When researching a reputable laser hair removal clinic, what should I look for to protect myself from low quality technicians?

Question

I'm interested in laser hair removal, but undecided because of all the BURN photos I've seen on this website. Should reputable clinics have some type of policy regarding refunds if they burn you or assurance they'll provide burn care if there's an accident? What's the clinics responsibility if something like that were to happen? What should I look for to identify a low quality clinic/technician before hand?

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

I would recommend going to a clinic where there is a doctor on site, not a "ghost doctor" who visits the clinic once or twice a month.  Laser hair removal was developed by dermatologists, who have the best understanding of laser/tissue interactions.  I would suggest going to a dermatology office with the doctor on site.  I don't think that it's necessary for the doctor to actually perform the procedure as long as there is close supervision.  In our office, burns from laser are extremely rare.  We don't treat people who are tan.  We use the 810 nm diode laser for patients with light skin and the 1064 nm YAG laser for patients with dark skin.

Khaled El-Hoshy, MD · Answer

Best approach is to have the procedure done in a dermstologist's office. Results , & side effects depend on the machine type & the doctor's experience. Settings on the machine vary according to the skin color & hair color/thickness. A novice technician can definitely cause harm.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The safest bet on getting treated properly is going to an office in which the doctor performs the procedure.  Laser burns are related to improper settings or treating with the wrong laser on your type of skin.  No office will offer money back guarantees.  Darker skin types need 1064 laser.  Lighter skin types can use either a diode laser or alexandrite.

When researching a reputable laser hair removal clinic, what should I look for to protect myself from low quality technicians?

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When researching a reputable laser hair removal clinic, what should I look for to protect myself from low quality technicians?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.