Laser Treatments MD

Aesthetic Laser Treatment Classes Explained

The advent of cosmetic laser treatments in cosmetic medicine has led to many advancements in cosmetic medical device industries. In the aesthetic laser treatment arena, new and improved cosmetic lasers are entering the cosmetic medical market every few months. This development curve is leaving the classification criterion of cosmetic lasers to continually be redefined. Therefore, the following information is to be used as a guideline and is not considered to be a current and thorough description.

Aesthetic or cosmetic lasers commonly in use by plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatologists, laser clinics and med spas typically have low outputs of energy and power, and are usually placed in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 category. Another organization is the LIA (Laser Institute of America). The majority of medical lasers fall into the ANSI Class 3 or 4 categories with most surgical lasers being in ANSI Class 4. Most medical and/or surgical lasers that are used to perform aesthetic laser treatments are classified by the FDA as Class II or Class III medical devices.

Class 1: These lasers are not considered to pose any hazards when operated according to normal conditions and includes lasers which are completely enclosed such as CD players, fiber-optics devices, and printers. These devices cannot have emissions exceeding the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) under any conditions are considered to be class 1 systems. Still, problems can occur if the laser is outside of the enclosure. Warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath the cover.

Class 2a Lasers: Not many lasers qualify for this class of low-power, visible light lasers. Any laser in this class is considered to not pose a threat if the beam of light is directly viewed for periods of time less than 1000 seconds (about 16 minutes). Any visible light laser with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts, may be class 2.

Class 2 Lasers: Another class of visible light lasers that are intense enough that when shined in your eye can cause the normal aversion response. (The aversion response is when the eyelids close, or the head moves in order to avoid the light. It occurs within 0.25 seconds and includes the blink reflex time.)

Class 3a: This includes those lasers emitting ultraviolet or infrared light as well as visible light. All devices within the Class 1 AEL (Allowed Exposure Level) with laser output between .18μm and 1mm fall in this class. (Common Laser pointers are class 3a laser devices.)

Class 3b: These include the same spectrum as class 3a, but increase the output levels to that of Class 2 AEL.

Class 4 Lasers: Lasers with any power output that exceeds the Class 2 AEL.

As an medical provider, you are now crossing the line from treating clients to treating patients. All the components of aesthetic care play an even more important role when designing a post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a deep chemical peel for acne scarring. Or, the Rosacea patient who just completed her first intense pulse light treatment. It’s important to remember that you are the skin care expert in your recommendations of skin care products and regimens to your clients. However, you are also a critical adjunct to the physician who has planned an aggressive therapy treatment for his patient.