Back to All NewsLaser Basics
Posted By American Med Spa Association, Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Share
Whether you own one laser or a practice full of lasers, dermatologists can benefit from simple kowledge about how to use those devices optimally and safely.
Knowledge about laser-tissue interaction, basic laser engineering and how to determine a potential laser-related problem, as well as a commitment to safety practices, can transform a dermatologist’s laser practice, according to dermatologist E. Victor Ross, M.D., who presented on the basics of lasers and light earlier this year at the Maui Derm for Dermatologists conference 2016, in Maui, Hawaii.
Eye safety
One of the critical areas of laser safety is the eyes, according to Dr. Ross, who practices at Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley, San Diego, Calif.
“Eye safety is tantamount to operating in a good working environment. If you wear your goggles, there are very few tragic things that can happen with a laser, at least for the people (other than the patient) in the room,” Dr. Ross says. “The physician or whoever is operating the laser is the captain of the ship. You’re ultimately responsible for the safety of everyone in the room.”
The room for laser procedures is the nominal hazard zone.
“That’s the area where anybody in that space is at risk, so it behooves the operator to look around and make sure that everyone in the room has the proper goggles on before you start the procedure,” Dr. Ross says.
Knowledge about laser-tissue interaction, basic laser engineering and how to determine a potential laser-related problem, as well as a commitment to safety practices, can transform a dermatologist’s laser practice, according to dermatologist E. Victor Ross, M.D., who presented on the basics of lasers and light earlier this year at the Maui Derm for Dermatologists conference 2016, in Maui, Hawaii.
Eye safety
One of the critical areas of laser safety is the eyes, according to Dr. Ross, who practices at Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley, San Diego, Calif.
“Eye safety is tantamount to operating in a good working environment. If you wear your goggles, there are very few tragic things that can happen with a laser, at least for the people (other than the patient) in the room,” Dr. Ross says. “The physician or whoever is operating the laser is the captain of the ship. You’re ultimately responsible for the safety of everyone in the room.”
The room for laser procedures is the nominal hazard zone.
“That’s the area where anybody in that space is at risk, so it behooves the operator to look around and make sure that everyone in the room has the proper goggles on before you start the procedure,” Dr. Ross says.
