The advent of laser treatments in cosmetic medicine has led to many advancements in cosmetic medical device industries. In the cosmetic laser 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.
Lasers in use by medical practitioners typically have low outputs of energy and power, and are thus placed in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 category. Another important 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 are classified by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) as Class II or Class III medical devices.
Class 1
This class of lasers is considered not to pose any hazard when operated under and according to normal operating conditions. This category includes lasers which are completely enclosed such as CD players, fiber-optics systems, or laser printers. These devices that cannot have emissions exceeding the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) under any conditions are considered to be class 1 systems.
A potential hazard can occur during the repair of such devices if the repair process involves operating the laser outside of the enclosure case.
Warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath the cover.
Class 2a Lasers
Few lasers qualify for this class of low-power, visible light lasers. Lasers in this class do not pose a threat if the beam of light is directly viewed for periods of time less than 16 minutes or so. Visible light lasers with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts.
Class 2
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
Class of lasers that includes those 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 that are readily available are class 3a laser devices.
Class 3b
This class includes the same spectrum as class 3a, but increases the output level to that of Class 2 AEL.
Class 4
Lasers with any power output that exceeds the Class 2 AEL.
Laser clinics that are performing cosmetic laser treatments are now treating medical patients. All of the components of aesthetic medical care play an even more important role when designing post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a cosmetic laser treatment or the Rosacea patient who just underwent an IPL (intense pulse light) treatment. When working in a med spa or laser clinic, you're the 'medical' skin care expert in your recommendations of skin care products and aesthetic laser treatments to your clients. Of course, you're also a critical support to the cosmetic dermatologists who have planned an aggressive therapy treatment for their patients. - 30516
Lasers in use by medical practitioners typically have low outputs of energy and power, and are thus placed in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 category. Another important 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 are classified by the FDA (Food and Drug administration) as Class II or Class III medical devices.
Class 1
This class of lasers is considered not to pose any hazard when operated under and according to normal operating conditions. This category includes lasers which are completely enclosed such as CD players, fiber-optics systems, or laser printers. These devices that cannot have emissions exceeding the maximum permitted exposure (MPE) under any conditions are considered to be class 1 systems.
A potential hazard can occur during the repair of such devices if the repair process involves operating the laser outside of the enclosure case.
Warning labels are required for this class inside the unit or underneath the cover.
Class 2a Lasers
Few lasers qualify for this class of low-power, visible light lasers. Lasers in this class do not pose a threat if the beam of light is directly viewed for periods of time less than 16 minutes or so. Visible light lasers with a total output power less than 1 milliwatt, but greater than a few microwatts.
Class 2
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
Class of lasers that includes those 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 that are readily available are class 3a laser devices.
Class 3b
This class includes the same spectrum as class 3a, but increases the output level to that of Class 2 AEL.
Class 4
Lasers with any power output that exceeds the Class 2 AEL.
Laser clinics that are performing cosmetic laser treatments are now treating medical patients. All of the components of aesthetic medical care play an even more important role when designing post-procedure treatment plan for the patient who just underwent a cosmetic laser treatment or the Rosacea patient who just underwent an IPL (intense pulse light) treatment. When working in a med spa or laser clinic, you're the 'medical' skin care expert in your recommendations of skin care products and aesthetic laser treatments to your clients. Of course, you're also a critical support to the cosmetic dermatologists who have planned an aggressive therapy treatment for their patients. - 30516
About the Author:
Medical Spa MD is a cosmetic medical community of Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Dermatologists, and Aesthetic Physicians with more than 3,500 members. Medical Spa MD offers Medical Ssthetician Training Manuals and provides information on non-surgical cosmetic medical technologies and treatments.
