In this episode, Mike and Lisa dive into a lively question-and-answer session, addressing a variety of topics related to laser technology and safety. They discuss common misleading claims made by laser suppliers, particularly regarding hair removal capabilities and output power, emphasising the importance of understanding fluence over mere wattage. The duo also shares humorous anecdotes, including Mike's penchant for dad jokes and a lighthearted debate about safety goggles versus ice pack cooling during laser treatments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many laser suppliers make exaggerated or false claims about their machines, such as the ability to treat all hair and skin colours. The Long Pulse YAG laser is noted as the only one that can treat dark hair on various skin tones, while other lasers have limitations.

• The actual effectiveness of a laser treatment is more about fluence (energy density on the skin surface) than the total power output of the machine. High peak power claims can be misleading, as the average power and fluence are what truly matter for effective treatment.

• Eye protection is crucial when using lasers. While skin can heal over time, the eyes cannot be replaced, making it essential to prioritize safety goggles over cooling methods during laser procedures.

• It's vital to measure the output fluence of laser devices, as many machines do not deliver the energy they claim. Proper training and calibration are necessary to ensure effective and safe treatments.

• The hosts emphasise the importance of understanding and adapting to the specific characteristics of each laser machine. Personal experience and testing are key to mastering the use of these devices and ensuring client safety.

BEST MOMENTS

"The most obvious wrong claims tend to be things like our laser can treat all hair colours and all skin colours. You just can't treat those, because there's not enough melanin in those hairs to give you a sufficient reaction."

"It's really the fluence that's the important parameter there. You could say, well, I have a 5,000 watt instead of a 3,000 watt diode system, but it's not really the power that's important."

"If you have a diode laser, you should not be treating skin tones 5 and 6. Those wavelengths will just damage the skin."

"You need to measure the fluence coming out of it or measure the energy and divide by the area. Without doing that, you cannot really know what it's going to do."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.

Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.

Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining

https://mikemurphyblog.com

https://www.dermalasetraining.com