Aesthetic 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 cosmetic laser treatments are classified by the FDA as Class II or Class III medical devices.
Class 1 Lasers
This class of lasers is considered not to pose any hazard when operated under and according to normal operating conditions. This category includes lasers which are completely enclosed such as CD players, fiber-optics systems, or laser printers. These devices that cannot have emissions exceeding the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) under any conditions are considered to be class 1 systems.
A potential hazard can occur during the repair of such devices if the repair process involves operating the laser outside of the enclosure case.
Warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath the cover.
Class 2a Lasers
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
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 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 Lasers
These include the same spectrum as class 3a, but increase the output levels to that of Class 2 AEL.
Class 4 Lasers
These lasers includes any power output that exceeds the Class 2 AEL. Almost every laser that produces more than 0.5 watts is in this class.
As an aesthetician, you are now crossing the line from treating clients to treating patients. All the components of aesthetic care play an even more important role when designing a post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a deep chemical peel for acne scarring. Or, the Rosacea patient who just completed her first intense pulse light treatment. It's important to remember that you are the skin care expert in your recommendations of skin care products and regimens to your clients. However, you are also a critical adjunct to the physician who has planned an aggressive therapy treatment for his patient.
About the Author:
Medical Spa MD is a community of Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists, and Aesthetic Physicians with more than 3,500 members. Medical Spa MD offers Medical Esthetician Training and provides information on non-surgical cosmetic medical technologies and treatments.
