Dangers Of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal procedures have gotten very popular in recent years, and come with dangerous risks if performed incorrectly.
Nearly half a million treatments were performed in 2011 by dermatologic surgeons, and an unknown number more have been done by nonphysicians who have minimal training.
These treatments come with risks. The percentage of lawsuits over laser surgery that involved a nonphysician operator rose to78 percent in 2011 from 36 percent in 2008. When performed improperly, laser hair removal can cause injuries and severe burns in sensitive areas such as bikini lines and upper lip, and rarely, death.
At FDBR, our Florida medical malpractice lawyers have the knowledge and experience to pursue full compensation for your injuries after a medical mistake.
The licensing and training of laser hair-removal operators varies from state to state. Florida law requires lasers be used only by physicians, or by those exempt from the Medical Practice Act (such as nurses) while acting under the direct supervision of a physician.
New York, Virginia and Georgia do not consider laser hair removal to be a medical treatment, while 11 states simply don’t have laws regulating it.
Here are some factors to consider before laser hair removal:
- Is facility owned by medical doctor? Are they available during procedure?
- Ask who will perform the procedure, and what licensing and training the operator has.
- Ask whether laser hair removal appropriate for your skin type, hair color, complexion and body area (patients with diabetes, a difficulty with wound healing or tendency for keloid scarring are vulnerable to complications)
- if you experience pain or discoloration, call your doctor immediately
The medical malpractice lawyers at the Florida law firm of Freidin Brown, P.A. have over 90 years of combined experience representing victims of medical negligence throughout South Florida.
For more information, contact us.
Source: The New York Times, “Laser Hair Removal’s Risks,” Jan. 6, 2014.
