Find out more about laser/intense pulsed light equipment
What to look for when choosing a laser/intense pulsed light system
Find out more about manufacturers, associations & organisations
Find out more about CSA2000 and the HealthCare Commission

Laser and intense pulsed light equipment

The Laser Training & Education Centre aims to give sound, impartial advice on many laser and pulsed light related applications including information about the technology, applications, Care Standards, Health & Safety and other requirements.

Lasers and intense pulsed light systems are technical pieces of equipment so the language used to describe them can appear full of ‘jargon'. It is important that you understand some of the technical terms when you are looking to invest in equipment.

Manufacturers and suppliers of equipment should include the technical details and specifications of their products in their literature. If you can understand the specifications you will be able to make direct comparisons between systems and not rely soley upon the sales claims – essential if you intend to buy your own system.

For example, you should be able to understand;
- the type of light or wavelength(s) it emits
- how fast or how often the pulse is delivered (pulse repetition rate)
- how long the pulse of light energy lasts (pulse duration)
- how much light energy is delivered – the fluence
- the size(s) of the treatment beam or spot size

All of these factors help you understand what the equipment is capable of doing. These things are just as important as comparing reports or pictures of treatments using different equipment and when you understand the technology you can make objective comparisons between systems and treatments.

Your equipment supplier should be able to explain these terms to you in plain and simple language, and more importantly tell you why the different features are important.

If you want to know about the key issues of equipment and treatments why not attend a Core of Knowledge course or one of our other training events ? Alternatively buy a copy of the booklet ‘Safe Use of Laser and Intense Pulsed Light Equipment' – written as a no-nonsense guide to equipment, registration and more.


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What to look for when choosing a system

Buying a system can be a big investment and it is easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of information you need to understand. Even if you lease a system you must make sure you can cover the cost of the financial package from your treatments. The most important question is whether you have a good working relationship with your supplier and feel confident in doing business with them. You should look for a manufacturer or supplier that will be there to support you in your practice - not just in the early days, but once your business is established and perhaps looking to expand your treatment services.

Make sure you do your research by contacting several manufacturers and suppliers, visiting trade shows and exhibitions or other clinics. Remember to identify your customer needs and read trade journals and magazines on the subject. Here are the types of questions you should be asking of your equipment manufacturer or supplier:

- What treatments can the equipment undertake?
- Are there any reported side effects or complications from using the equipment?
- How reliable is the equipment?
- Does the equipment meet the legal requirements and safety standards?
- Where is the equipment made and are spare parts readily available?
- What are the on-going equipment service or maintenance costs?
- Is an equipment loan available if my equipment fails?
- Will I be able to get software or equipment up-grades when they become available?
- Are finance options available and are they affordable?
- Will the supplier provide marketing or advertising materials to help your business?
- Who else is using the system and what is their experience of supplier & equipment?
- How do I look after the equipment and keep it running correctly?
- What clinical trials or research studies are available for this equipment?
- Does the equipment have the variables or settings to treat different skin types?
- Does the system have built-in skin cooling to minimise skin damage?
- How quickly can pulses be delivered to optimise treatment times?
- Are gels or creams needed to carry out a treatment?
- What are typical treatment fees and will I be able to generate sufficient income?
- How easily could the equipment be returned or sold if I don't continue with my service?
- How many treatments are recommended using the equipment?
- Is the system portable or easy to move and store within my clinic or salon?
- What after-sales support will the supplier provide?
- Will the supplier provide training or pay for you to attend recognised training courses?
- Are there safety issues I need to know about eg. do I need to wear goggles?

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Manufacturers, associations & other organisations

You should choose your supplier and equipment carefully and take time to identify the best equipment for your intended services. Our Training Centre has a wide range of literature and material for you to take away when you attend a course but you should also contact the suppliers directly and ask to see the equipment and treatment demonstrations. And remember, you can not legally operate any laser or pulsed light equipment unless you are registered with the Healthcare Commission - and they have the power to close your business down!

By including links to suppliers or manufacturers of lasers and pulsed light equipment we are not endorsing any particular product or system but aim to encourage you to research the market thoroughly to make sure you get the best from the equipment AND the supplier.

HEALTHCARE COMMISSION FOR CLINIC REGISTRATION
HEALTHCARE COMMISSION - www.healthcarecommission.org.uk
This link takes you straight to the 'Information for Service Providers' page. From there you will be able to to request a Registration Pack.

EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS/SUPPLIERS
LYNTON LASERS - www.lynton.co.uk
A UK company supplying laser and pulsed light systems to the medical and aesthetic markets for the full range of treatment applications. Their range includes the 'Lumina' IPL and Nd:YAG combined system.

CYNOSURE - www.cynosurelaser.co.uk
Supply a wide range of medical and aesthetic systems for all treatment applications including multiplatform systems. Cynosure also supply stand-alone skin cooling devices for pre & post treatment cooling.

CROSS MEDICAL - www.crosstechplc.com
Cross Medical supply a wide range of medical and aesthetic sytems for all treatment applications. Cross Medical are the distributors for the extensive Candela systems including the VBeam and Gentlelase. They also distribute the Dornier aesthetic and medical systems.

LUMENIS - www.lumenis.com
Supply pulsed light systems for hair removal and skin rejuvenation.

CACI INTERNATIONAL - www.caci-international.co.uk
Supply a versatile pulsed light system for hair removal and treatment of vascular/pigmented lesions. CACI also supply self contained skin cooling devices for pre & post treatment cooling.

ENERGIST - www.energist-international.com
UK manufacturers and global suppliers of the Ultra VPL, a pulsed light system for hair reduction and skin rejuvenation.

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Laser Physics UK - www.laserphysicsuk.com
Supply a wide range of styles and designs of safety eyewear for laser and pulsed light systems, including eyeshields.

GUIDES TO RISK ASSESSMENT
HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE (HSE) - www.hse.gov.uk
This link will take you to a pdf version of the HSE Five Steps to Risk Assessment - an ideal and easy guide which includes a risk assessment form you can adapt to suit your laser/IPL facility.

HEALTH & BEAUTY ASSOICATIONS
HABIA - www.habia.org
HABIA is the UK's Industry Authority for Hair, Beauty & Body Arts and sets standards for over 1000 beauty schools and 40,000 salons. A useful source of information for beauty therapists and support for salon and clinic staff including links to other organisations.

MEDICAL LASER ORGANISATIONS
BMLA - www.bmla.co.uk
A scientific society that aims to promote safety and research and development in medical laser technology.

MEDICAL/AESTHETIC ADVISORY LINKS
The Consulting Room(TM) - www.consultingroom.com
The UK's largest specialist aesthetic information website. For details about how to join The Consulting Room phone 0845 058 114 or visit the website. Consulting Room provides advice to both consumers and clinic providers.

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