10 Tips for Buying a Laser Machine

Worried about making a costly mistake? Have a limited budget that you want to spend as wisely as possible? Not sure what treatments you'll offer long term? Here we help you make awesome decisions.

1. Get educated on the theory of lasers, IPL, safety and clinical presentations. If you understand wavelengths, principles of photothermolysis, pulse width, fluence, spot size, clinical endpoints, Fitzpatrick Skin Types, expected side effects, and possible adverse outcomes then you will be able to be discerning and make a well-educated decision. Choose theory courses that are accredited, endorsed or recognised by radiation health departments or health professional bodies to ensure they are quality and evidence-based.
   
   
2. Check out your state/territory regulations. Are you able to operate a Class 4 laser in your state? Are there licensing requirements? Did you know that IPL is regulated in Tasmania?
   
   
3. Be a critical reader. Examine the claims and the clinical papers that are associated with them. Don’t take anything for face value and get independent information too.
   
   
4. Decide what services you’d like to deliver. Will it be hair removal, skin rejuvenation, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal or all of these? Choose a machine that will meet your short term requirements and one that will grow as you do. How much can your population afford to pay? Where will you find your customers?
   
   
5. Machine settings should be customisable. You want the machine with parameters that are able to be adjusted to suit the different targets and skin types to get the results you really want.
   
   
6. Ongoing education and support from the manufacturer is essential. After they show you the basics of how to use the machine will they return to show you advanced applications? Do they have marketing in place that supports your practice? They should provide signage for the door for controlled access and laser safety eye wear as standard. Just because you have been orientated to the use of the machine and its accessories, doesn’t mean you have completed a Laser Safety Officer course, if you don’t have one, get one (see number 1).
   
   
7. Consider the costs both initial outlay and ongoing. The initial cost of your equipment isn’t the end of the story. Consider disposable handpieces, handpieces that need refurbishment or repair and other disposables such as gel, spatulas, and linen. Ask for information on the number of treatments needed to start to get a return on your investment.
   
   
8. Practice. Provided consent is obtained, you work within your scope of practice/skillset under supervision and safety protocols are adhered to; colleagues, friends, family, volunteers, paid models or paying clients can all help you hone your skills. We have short practical workshops that you can do as stand-alone modules. Choose practical workshops that are accredited, endorsed or recognised by radiation health departments or health professional bodies to ensure they are quality and evidence-based.
   
   
9. Determine your budget. Shop around, there are hundreds of choices on offer. Some are TGA approved, some are not. Some are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and some are not. Consider if you will buy outright, rent to buy, seek finance or how you will pay your machine off.
   
   
10. Cover your legal bases. Have adequate professional liabilities insurance. Work within your legal scope. Develop your practice based on exceptional education, evidence-based practice and the discerning choice of equipment.
    
    

Post Disclaimer

This blog post has been vigilantly researched and fact checked to ensure that it is accurate, reliable and up to date. You must keep in mind that errors and omissions may occur and that we welcome any feedback or corrections in this regard. We encourage you to do your own research to verify the accuracy and contemporary nature of the information presented.

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6 factors to consider when selecting a laser for your clinic

The Aesthetic Lasers market was worth US$798.4 million in , and it’s expected to grow to US$1.93 billion1 in . Patients are showing boosted demand2 for laser procedures, and doctors are increasing their supply of aesthetic laser devices in return.

The increased interest in laser procedures is partly due to a rise3 in consumer appreciation of personal aesthetics. Customers appreciate that treatments like laser hair removal are a permanent solution to their beauty woes: traditional home treatments were often time-consuming and inconvenient. New laser technologies have also been introduced over the past few years4, giving dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and laser specialists a larger field of possibilities to offer their patients.

Before choosing a laser for your clinic, there is a laundry list of factors you must consider. It’s essential to research the market and understand what it offers before making a decision.

1. Understand your clients

Before shopping for laser equipment, the first thing to do is understand the type of clients you intend to target. This way, you’ll be informed about the kind of devices that would be ideal for your clinic. Desired treatments for a client may vary across different age groups, from laser hair removal or wrinkle reduction to total skin rejuvenation. You may also have to address different skin types to make sure the equipment suits their needs.

2. Consideration of laser specifications

Depending on what your clinic practices, you’ll have to look for lasers that have the versatility to maximise your treatment options. Some lasers can be used for both cosmetic and medical purposes5. Cosmetic services help patients achieve their desired appearances through laser treatments, while medical procedures aim to improve the overall health of patients’ skin.

If your clinic provides both cosmetic and medical treatments, you can consider the PicoWay system.6. This latest laser offers flexibility in customising configurations to best complement your medical and cosmetic practices in its FDA and CE cleared indications. It has four picosecond wavelengths: 532 nm, 730 nm, 785 nm and nm, approved for indications ranging from tattoo removal of benign pigmented lesions to the treatment of wrinkles. It also has a high peak power and shortest* pulse durations which produce a precise, consistent result.7

Picosecond technology has revolutionised laser treatment by minimising thermal impact to surrounding tissues. At the same time, the short picosecond pulse durations reduce the risk of hypo-hyper pigmentation and scarring8, making it a suitable choice for any type of treatment.

3. Skin types

As mentioned above, it is important to match specific lasers for the different skin types your clients have. People with fair skin (Fitzpatrick skin type I-III) have less melanin; they experience a lower prevalence of effects like blistering or scarring. In contrast, people with higher skin melanin concentration (Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI) are more susceptible to certain dermatological conditions such as melasma, which can lead to hypertrophic scarring9

Cosmetic treatments differ for patients with a range of skin types. Hence it is vital to consider lasers that can treat darker skin types. The PicoWay system’s ultra-short picosecond pulses are 100 times shorter than Q-switch lasers and have been proved clinically successful in Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI.

Link to Meizi

4. Quality of the device

After narrowing down the type of equipment your clinic is looking for, the next step is to determine how much you’re willing to pay for your laser. There is a large selection of devices in the market at different price points, your selection would need to be based on your needs, quality of the product, and efficacy of the product. It is vital not to choose a product purely based on the lowest quote available. Sometimes, a higher price point might reflect higher efficacy, safety, or after-sales support of the device.

When selecting your device, consider the trade-off between quality, after service, and cost. A lower-priced laser saves you money in the short term—but it may also lead to lower returns over longer periods of time in some cases. High-quality results, consistency, and device longevity are worthy investments back into your clinic. You’ll likely not need to constantly replace your laser and spend more in the long run if you invest in a long-lasting device.

5. Warranty

Lasers are incredibly complex instruments that need to be maintained regularly to function properly. Only experienced laser technicians with the right equipment are able to service your lasers constructively and adequately. This makes the laser manufacturer’s service, responsiveness and expertise equally important as the laser equipment itself.

As your cosmetic laser wears and tears, there will be a point in time where you’ll have to repair it, so it’s crucial to make sure your laser comes with a warranty. Take a closer look to see what the warranty covers. Will you have to pay extra to repair a product after a certain period of time? Is there a service warranty package subscription after the warranty expires? Loss of income due to malfunctions could potentially cost more compared to the initial cost of a service warranty.

6. Reliability of service and equipment

Finding the right company to supply you with good quality instruments can be a little tricky because there are just too many options available. Besides that, you’ll have to check if you’re able to repair your lasers locally and whether the process takes a long time.

Here is a quick checklist to help you in your search for a reliable laser manufacturer:

• Check on the company’s reputation to make sure that they have a great track record of delivering quality equipment
• Research whether they regularly meet industry standards
• The company should be happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have
• They must be registered with the proper authorities and should have permits as required by the law
• They must also conform to local and international standards, which enables them to sell to other countries and local clinics
• The company should provide continuous support in various aspects to help your clinic growth such as service, clinical & marketing

Not all companies have the funds or resources to invest in a dedicated service department for their customers. Some may source external laser technicians that might not have the extensive knowledge required to access the highly specialised parts in the laser equipment.

Select the perfect laser for your clinic

When picking your next laser device, think about how it can meet your clients’ needs reliably. Not all lasers deliver the same high-quality results. A suitable laser can make a big difference in your services, as your clients can personally experience the laser’s effectiveness in the procedure results.

If you’re interested in exploring laser options for your clinic, Candela provides consultations to learn more about the variety of devices to help your clinic achieve its desired results. Get in touch with us

Are you interested in learning more about Skin Laser Equipment(th,es,iw)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!