Cosmetic Laser Machine: What It Is & How It Helps

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

Adding medical lasers to your aesthetic medical practice can help you expand your menu of services, reach more patients, and ultimately grow your business.

Medical laser systems support a range of cosmetic and anti-aging procedures and treatments, from skin rejuvenation and hair removal to medical weight loss and wrinkle removal. But they’re also expensive pieces of medical equipment with significant upfront costs and complex operational procedures that require special training.

So before you add a cosmetic laser machine to your practice, take some time to familiarize yourself with the technology and understand what it takes to use it successfully.

What Is a Cosmetic Laser Machine?

Also known as aesthetic laser machines, cosmetic laser machines use high-intensity focused light to treat a variety of cosmetic complaints. They’re used for skin tightening and resurfacing, hair removal, fat removal, and more. And as the state of laser technology advances, their safety profile has improved, enabling faster, more effective treatment with fewer side effects and complications.

Cosmetic Laser Machines Types & Uses

Cosmetic laser equipment comes in several different forms. Three of the most popular device types and uses are:

Diode Laser Machines: This type of machine — sometimes known as a laser hair removal machine, after one of its key uses — uses a specific wavelength of diode-generated laser light to remove unwanted hair, stimulate collagen production for wrinkle removal, and increase epidermal thickness to obscure unsightly veins and capillaries..

YAG Laser Machines: This type of machine also uses specific wavelengths. It’s ideal for generating light to react with specific pigments, making it effective for laser tattoo removal.

Laser Lipolysis Machines: Laser lipolysis machines are designed for minimally invasive fat removal. Basically, they dissolve fat from the inside without large incisions or surgical resection.

Cosmetic Laser Machine Costs

Cosmetic laser machines are highly specialized pieces of precision medical equipment that rely on advanced technology.

So it should come as no surprise that they’re not cheap. You should expect to pay between $15,000 and $40,000 for a new laser diode machine and potentially $50,000 or more for a new YAG machine.

The exact cost of a given piece of cosmetic laser equipment depends on:

The laser brand (common ones include Syneron, Palomar, Cutera, Lumenis, but there are many others)
The machine’s size and power
The retailer selling it
And other factors

Who Can Operate a Cosmetic Laser Machine?

Cosmetic laser machines should only be operated by medical professionals or trained technicians with proper laser safety certification.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

In most states, you don’t need a formal license or certification to become a cosmetic laser technician. Texas and Florida do require formal certification for technicians performing certain hair removal and skin rejuvenation procedures.

Even if your state doesn’t require licensure or certification, obtaining a Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO) certification from the Board of Laser Safety can significantly increase your employability — or, if you operate your own cosmetic laser practice, patient trust in your services.

Cosmetic Laser Training

In addition to formal CMLSO certification, completing an accredited cosmetic laser training course is a great way to familiarize yourself with a wider range of laser equipment and treatments, and to increase your confidence when treating patients with cosmetic lasers. Courses generally take just one or two days and may satisfy continuing education requirements.