Laser vs light devices, Which one works?
Hello readers,
Recently there has been a huge increase in “at home” laser and light devices that make some pretty great claims. One only has to go to Bliss world to view a few, there is the Tria “at home laser hair removal” for around $500, the Nu Lase Light Therapy Anti aging device for around $150 and a slew of others. I’m not stating they don’t work (possibly minimally), however I’m a skeptic… Given the fact that in the State of Connecticut a laser or light device can only be operated by a Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant, or Registered Nurse under DIRECT supervision of a Physician, I have to wonder how a device that can be put in the hands of the general public actually make a discernible difference for the cost charged.
Being the owner of a Medical Spa it is my duty to research the most effective, affordable, safest therapies to offer my clients. PRIOR to purchasing any equipment, my physician and I read all the clinical trials, call competitors who use the devices and trial each new therapy. We have trialed several new devices that claim to “tighten skin, lose up to 3 inches!!! make you prettier, smarter and you will become rich with their use..(ok that last point was me being sarcastic) only to discover that they DON’T work. My point is, that it is becoming increasingly confusing for clients to choose technologies that work and are appropriate.
So how do you decide? Here are some questions to ask prior to booking a procedure:
- Ask how many times they have performed the procedure and what is the satisfaction rate. (This is especially important in regards to any therapy that states it “tightens skin”).
- Do they rent their equipment? (suggests they have low volume) How old is the equipment? (outdated IPL machines may not be effective and may require more treatments).
- Is there any guarantee? For instance, we offer a Hair Removal Guarantee that with the purchase of 5 sessions, touch ups or subsequent treatments are 1/2 off for their lifetime.
- Can you speak to a client that has had the procedure you are considering? This one may be difficult in a Doctor’s setting as patient confidentiality has to be maintained, however we have a group of clients that are more than happy to discuss their results and will speak to potential clients.
- Has the operator of the laser had a treatment? If so, How do they look? If Botox, have they used it?
- I also suggest that if you are being treated at a medical spa or non Plastic Surgery physician operated office, ask if they have a Plastic Surgeon that they refer to. The reason this is important, is that any reputable practice should know when to refer clients for a surgical evaluation when a non surgical approach is not appropriate/effective.
- Lastly, when choosing a Physician, medi-spa, Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon make sure they offer a variety of therapies to treat your anti-aging concerns. You wouldn’t hire a carpenter to fix your house if he only has a hammer, don’t have someone work on your face if they only have one way to do it!
Minimally here is a list of services that every anti-aging practice/medi spa should offer:
- Botox or Dysport
- Dermal Fillers such as Juvederm
- IPL/BBL to treat sun damage or Fractionated CO2 (more extreme)
- Erbium peels or (Fractionated CO2)
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Physician’s strength product line that contains, an antioxidant such as Vitamin C, Retinol, and physical sunscreen.
In my professional opinion, stay away from LED/light devices or any device that doesn’t require a medical professional to operate, as there are more effective therapies available.
Nikki Rasmussen, RN and owner of YOLO aesthetic boutique & med spa offers the latest, safest, and most effective technologies to treat aging skin. YOLO :: Keeping Connecticut beautiful, one face at a time. Call for your Look 5 years younger consultation 203-533-4560 yolomedspa.com
