Abstract
Laser hair removal therapy has become a popular treatment option for long-term depilation. The word LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Light energy is absorbed by specific chromophores (targets) in the skin such as melanin, haemoglobin, water, tattoo ink and collagen. In the case of laser hair removal, the chromophore is melanin, i.e. the pigment found in hair. The emitted light is primarily absorbed by the hair shaft melanin. The light energy converts to intense heat energy which destroys the hair follicle and its bulb (Ibrahim et al., 2011). Lasers are classified from Class 1 through to Class 4, according to the potential harm that the laser beam can cause. Class 4 lasers are typically used for medical and therapeutic treatments such as laser hair removal. These lasers are powerful medical devices and can cause skin burns, scarring and pigmentary changes if equipment is not used correctly. Other associated hazards include occupational exposure to the laser plume which are the vapours, smoke, and particulate debris that is produced during a laser hair removal treatment. The laser plume is known to be carcinogenic (cancer causing) and a teratogen (an agent that may disturb the development of an embryo or foetus). The wide range of devices and applications require profound knowledge in order to provide patients with safe and effective treatment strategies (Bodendorf et al., 2013). Therefore, sufficient training and regulations are needed to limit complications.
In the United States of America, Arizona was the first state that required a specific number of mandatory training hours in order to legally perform light based treatments for hair removal. Candidates are required to complete practical training of 24 hours that is supervised by a health professional or by a laser technician who has a minimum of 100 hours of practical experience per procedure. There should be 24 hours of practical supervision of laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices used (Arizona Revised Statutes, 2014). In Texas, it is required that laser hair removal technicians perform at least 100 laser hair removal procedures under supervision (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, 2017). In Florida, candidates are required to complete a 30 hour continuing education course approved by the Electrolysis Council, and a minimum of five hours practical experience in laser and light based devices. Candidates are required to pass the Society for Clinical and...
M.Tech. (Somatology)