The advent of cosmetic laser treatments in cosmetic medicine has led to many advancements in cosmetic medical device industries. In the cosmetic 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.
Aesthetic lasers that are used by cosmetic dermatologists most often have low power outputs and are most commonly placed in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Class 2 of lasers. Another organization is the Laser Institute of America (LIA). The majority of aesthetic lasers fall into the ANSI Class 3 or 4 categories with most surgical medical lasers being in Class 4. Those used to perform cosmetic laser treatments are most often classified as Class II or 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.
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
Lasers in this class do not pose a threat unless the laser is directly viewed for more than 16 minutes or so and encompasses visible light lasers with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts.
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
This class of lasers includes those emitting ultraviolet or infrared light as well as those emitting visible light. All systems falling within the Class 1 AEL (Allowed Exposure Level) with laser output between .18m and 1mm fall in this class. Most laser pointers are class 3a laser devices.
Class 3b
This class includes the same spectrum as class 3a, but increases the output level to that of Class 2 AEL.
Class 4 Lasers
Lasers with any power output that exceeds the Class 2 AEL.
Laser clinics that are performing aesthetic laser treatments are now treating medical patients. All of the components of aesthetic medical care play an even more important role when designing post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a aesthetic laser treatment or the Rosacea patient who just underwent an IPL (intense pulse light) treatment. When working in a med spa or laser clinic, you’re the ‘medical’ skin care expert in your recommendations of skin care products and laser treatments to your clients. Of course, you’re also a critical support to the med spas who have planned an aggressive therapy treatment for their patients.
Medical Spa MD is a cosmetic medical community of Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists, and Aesthetic Physicians with more than 4,200 physician members world-wide. Medical Spa MD offers medical esthetician training manuals and provides information on non-surgical cosmetic medical technologies and treatments.
