JEDDAH – Laser hair removal is a fairly common procedure which helps remove unwanted body hair using selective photothermolysis (SPTL) or direct heat to the hair root, which when preformed incorrectly can cause burns of varying degrees. According to dermatologist Dr. Nevin Kat, the number of women undergoing laser hair removal has increased in the past five years because of its speed and efficacy in giving them even more glowing skin. The growing demand for such services has led to the proliferation of a larger number of clinics and attendants who practice this procedure without undergoing training or certification. But the problem with the use of laser is that it can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter while not heating the rest of the skin which may cause various problems depending on the type of skin the laser is introduced to. “The skill and experience of the laser therapist is the key to the best results and the speedy recovery of a harmless procedure as such,” said Dr. Kat. A number of complains have surfaced in the past two years about skin damage caused by laser therapy. Layan Al Rajhi suffered from 3rd degree burns while undergoing the removal of facial hair because of negligence of a therapist who forgot to apply cooling gel and only relied on numbing cream. “I felt a burning sensation but couldn't feel what was going on because my skin was numb and when I complained she said it was a normal.” When Al Rajhi later returned to the therapist she told her it was alright and that it was a common reaction to the heat of the sun. Operating a laser machine is not rocket science but it is not an easy procedure, said Nawal Momen, a laser therapist. “It depends on the degree of heat you use, the length of time you keep treating one spot and the size of the laser and much more.” Women believe those who don't undergo training are only after the money and not the patients satisfaction and well-being. “We have to make sure everything goes well because it is not only a matter of removing hair but keeping the largest organ in the human body safe.” Ahlam Mutabagani was another victim of a nurse who was appointed by the dermatologist to do the work rather than the doctor herself, resulting in minor skin damage. “They might have been minimal damages but they were highly uncalled for and I'm now in need of long term treatment plans to be able to get rid of the discoloration and acne that one laser therapy session has caused.” “I assumed that the nurse knew what she was doing, but apparently when speaking to her later, she told me she had just watched the doctor who had told her how to operate it but she never underwent real training,” said Mutabagani. The ministry of health had launched an awareness campaign through various media channels, warning citizens and residence of such illegal practices. It also encourages those victimized to speak up and report instances as the ministry intends to take severe actions against them — including jail sentences.
