Hyderabad: Laser therapy for hair removal is one of the easiest treatments, say dermatologists, who add that to goof it up means that the doctor has not been trained at all. Dermatologist and cosmetologist, Dr Rajetha Damisetty, said, “This treatment is given with intense pube light and the machine available in the market is inexpensive. It costs as less as Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. The immense demand for laser hair removal is one of the reasons for the flourishing trade. But it can be a risky business if an un-trained person is using it. This is because the Indian skin type is darker than Europeans or Americans and requires deft handling. If such deep burns are caused it calls for strict checking by authorities.”
To qualify to use a laser, an MBBS doctor has to study Masters in dermatology and then apply for a certificate course to the dermatologist academy. They also have to go through a yearly certification program and get their skills audited every year.
The clinics operating in the city are hardly following these guidelines. And with no one to check, it becomes the onus of the patient to be wary. Chandana Reddy, who was at the receiving end of faulty laser treatment, claimed that she had asked for a qualified doctor to do the treatment and was assured of the same. She said, “There were no certificates displayed at the clinic and the verbal assurance was taken by me as they were qualified.” Many clinics spend huge amounts of money on set-up and communication skills of their staff so that clients are convinced that the doctors are competent.
