[I:http://www.cosmeticsurgerytoronto.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/JohnLJeghelian1.jpg]The invention of the laser has led to many advancements in the electronic and medical device industries. In the aesthetic arena, new and improved lasers are entering the market every few months. This rapid development is leaving the classification criterion to continually be redefined. Therefore, the following information is deemed to be a guideline and is not considered to be a definite and thorough description.

Cosmetic lasers commonly in use by med spas typically have low outputs of energy and power, and are usually placed in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 category. Another organization is the LIA (Laser Institute of America). The majority of medical lasers fall into the ANSI Class 3 or 4 categories with most surgical lasers being in ANSI Class 4. Most medical and/or surgical lasers that are used to perform aesthetic laser treatments are classified by the FDA as Class II or Class III medical devices.

Class 1 Lasers

Class 1 lasers are not considered to pose any hazards when operated according to normal conditions and includes lasers which are completely enclosed such as CD players, fiber-optics devices, and printers. These devices cannot have emissions exceeding the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) under any conditions are considered to be class 1 systems.

Potential dangers can occur during the repair of such devices since the laser is outside of the enclosure.

Warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath the cover.

Class 2a

Lasers in this class do not pose a threat unless the laser is directly viewed for more than 16 minutes or so and encompasses visible light lasers with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts.

Class 2

This class of lasers includes visible light lasers that are intense enough that viewing the beam into a human eye can cause the normal “aversion response”. An aversion response is when the eyelids close, or the head moves in order to avoid the light. It can occur within 0.25 seconds and includes the blink reflex time.

Class 3a

This class of lasers includes those emitting ultraviolet or infrared light as well as those emitting visible light. All systems falling within the Class 1 AEL (Allowed Exposure Level) with laser output between .18m and 1mm fall in this class. Most laser pointers are class 3a laser devices.

Class 3b Lasers

This class of lasers includes the same laser output spectrum as class 3a, but increases the output level to that of Class 2 AEL.

Class 4 Lasers

This class of lasers includes any that exceeds the Class 2 AEL. Most every laser that produces an excess of 0.5 watts is in this class.

Laser clinics and medical spas that are performing cosmetic laser treatments (laser hair removal, etc) are now considered to be treating medical patients. All of the components of regular medical care play an important role when designing a post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a cosmetic laser treatment or the Rosacea or acne patient who just underwent an IPL (intense pulse light) treatment. When performing medical treatments in a med spa or laser clinic, you’re the ‘medical’ skin care expert and your recommendations of skin care products and cosmetic laser treatments will carry weight with your clients. You’re also a critical support to the plastic surgeons who have planned an aggressive therapy treatment for their patients. It’s incumbent upon you to understand all aspects of the care you’re providing.

Tags: cosmetic dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, health, laser clinics, laser hair removal, laser medicine, laser treatments, med spas, medical spas, medicine, Plastic Surgery, science, technology