Laser Hair Removal Treatment, Part 2—Texas Laws

So here we are the next day after our “this is normal” procedure. I literally looked like a curling iron had been rolled across my mouth and pressed on my cheek.

This was anything but normal. But then again, they are the doctor’s office—right? She had a lab coat on. She must be a professional.

Did I mention I was working in a restaurant?

As the day pressed on, the thickness of the burned areas became worse—hardening in some areas and completely scabbing in others. Some parts began oozing.

I was horrified. After being constantly asked “what did you do to your face?” plus having to watch some folks gag, I ended up staying home from work and just crying all day.

Maybe I am just having an adverse reaction?

I called several times that next day in the hopes to get some clarity. Several calls later, all I kept hearing was, “This is normal.”

By Day 3 I was a mess with thick dark brown scabs all around my mouth and 1 big bar mark on my cheek where that inconspicuous test patch was done.

I made the executive decision to go unannounced to the office.

What a surprise I was. Upon my arrival, everyone in the waiting room just stared then asked what happened.  I did let them know “yes, this happened here.”

Quickly Ushered to a Treatment Room

A few minutes later, the plastic surgeon opened the door and did just about the worst thing he could have done.

“OMIGOD!” he cries and has a shocked look on his face.

Obviously, his words and facial expression just made things worse. I put my head in my hands and cried.

After my initial release of emotion, I then mighta, kinda… threw a HUGE fit and yelled a little; ok … maybe I even asked to see the aesthetician so she could see her nice handy work. She did finally come, but only peeked into the doorway.

I left with more tears, less 350 dollars, scabs on my face and they were so nice to send me home with …. wait for it ….. SUNSCREEN!!! UNBELIEVABLE.

Welcoming Change

This my friends was well over 10 years ago so I guess by all standards I should just be glad that I still have my eyesight. I am left sadly with pigment, hyperpigmentation is what we call it. It gets really dark in the summer with sun exposure.

I have embraced my experience as a blessing and it is what gives me my passion for this industry.

To see The State of Texas be one of the first to pioneer regulation has made me proud! I am more than excited to be a part of propelling the aesthetic laser community to have safer work practices. I know the technicians are excited as well. We all want to be knowledgeable on our craft.

So what are the steps that need to be taken?

The new regulations fall under The Texas Department of Health. If you had been in the industry and submitted documentation by August 31, 2011 you may have been included on the “grandfathering” clause. This simply means you did not have to go through all the training that everyone else now has to go through. If you did not submit the proper paperwork by that deadline, you will need to be certified.

These are the levels for Laser Technicians certification:

1. Laser Hair Removal Apprentice
2. Laser Hair Removal Technician
3. Laser Hair Removal Senior Technician
4. Laser Professional

How does one start this process? First, understand there is no skipping one to get to the other. Each has its own application, fee & requirements.

• First you must submit an application for your apprentice, and then once you receive your approval with certificate in hand you are eligible to begin your required 40 hours of laser didactic training and CPR Certification from an approved facility.
• Once that is completed you must hands-on perform laser hair removal treatment on 100 approved body parts designated by the state. These treatments must be signed off and observed by a licensed senior laser tech or a licensed laser professional only.
• Once you have completed this you need to submit another application; this time the application for Laser Technician. Attach a copy of your 100 logged and signed off treatments with fee’s. After you get the Laser Hair Removal Technician certificationback in hand you are ready to go for your Senior certification.
• For Senior Laser Technician you must observe 100 laser hair removal approved body parts being performed by at least a registered apprentice. The senior or professional will log that they observed you observing the other performing the treatments. Once observed and logged you will send your application with copy of logged treatment with fees. Now you should be a Senior Laser Technician.
• Once you receive your Senior Laser Tech certification, you simply pay another fee and take a 1 day course and a test to obtain your Laser Professional license.