Be Safe and Save

Have you had laser treatments somewhere else?
Bring a Receipt or Estimate From Another Medical Spa or Hair Removal Center and Get 25% OFF Any Medical Procedure.
(Laser Hair Removal, Botox, Dermal Fillers, Thermage, Vein Treatments) or mention this promotion
Offer Expires 6/10/08

LASER HAIR REMOVAL
BEWARE OF MEDICAL SPAS WITH NO DOCTOR ON SITE

Last month we talked about laser hair removal. I explained how well it works and offered you a great promotion. I regret that I may not have given you the whole story. You see, I explained the process from my point of view as it is performed by me.

At the time, I did not think about all of the other places that are doing laser hair removal without the supervision of a doctor. But a news report I saw last night reminded me of a very important issue.

Unfortunately, not all laser centers and medical spas are made equal. There are many places who rarely have a doctor on site. This doctor is paid a fee to be the "medical director" and s/he shows up now and then, but is not on site during most medical procedures and most patients never see him/her.

This way the medical spa stays in compliance by having a doctor on staff, but costs go way down because the doctor does not have to be there all the time. They can then train "laser technicians" to do the procedures. Most of these so called technicians have no nursing or medical degree. Many are estheticians who might be able to do some things on their own, but should really be directly supervised when using a laser or other medical device.

Fortunately the state of Illinois is making a new rule that will require doctors to be on site. While this may drive up costs a little bit, it is the price we pay for safety. I have seen several people in my office who have had complications from laser hair removal in the wrong hands.

If you know someone who has gone to another place, I urge you to forward this information to your friends so they can learn about the best way to proceed with laser hair removal. I am confident at how well it works in my hands, but I am worried for people who go somewhere else because it costs less and there is no doctor in sight.

I'll be happy to take good care of anyone who comes my way for any of the procedures I do at LightCare Medical Spa.

What should you ask?

1. Make sure there is an on site doctor
2. Make sure you discuss the procedure and its alternatives with that doctor
3. Ask who will be performing your treatment
4. Ask how many of that particular procedure that person has done
5. Ask about complications and how many they have had (complications are always possible, but should be few in number)
6. Trust your gut feeling about the place, the staff and the doctor
7. Be aware of the sales push and do not let anyone pressure you based on timing or a good deal
8. REMEMBER! This is a medical procedure with potential complications and should be performed under the supervision of a medical doctor