CARLSBAD, CALIF. — The home use of lasers and light sources for hair removal, photorejuvenation, acne treatment, and other cosmetic procedures is here to stay, Dr. Melanie C. Grossman said at a symposium on laser and cosmetic surgery, sponsored by SkinCare Physicians.
“The major issue [with these devices] will be safety and efficacy,” said Dr. Grossman, a dermatologist who practices in New York City. “Once the devices are in the hands of consumers, there will be problems.”
Some patients will not follow the instructions that come with the devices. Others will use the devices in concert with other procedures. “I already see people using topicals that are quite strong coming in with burns after using microdermabrators at home. These side effects will just increase.”
She said although the proliferation of in-home devices has not affected her clinical practice so far, the companies that make in-home devices may “take our business away or they may increase consumer awareness of our business. Most likely, they will change the nature of our practices.”