Laser hair removal is a popular method for permanent hair removal. It promises smooth, hair-free skin and can boost self-confidence. However, as with any medical procedure, laser hair removal also involves risks and complications. These can range from minor skin irritations to severe burns and permanent scars.

With the increasing availability of cheap laser hair removal devices on platforms such as Aliexpress, the risk of complications is also increasing. A study by Thomas and Houreld (2019) reported that more than 50% of the 268 serious injuries in the study were due to inadequate training. They also reported one case of eye injury.(1)

To find out more about the risks of laser hair removal and the importance of the right training, we spoke to an expert in the field. Isabell Pilla is the Managing Director of Laser Hair Removal by the laser station AG, a leading company with two specialized beauty studios for laser hair removal in Zurich. With her extensive experience and expertise, she offers us valuable insights into this topic.

Interviewer: Hello Isabell, thank you for taking the time to talk to us today. We keep hearing from people who are interested in laser hair removal but have concerns about safety. What can you tell us about this?

Isabell Pilla: Hello, thank you for the invitation. Yes, this is a really important topic. Laser hair removal can deliver fantastic results, but it is absolutely crucial that it is carried out by qualified professionals. I remember one customer, Lena, who had a pretty scary previous experience.

Interviewer: Oh, that sounds serious. Can you tell us more about Lena’s story?

Isabell Pilla: Sure, Lena came to us after she had laser hair removal carried out in another studio. She had severe pain and blisters in the treated areas. It turned out that the studio had used a cheap laser device from China without CE certification and the staff had not been properly trained. Lena had chosen the studio because it offered reasonable prices, but she hadn’t expected the treatment to be so painful and dangerous.

Interviewer: That sounds really awful. What were the consequences for Lena?

Isabell Pilla: Lena had second-degree burns on the treated areas. She was scared and unsure what to do. She felt uncomfortable in her skin and was afraid of permanent scars. After this experience, she was very cautious and skeptical about laser hair removal.

Interviewer: How were you able to help Lena?

Isabell Pilla: First of all, we reassured Lena and assured her that we would help her. We referred her to a dermatologist to make sure her burns were treated properly. Once the wounds had healed, we drew up a plan to improve the appearance of her skin. Lena has since made a full recovery and is now one of our most loyal customers.

But it’s not just Lena who has had positive experiences with our practice. We have many customers who have found a new self-confidence thanks to laser hair removal. They report smoother skin, fewer ingrown hairs and a general feeling of satisfaction.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone like Lena who is thinking about laser hair removal?

Isabell Pilla: I would advise Lena to do her homework. She should make sure that the studio she chooses has qualified staff and uses high-quality equipment. It is important that she feels comfortable and safe. At our studio, we attach great importance to the training of our employees. Our team is regularly monitored and trained by me, as a certified laser safety officer, to ensure that they can offer the best and safest treatments.

In addition, we only use medical devices from our partner Cocoon Medical. These devices are manufactured under strict quality standards to ensure accuracy of results and safety during use. We believe that it is important to invest in the best equipment in order to offer our customers the best possible treatment.

Lena should also not hesitate to ask questions. It is important that she understands the process and feels comfortable with it. We are always ready to answer any questions and ensure that our customers are fully informed.

In this context, I am also pleased that a new law will come into force from July 2024. This law requires that anyone who performs laser hair removal must have the V-NISSG certificate of competence. It also stipulates that only professional medical equipment may be used for these treatments. I fully support this regulation, as it legally regulates the protection of customers and ensures that only qualified specialists with the appropriate medical equipment carry out these treatments.

Interviewer: That’s really valuable advice, Isabell. Thank you very much for your time and your openness. It is clear that choosing the right studio and the right specialist for laser hair removal is crucial.

Isabell Pilla: Absolutely, it’s so important to remember that your health and wellbeing should come first. Thank you for raising this important topic.

What conclusions can be drawn from this? When you compare the cost to your health and your own risk, you realize that the cost of laser hair removal by a professional with specialist medical equipment and CE certification is essential. Fewer treatments are needed, which are quicker and without major side effects. Lena’s story is a cautionary tale of what can happen if you choose a studio that doesn’t meet these standards. But there are also many positive stories of people who have found a new self-confidence thanks to laser hair removal.

It is also important to remember that not everyone is suitable for laser hair removal. People with certain skin or hair types may not get good results or may have a higher risk of complications. A personal consultation with qualified professionals can help minimize these risks and ensure that laser hair removal is safe and effective for you.

In addition to the risks associated with inadequate training and cheap equipment, there are also concerns about using equipment that is not properly certified. Many of the cheap laser hair removal devices available on platforms such as AliExpress, Ebay or even Amazon originate from China and often bear fake or incomplete CE marks. These marks are intended as an assurance that the appliance has been tested and that its safety is guaranteed in accordance with the applicable laws. However, this is often not the case with devices manufactured in China.

Therefore, if you decide to have laser hair removal, you should make sure that you choose a studio that uses high-quality, properly certified equipment and whose staff is properly trained. Here are some tips on how to recognize a professional laser hair removal studio:

Check the certifications: A professional studio should be able to show you that their equipment is properly certified. This includes not only the CE mark, but also other relevant certifications such as Swiss-Medic and ISO 9001 quality certification.

Ask about staff training: Staff should have adequate training in the use of the equipment and be able to explain to you how the treatment will be carried out and what you can expect.

Find out about the equipment: A professional studio should be able to give you information about the equipment they use, including where it was made and what type of laser they use.

Read reviews: Check out reviews of the studio to see what other customers have to say about their experience. This can give you a good insight into the quality of the treatments and the studio’s customer service.

Ask for a consultation: A professional studio should offer you a consultation where you can ask questions and learn more about the treatment. This is also a good opportunity to get to know the studio and the staff and see if you feel comfortable there.

Ultimately, it is crucial that you feel safe and secure when choosing a laser hair removal studio. Take the time to consider your options and choose a studio that puts your health and safety first.