The use of lasers and other light equipment is relatively new to the cosmetic industry. It is only now that the equipment used with these procedures starts to mature, and practitioners are for the most part left over to their own experiments to gain insight in the technology and to establish treatment protocols that are both safe as well as effective. Little or no assistance can be expected from the equipment manufacturer. Hence an urgent need exists for a course in cosmetic laser treatments that provides the principles, safety aspects, as well as effective treatment protocols and practical experience.

With the course based on this text compilation we would like to change this situation. Our theoretical studies, along with computer simulations of laser-tissue interaction and clinical experience resulted in a know-how base that will help prospecting and practicing laser operators making informed decisions and utilizing treatment protocols that are both safe and effective.

All the contents of the course regarding safety, laser physics and laser tissue interaction is presented in this text. The remaining chapters on the different clinical applications will be treated during the course extensively and will be tailored to the requirements of the person enrolling for the course. Therefore, practical issues regarding the effectiveness of the different treatments and treatment protocols are not included in this compilation, but will also be treated during the course.

ALC Lasers' training is underwritten by the Department of Health and the National Laser Center. This training is standard with all high power lasers and IPL's that we distribute. Custom training is provided for the low level lasers we distribute.

Training Center

In addition to standard product training, ALC Lasers also provides training courses to beauty schools and corporate organizations in the aesthetic industry. These courses can be customized to the organization's requirements.

On-line Courses

Students can also complete the courses online at http://www.lasercollege.org.

Curriculum

The training courses are based on the following:

INTRODUCTION
STUDY MODULE 1:
LASER PHYSICS
1.1 LASER OPERATION
1.2 LASER COMPONENTS
1.3 IPL COMPONENTS
1.4 LED COMPONENTS
1.5 TYPES OF LASERS
1.6 MODES OF OPERATION
1.7 EM SPECTRUM
1.8 LIGHT BEAM CHARACTERISTICS FOR LASER, IPL’s AND LED’s
1.9 CHARACTERISTICS OF LIGHT WAVES
1.10 TREATMENT PARAMETERS

STUDY MODULE 2:
RADIATION-TISSUE INTERACTION
2.1 INTERACTION OF RADIATION WITH MATTER
2.2 WAVELENGTHS USED FOR HAIR REMOVAL
2.3 BIOLOGICAL CHANGE WITH TEMPERATURE

STUDY MODULE 3:
LASER SAFETY
3.1 LASER CLASSIFICATION (ANSI Z 136.1 STANDARD)
3.2 DIFFUSE AND SPECULAR REFLECTIONS
3.3 EYE HAZARDS
3.4 SKIN HAZARDS
3.5 EYE PROTECTION
3.6 SKIN PROTECTION
3.7 NON BEAM HAZARDS
3.8 NOMINAL HAZARD ZONE (NHZ)
3.9 RESPIRATORY HAZARDS (GAS MASKS – NO SMOKE IS SAFE)
3.10 SAFETY CONTROL MEASURES

STUDY MODULE 4:
LEGAL ISSUES
4.1 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
4.2 INDEMNITY FORMS

STUDY MODULE 5:
LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY
5.1 INTRODUCTION TO LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY
5.2 TREATMENTS LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY IS RECOMMENDED FOR:
5.3 PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES
5.4 PROCEDURE
5.5 RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS
5.6 CONTRA-INDICATIONS
5.7 TIPS

STUDY MODULE 6:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
6.1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IPL’s
6.2 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LASERS

STUDY MODULE 7:
SKIN BIOLOGY
7.1 THE SKIN
7.2 SKIN TYPING
7.3 VEINS
7.4 LESIONS

STUDY MODULE 8:
HAIR BIOLOGY
8.1 LASER TISSUE INTERACTION FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL
8.2 ADULT HAIR FOLLICLES AND CYCLING

STUDY MODULE 9:
LIGHT THERAPY IN PRACTICE
9.1 CONSULTATION
9.2 PRE-TREATMENT
9.3 TREATMENT
9.4 AFTER CARE
9.5 CONTRA-INDICATIONS
9.6 CARE OF EQUIPMENT