Introducing laser into your clinic safely
Safe delivery of light-based therapies demands solid planning, training, and protocols. Whether you're starting out or expanding, this chapter covers the essentials to ensure your clinic meets top safety and professional standards.
Introducing or scaling laser services in your clinic is a major clinical milestone. Done correctly, it enhances your treatment offering, builds client trust, and drives business growth. But cutting corners on training, environment, consultation, or aftercare can open the door to avoidable risks. By prioritising patient safety at every stage, clinics can confidently integrate laser into their practice and deliver results for their clients.
Laser treatments are regulated in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland regardless of how they are used, whereas in England, the need for CQC registration depends more on the type of treatment being offered than on the equipment used. For example, the CQC regulates cosmetic treatments carried out by a healthcare professional that involve surgical procedures i.e. Laser lipolysis but does not regulate cosmetic treatments such as laser and intense pulse light (IPL) treatments like hair removal or skin rejuvenation.
Devices, including lasers, are also regulated under UK medical device legislation. In Great Britain, the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 continue to apply, while the UK Medical Devices Regulations (UK MDR) 2021established a post-Brexit regulatory framework specific to the UK. In Northern Ireland, however, EU legislation, EU MDR and IVDR (2017/745 & 2017/746), remains in effect due to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for making sure that medical devices meet safety, quality, and performance standards in the UK. This includes evaluating device applications, issuing UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) certifications (which replaced the CE Mark) for devices used in Great Britain, and overseeing post-market surveillance and inspections.
Clinics should use devices that are either UKCA or CE-marked to maintain compliance and avoid legal issues.
Effective and safe laser practice begins with the right education.
Insurance companies and local councils often require proof of adequate training before issuing a licence or providing insurance coverage. This usually means completing a recognised qualification, like the VTCT Level 4 or Core of Knowledge. Level 5 qualifications may be required for specific treatments like tattoo removal.
Core of Knowledge covers the fundamental principles of laser-tissue interaction, legislation, and risk management, while a VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) involves gaining advanced skills in performing laser and IPL treatments for hair removal and skin rejuvenation. These types of qualifications may focus on managing safe working practices, identifying suitable clients, and providing thorough consultations to tailor treatments. They may also cover client care, communication, health, safety, and security within a salon environment. There’s no standardised laser training out there, but there are plenty of courses available. Look for accredited providers. The British Medical Laser Association has a list of training providers.
You should also undertake device-specific training from the manufacturer or a certified training provider. It is not enough to understand one laser system; each platform (e.g. Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, IPL) has its own wavelength, treatment depth, and energy output characteristics.
Make sure each team member is certified and current in their training
Work only with CE-marked devices with clear manufacturer protocols
Consider joining organisations such as the British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) for continued education and networking
Undertake Continuous Professional Development to stay abreast of technological advancements and evolving safety standards.
Keeping up with new guidance and treatment parameters will not only protect your patients but also reduce your risk of legal action.
Creating a treatment space that prioritises safety is essential. Laser equipment must be used in a controlled environment that complies with national guidelines and protects both practitioners and patients.
Best practice includes:
A designated laser room or screened area with appropriate warning signage
Use of laser safety goggles for everyone in the room, matched to the device wavelength
Fire-resistant curtains, window coverings, and a smoke evacuator if plume is generated
The MHRA provides detailed recommendations to make sure of both patient and staff safety in its document: Lasers, intense light source systems and LEDs – guidance for safe use in medical, surgical, dental and aesthetic practices.
It advises that you:
Appoint key safety personnel:
Laser Protection Adviser (LPA): An external expert responsible for advising on laser safety, risk assessments, and the development of local rules.
Laser Protection Supervisor (LPS): An internal staff member tasked with day-to-day safety management, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
Authorised Users: Practitioners who have received appropriate training and are permitted to operate laser equipment.strategicmarketresearch.com
Conduct regular risk assessments:
Identify potential hazards associated with laser use
Implement control measures to mitigate identified risks
Controlled area specifications: Define and demarcate areas where laser treatments are performed and implement access controls to prevent unauthorised entry during procedures
Safety signage and equipment: Display appropriate warning signs indicating laser use and equip treatment rooms with safety features such as door interlocks, window coverings, and emergency shut-off mechanisms
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide laser-specific eye protection for both staff and patients
Regular audits and checklists should be in place to make sure that safety protocols are followed consistently, and laser logbooks should be maintained to record servicing, safety checks, and device use.
A thorough consultation process is non-negotiable when offering laser treatments. It protects both the patient and practitioner and lays the groundwork for realistic expectations.
Clinics should:
Take a full medical history, noting any contraindications such as medications, recent sun exposure, or active skincare products
Conduct a Fitzpatrick skin type assessment to determine risk of pigment change or burns
Carry out patch testing for every new treatment area or after device servicing
Record all findings clearly, including pre-treatment photography
Use bespoke consent forms that clearly outline specific risks such as blistering, pigment alteration, and scarring
Consent should be obtained at each session, not just once. This reinforces your commitment to patient safety and reinforces their understanding as treatment progresses.
The JCCP advises a consultation prior to treatment and a cooling-off period of two to five days before treatment.
The British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) also has guidance on informed consent.
Incorrect settings remain one of the top causes of laser-related claims. Every treatment parameter must be carefully calibrated to suit the patient’s:
Skin type (especially Fitzpatrick IV–VI)
Treatment area (face vs body)
Hair or lesion depth
Skin condition and tolerance
Failure to adjust settings after equipment servicing or switching handpieces is a common oversight that can result in burns or pigment damage. Always use test shots and adhere strictly to manufacturer protocols. Devices should undergo regular maintenance, and practitioners should document all settings used.
The MHRA advises:
Equipment selection and maintenance:
Choose CE-marked devices suitable for intended treatments
Establish maintenance schedules in line with manufacturer recommendations
Pre-use checks:
Conduct checks before each use to make sure equipment is functioning correctly
Maintain logs documenting these checks and any maintenance performed
With many aesthetic patients now following advanced skincare routines, clinics must understand how retinoids and active topicals interact with laser treatments.
The British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) has advised that aesthetic patients can now use topical retinol up to 24 hours prior to laser treatments.
Previously, the association’s ‘Drugs and Lasers/IPLs guidelines’ stated that retinol use must be terminated two weeks before laser procedures to mitigate unwanted side effects, such as peeling or redness, due to increased skin sensitivity. However, following a review of medical literature and panel deliberations, the new 24-hour timeframe has been implemented.
Despite this, it is not advised that patients start using retinol immediately before starting a course of laser treatments. The association still states that laser treatment should not be performed if the skin barrier appears visibly compromised.
Sun protection should also be emphasised in post-treatment aftercare. A minimum SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen is critical to reducing the risk of pigmentary complications.
Maintaining strict hygiene protocols in a laser clinic is essential for infection control, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. The British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) outlines a series of best practices for environmental cleaning, equipment maintenance, and practitioner hygiene. Aside from general hand hygiene and treatment room and environmental cleaning, the guidance includes some laser-specific advice, including:
The laser/IPL handpiece is a delicate optical instrument and must be cleaned between patients
Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, clean with a soft, lint-free wipe moistened with 90% isopropyl alcohol, then dry thoroughly
Safety eyewear and cooling gel packs should also be cleaned regularly following manufacturer protocols
Procedures involving skin puncture (e.g. Q-switched or picosecond lasers) require additional precautions:
Use gloves, mask, and protective eyewear
Follow strict cleaning protocols for any contaminated instruments
If a patient is known to be MRSA positive, refer them to a specialist clinic with appropriate infection control before proceeding with elective cosmetic treatment
