A made-for-television documentary has brought a concerning truth to light – cosmetic laser treatments are virtually unregulated in Canada, and people are being burned. W5 investigators interviewed a number of patrons complaining of burns, pigmentation changes and pain following cosmetic laser procedures.
Lasers emit a powerful stream of high-intensity light that is easily capable of burning skin. A Toronto doctor told W5 that cosmetic laser treatments are high risk.
Dr. Howard Bargman is the director of Laser Safety at Sunnybrook Hospital. He says a proper operation would need 6 different lasers to accomodate the variety of skin colours and conditions, and even then, even in the hands of someone with the right training, any laser therapy is risky.
Little Training is Necessary to Operate Lasers
During the making of the documentary, undercover investigators disguised as clients visited laser training and service facilities to see just how qualified operators should be. What they uncovered was nothing short of disturbing.
One of the show's staff was able to obtain laser operator certification and a laser machine rental within an hour of walking in the door of the Elita Laser Centre on Sheppard Avenue West in Toronto. The Centre (now Tranquility Wellness and Beauty) has offered a number of services for social group purchase including “the most advanced laser treatments.”
Injuries are Common
These treatments are unregulated, and can not be guaranteed.
A Canadian Dermatology Association survey of Canadian doctors revealed that 73% of dermatologists have had to try to fix burn scars and other wounds sustained during laser treatments.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published an editorial about common laser side effects like burn scarring and pigmentation changes. They also note there have been cases of reactivation of herpes viruses and paradoxical hypertrichosis, which is growth of unwanted hair, resulting from laser therapy. The editorial said consumers shouldn't have to determine if a laser technician has adequate training. It said Health Canada should at least set minimum training standards for operators of the powerful machines.
Clients are Rarely Protected by Legislation
For now, Health Canada only monitors the importation, labeling and sale of lasers used for hair removal, and not the actual use.
Many American states consider laser hair removal a part of medical practice, and so lasers in those states can only be operated by a physician or other professionals under a physician’s direct supervision.
Ontario public health units are mandated to ensure laser equipment is sanitary, but again, the province has no legislation regarding who can use them and on whom.
When W5 asked Lorraine, a 'certified' laser technician about one of her clients being burned, she responded with a chilling, “sometimes stuff happens. It was just a freak thing and I don't know how this happened. You should always research things yourself.”
For now, it appears that having someone direct a concentrated beam of light onto skin for cosmetic purposes can end up being much more costly than ever anticipated.
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