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The rise of laser treatments in laser clinics and med spas has led to accelerating advancements in aesthetic lasers. New and improved aesthetic lasers are entering the cosmetic medical market every few months. This quickening development curve is changing the classification criterion of aesthetic lasers every few months. Understandably, the following information is to be used only as a guideline and can’t be considered to be a current.

Lasers in use by medical practitioners typically have low outputs of energy and power, and are thus placed in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 category. Another important 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 are classified by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) as Class II or Class III medical devices.

Class 1

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.

Still, problems can occur if the laser is outside of the enclosure.

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

Class 2a

Not many lasers qualify for this class of low-power, visible light lasers. Any laser in this class is considered to not pose a threat if the beam of light is directly viewed for periods of time less than 1000 seconds (about 16 minutes). Any visible light laser with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts, may be class 2.

Class 2

These visible light lasers are intense enough that the cause the normal aversion response. (The aversion response is when the eyelids close, or the head moves in order to avoid the light.)

Class 3a Lasers

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

Class 3b

These include the same spectrum as class 3a, but increase the output levels to that of Class 2 AEL.

Class 4

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 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 aesthetic 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.

Medical Spa MD is a cosmetic medical community of Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists, and Aesthetic Physicians with more than 3,500 physician members. Medical Spa MD offers wholesale Botox online and provides information on nonsurgical cosmetic medical technologies and treatments.

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