is still quoted today in every medical profession with “First, do no harm.” This should be the first goal of every treatment and evaluation of every laser hair removal patient. While equipment used for laser hair removal is quite safe if used properly, significant harm can be inflicted upon patients with unqualified and/or inexperienced operators.
Lasers used in hair removal are classified as Class IV medical devices. Despite this, regulation on who performs these procedures varies significantly from state to state. Currently, less than a handful of states have required physicians only to operate these lasers. Unfortunately, states usually produce strict regulation only after serious laser injuries have occurred. Christian Roulin, M.D., a prominent laser researcher notes:
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Anyone, including healers, hair stylists, tattoo artists, and cosmeticians, can buy lasers and then advertise for their services. There are no legal requirements for training, no quality control measures, no official quality standards or guidelines…We must demand the extensive scientific evaluation of new and existing system; objective and trustworthy marketing by laser manufacturer; well-founded training for laser operators; and legislation which restricts the use of lasers to physicians alone.
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Although some non-physicians have felt they are qualified to own and operate lasers, most consumer advocates feel this would increase the likelihood for injuries. Most non-physicians performing the procedure do not take medical histories or even ask what medications the patient is currently taking, even though certain medical conditions and medication are considered dangerous and even contraindicated with laser hair removal. One of the reasons this information is probably not taken is because even with the proper information, only a physician can accurately assess it. Non-physicians are not educated to evaluate medical conditions and medications.
Laser hair removal is a relatively new procedure with little legislation involved. These lasers are safe if used properly, but this is largely operator-dependent. For the best safety recommendations, patients should seek out experienced physicians who have taken extensive laser courses and do the procedures themselves.
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