A hi-tech beauty treatment, that could cause complications. Tonight: questions about safety -- and who's licensed to laser. It has fast become a popular way to improve looks. But, the number of complications from laser treatments is on the rise. Tonight, Healthcast reporter Janet Wu with a word of warning in this special report "Licensed to Laser".
Civalia Lorvelo, Braintree
"I thought it would be great not to have to shave my legs all the time."
Like many women Cidalia Lordello of Braintree dreamed of stubble-free legs, but visiting a local salon she learned not all lasers treatments are equal.
Civalia Lorvelo
"It hurt a lot and afterward I got like blisters. Then after the blisters it was like these brown spots. It was really a bad experience."
Dr. Danny Touma of the BU Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery says bleeding, scaring, and discoloration of the skin are all risks of bad laser treatments.
Dr. Danny Touma, Dermotological Surgeon/BU Laser Ctr.
"The results with lasers are as good as the operators that are behind these lasers."
People with a darker skin have to be especially careful because some the laser's may mistake dark skin for hair.
"There are newer lasers in the market that are specifically targeted for darker skin types."
Because laser technology is so new regulation around it is vague. The FDA stipulates only "licensed practitioners" can buy them, but who that is, varies from state to state.
In Massachusetts only a doctor can purchase a laser machine but they can use their own discretion in delegating who operates it.
Dr. Danny Touma
"And in many cases physicians are dedicating it to people that are not totally skilled."Nancy Achin Sullivan, Ex. Dir., Mass. Board of Registration in Medicine
"I would really recommend that a patient walk in and says, "The board of medicine says that the only way to really ensure safety for this is for there to be a supervising licensed physician. Who is that person?"
So how can you protect yourself? Do your homework; ask questions about techniques, training and certification of both physicians and technicians. Opt for a medical facility that specializes in laser rather than a salon's or spa's. Confirm technicians have a medical background, get a patch test and make sure there is a doctor in the facility at all times.
Brooke Seckel, M.D., Chief of Plastic Surgery Lahey Clinic Medical Center
"I've never had a blister I've never had a problem."
Dr. Brooke Seckel, Director of Plastic Surgery with the Lahey Clinic, says in addition to hair removal the laser has also opened the door to preventive skin care.
Dr. Brooke Seckel
"Traditionally plastic surgery, the damage was already done and we were doing invasive surgical procedures. The advent of the laser and more importantly recently the onset of new chemical treatments, new skin creams, new skin care technology. We're now able to see someone in their thirties and prevent the aging process."
But a trained doctor is crucial for safety...
Dr. Brooke Seckel
"If you have a cancer he's going to recognize it so nobody is going to try and peel off a melanoma."
As for Cedalla after she healed, she decided to have the treatment done with trained professionals and has smooth skin ever since.
If you have experienced injuries from a laser or cosmetic procedure experts say to contact a doctor and report it to the Massachusetts Board of Medicine.
For more information:
Mass. Board of Registration in Medicine
10 West Street
Boston, Ma 02114
617-727-3086
www.massmedboard.org
The Boston University Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery
Commonwealth Medical Group
930 Commonwealth Ave
Boston MA 02215
617-414-6760
www.bucosmeticsurgery.com
Lahey Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery
16 Hayden Ave
Lexington, MA 02421
781-372-7070
http://www.lahey.org
