RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - We’ve shown laser treatments before.
In one story we talked about laser treatment for acne. It certainly isn’t the first option but can be used if the condition is persistent.
Lasers are very common in certain practices like a dermatologist’s office. But you will also see them in medical spas, out-patient clinics, and a practice that may specialize in skin care.
But these days what you may not know, the practices may have no medical oversight, and patients may not be thoroughly examined to see if such treatment if appropriate.
“As with anything buyer beware,” says Dr. Cindy Lamerson, a board-certified dermatologist, with Nevada Center for Dermatology. “If it is a salon, or you are going to a certain office unless they have a board-certified plastic surgeon, or a board-certified dermatologist or someone who is overseeing things or looks at a person before they get any kind of treatment.”
Here in Nevada, physicians all the way to estheticians can use lasers.
They all must have training and be certified on the laser and the equipment they are using. Simple procedures can be done by advanced estheticians with physician oversight.
An advanced practicing nurse can perform some laser treatments which are more involved.
Skin resurfacing procedures should only be performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
“There can be permanent scarring,” says Lamerson. “There can be infection, herpetic infections, which is a cold sore infection that get activated, or a bacterial infection. That can happen.”
Lamerson believes that even if the procedure isn’t as involved, there should still be medical oversight at the facility in case something goes wrong.
Those who legally work independently like an APN must have specialized training on the laser, be credentialed and have hours or experience on the machine.
Be advised there are unscrupulous people out there who will buy second-hand lasers and set up shop with little to no training. Until something goes wrong, and it is reported to authorities they continue to practice under the radar.
Lamerson says to ask plenty of questions before you have any kind of laser treatment. And if that procedure is fairly involved, get a second or third opinion.