A PERTH cosmetic physician says he regularly treats patients who’ve suffered scarring, skin discolouration, hyper-pigmentation and second-degree burns at the hands of unqualified laser operators.

Dr Ehsan Jadoon is alarmed some WA beauticians and self-described “laser technicians” are using devices that should only be used by a doctor.

“The public are not aware as to who should be performing treatments with medical-grade lasers,” Dr Jadoon said.

“In some cases they’re not even beauticians, they just call themselves laser technicians.”

A spokesman for the Radiological Council said the Radiation Safety Act 1975 permits the use of lasers on humans only by approved persons, including medical practitioners, dentists, physiotherapists, chiropractors and podiatrists, for approved purposes.

Camera Icon A patient developed hyperpigmentation on her outer thighs after undergoing fat reduction treatment using a Chinese built machine. Credit: PerthNow

“The council has previously been alerted that some business owners may have allowed their staff to operate lasers; however, when the complaints were investigated, evidence was not found that would support a prosecution,” the spokesman said. “The Act requires an approved person to complete a recognised laser safety course to be eligible to apply for a licence to operate the laser.

“In the case of cosmetic medical procedures, the approved person must be a medical practitioner.”

In some jurisdictions there are no laws governing the use of lasers on humans.

Data from other jurisdictions, relevant medical colleges, overseas regulators and individuals is currently being collated to inform a review of WA’s legislation, expected to be finished this year.

Subiaco-based Dr Jadoon said some operators, who are not medically qualified, are importing cheap laser devices from China.

They’re performing treatments such as laser tattoo removal, laser skin rejuvenation, mole removal and treatment of pre-skin-cancer lesions and severe acne scars using lasers — treatments which should only be done by a doctor.

Dr Jadoon said lasers are classified as medical grade depending on power output.

“Class 4-B medical lasers used by doctors are more effective and powerful but cause less thermal damage to the surrounding skin,” he said.

“This means it will treat the target more efficiently but will not cause collateral damage.

“The Chinese manufactured, cheap, non-medical lasers are not efficient and in most cases they are not effective in treating certain skin conditions.

“So when they are treating an area, not only will they damage the target, they will also damage the healthier skin around them so the risk of scarring, burns and hyper-pigmentation is very high, along with the pain.”

Intense pulse light skin treatments are not lasers, so they can be performed by beauty therapists who have completed a Laser and IPL Safety Training Course.

But Dr Jadoon claims “non-medical” salons offering “medical grade” IPL treatments are misleading. “They advertise treatments which are not medical and unaware members of the public buy it,” he said. “It’s alarming.”

Dr Doug Grose, president of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia, said he was aware of an increase in reports of injuries from both lasers and IPL devices.

Consumer Protection acting retail and services director Lanie Chopping said that under Australian Consumer Law services must be carried out with due care and skill.

A spokesman for the Australian Medical Association (WA) said West Australians should speak to their health practitioner before undergoing any laser treatment.