Laser Treatment Classes for Plastic Surgeons
The advent of laser treatments in cosmetic medicine has led to many advancements in cosmetic medical device industries. In the aesthetic laser arena, new and improved aesthetic lasers are entering the cosmetic medical market every few months. This development curve is leaving the classification criterion of cosmetic lasers to continually be redefined. Therefore, the following information is to be used as a guideline and is not considered to be a current and thorough description.
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
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.
Potential dangers can occur during the repair of such devices since the laser is outside of the enclosure.
The placement of hazard or warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath cover panels where the person performing the repair can be adequately warned of a potential hazard.
Class 2a
Few lasers qualify for this class of low-power, visible light lasers. Lasers in this class do not pose a threat if the beam of light is directly viewed for periods of time less than 16 minutes or so. Visible light lasers with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts.
Class 2 Lasers
Another class of visible light lasers that are intense enough that when shined in your eye can cause the normal aversion response. (The aversion response is when the eyelids close, or the head moves in order to avoid the light. It occurs within 0.25 seconds and includes the blink reflex time.)
Class 3a Lasers
Class of lasers that includes those 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 that are readily available 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 with any power output that exceeds the Class 2 AEL.
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 aesthetic 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.
March 16 2009 07:56 am | Cosmetic Surgery