Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty #69

newsfront
LASER SAFETY
– do your homework
Lasers have become the darling of the cosmetic industry.
They are used in anti-ageing skin rejuvenation, hair removal,
tattoo removal, treating vascular disorders and reducing
pigmentation irregularities. With advances in technology,
laser are also smoother, faster and more reliable than
ever before.
But the popularity of laser treatments should not lull you
into a false sense of security. While laser treatments may
seem straightforward, there are many dangers associated While we await ARPANSA’s recommendations, the
with laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapies and onus is with you, the patient, to do your research before
these have come to light of late. In particular, the Australian undergoing laser treatment. Here are some questions you
Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) should be asking:
has proposed a national regulatory framework for using IPL • Where is the laser equipment from? Has it been
and lasers in cosmetic medical services.
purchased from a reputable supplier?
Before undertaking any laser or IPL treatment, always • Has the practitioner completed training? If so, when and
ensure you are in the hands of a skilled and experienced how advanced is the certifi cation?
practitioner, who has the requisite knowledge of how the • Is the clinic operating within the current ARPANSA
equipment they are using interacts with the diff erent tissues regulations in your state or territory?
and how to avoid potential risks such as burns and scars, • Is the device being used appropriately, to treat suitable
retinal damage or missed diagnosis of skin cancers.
and realistic indications?
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