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New restrictions proposed for non-medical laser therapy

Posted March 25, 2008 11:00 pm

Meagan Sexton

As the use of laser therapy becomes more popular, the state is acting to protect people from the damaging effects that can occur from the misuse of laser equipment in non-medical cosmetic settings.

A proposed rule drafted by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation would require a physician to examine a patient before use of laser equipment to determine an appropriate course of treatment.

In addition, the rule would require on-site physician supervision, which is not currently mandatory, although a licensed nurse also could perform the procedure.

Dean Martinez, director of the DFPR, said in a written statement Tuesday that the misuse of laser equipment can result in permanent scarring, long-term pain or, in worst-case scenarios, misdiagnosed cancers.

According to Dr. Darrell Rigel, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association: "Over the last year, our members have reported a dramatic rise in the number of patients coming to them to treat complications and misdiagnosis of skin cancer as a result of laser procedures performed by non-physicians."

Dr. Nicole Sommer, an assistant professor of plastic surgery for the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, supports the proposal, saying the safest way to perform laser procedures is to have a physician present.

"A mole, for instance, is a pigmented lesion and is not something that should be removed by a laser," Sommer said. "It should be excised, because, obviously, a pigmented lesion could always potentially be a melanoma."

Dr. Sherry Simmons, owner of Body Perfect in Springfield, said her business would not be affected by the proposed rule because she or a licensed nurse is always on-site.

Simmons agreed, though, that "Lasers should be treated with the utmost respect and regard. They are powerful. They can do amazing and incredible things, but they can also do a lot of damage."

She said most of the places that have misused laser equipment have gone out of business. She said she wasn't aware of any in Springfield, but has heard of them in other parts of Illinois.

Body Perfect conducts 10 to 20 laser procedures per day, with hair removal being the most popular, she said.

Nick Teeter, 20, of Springfield received a laser treatment Tuesday at Body Perfect for scarring from acne on his forehead.

"I felt like once I was out of high school, I deserved not to be a pimple face anymore," Teeter said. "It seemed like an easy fix. It takes about a week to notice a definite difference. I don't notice anything right now, but I was assured that would change."

Simmons performed Teeter's procedure.

"Overall, it (the pain) was very moderate," Teeter said. "It feels like tiny pin pricks. Afterwards, it felt like a mild sunburn, but I don't really have any pain anymore."

Leanne Arndt, general manager at Capitol Radio Group, received several laser peels for acne scarring and collagen stimulation for skin firming at Body Perfect.

"You do feel a little stinging, but it's nothing once they numb you up," Arndt said.

She said the laser procedures she had done felt like little rubber bands being flicked on her face.

According to the Body Perfect Web site, prices vary per procedure.

Laser peels cost $300, treatment for rosacea is $400, and the price for scar revision and tattoo removal depends on the area being treated and how many treatments are needed.

Meagan Sexton can be reached at (217) 782-6882.

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