Add precision to your ambition

Ajay Rana 

Laser medicine is an advanced programme about the use of lasers in the fields of dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Since the segment is expected to grow exponentially in the near future, it is important that manpower be skilled for the job. Services of well-trained doctors will thus be required.

Know the details

Laser therapies are medical treatments that use focused light. The light of a laser is of specific wavelength, which allows it to focus on a particular area. The light is so powerful that it can be used to shape diamonds or cut steel.

In medical treatment, lasers permit surgeons to work at high levels of precision by focusing on a small area and not damaging the surrounding tissue. Laser therapy also alleviates the pain. It also doesn’t cause as much swelling, scarring as compared to the conventional therapy. However, laser therapy can be expensive and may require multiple sessions.

Hair transplant comes to the rescue of those who lose  hair for various reasons.  The medical treatment is used to alter the hairline or to work on the receding hairline. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on both men and women.

Scope

With the growing demand in the field of medical aesthetic treatments and changing trends in the medical sciences, aspirants can take their career to new heights. General prediction from Bureau of Labor Statistics is that there will be a 40 per cent increase in jobs for skin-care specialists between 2012 and 2022. Laser therapists or hair-transplant specialists can also expect a similar growth. For the comfort that laser therapies promise, their use has become widespread. 

Skills required

A laser or hair-transplant technician or physician requires both talent and skill. The physician generally works with a team to carry out procedures. Apart from having great customer-service skills, they need to have good eye-hand coordination and should have knowledge of working with computer-based equipments. They should also excel at interpersonal and verbal skills.

An expert must have the decision-making ability to recognise the conditions she can treat. One should make conscious efforts to stay updated as cosmetic laser and hair transplantation technology and techniques innovate constantly.

Course content

The course will teach an aspirant soft skills as well as detailed techniques to deal with clients. There are specialised courses like Diploma in Aesthetic Laser Therapy (DALM). It is a programme in aesthetic laser medicine, and it has international extensions, notably with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. The DALM study programme teaches the use of lasers in the fields of dermatology and aesthetic medicine.

For hair transplantation, an available course is Masters in Hair Transplantation. 

Eligibility

For hair transplant: One must have a thorough knowledge of cosmetic and plastic surgeries to offer the best results. To perform the hair-transplant surgery, it is compulsory that the doctor is a plastic and cosmetic medical specialist.

Job responsibilities
Hair transplantation

• In depth knowledge and skill of FUE & FUT method of hair transplantation.
• Advise appropriate treatment to patients.
• Correct and complete document of patient’s files and records.

Eligibility

For laser therapist: A candidate may require a high-school diploma or its equivalent. Laser-therapy course includes hands-on training and theory on subjects like: 

• Regulatory laws and safety recommendations
• Laser skin rejuvenation
• Laser hair removal
• Cellulite improvement
• Laser tattoo removal
• Laser vein removal, etc.

After the completion of a recognised laser-training programme, laser therapists take a qualifying exam. Once the candidate passes the exam, she qualifies for certification from a variety of major certification bodies.

Remuneration 

As a laser therapist, one can earn a high salary, which can range from Rs 30,000 to Rs 60,000 in the beginning and within a few years, competent individuals can earn up to Rs 50,000 to one lakh per month. 

Job responsibilities
Laser therapist

• Performing skin analysis and evaluation to decide laser treatments.
• Handling laser procedures, including treatments of pigmented lesions and thread veins, facial/ skin rejuvenation, hair removal, chemical resurfacing, wrinkle reduction, active acne, etc.
• Developing plans for the treatment of patients with on-going follow-ups.
• Performing the procedures in a time-efficient manner.
• Advising and coordinating with patients on all aspects of procedures and answer any questions or concerns they may have.

—The writer is founder and director of ILAMED.