Finding a Qualified Laser Hair Removal Specialist in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the person who performs laser hair removal can be a medical doctor, or a designated health care professional such as a registered or licensed nurse, physician’s assistance, paramedic or an electrologist all of whom work under the supervision of a medical doctor; in all instances, a physician must be on-site.

Before you give a person permission to carry out laser hair removal, you should keep the following considerations in mind:

1. The Food and Drug Administration deems removal of hair which employs lasers a medical procedure. Individual states have their own licensing requirements, and may or may not require a medical practitioner even be on staff at a laser hair removal facility. Fortunately, Connecticut does require that, at all times, a medical doctor be available.
2. Under ideal circumstances, the staff doctor should be either a board certified dermatologist or a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Certainly, a doctor from another specialty is capable of rendering medical assistance if needed, but since the laser hair removal procedure deals specifically with your skin, you want one who is an expert in the field.
3. Ask whether or not the facility has more than one laser? Different individuals have different needs and certain lasers do better on one skin or hair type than another.
4. Be sure that the person assigned to your hair removal process has been well trained on the laser equipment that they will use on you? The amount of training is important, as is the quality of the training. Course participation on laser technique is preferable to laser instruction from a video or book.
5. Is the specialist aware of the medical as well as the technical aspects of using a laser? Do they understand the mechanics of the laser, and have a good knowledge of physiology and understanding of hair growth cycles?
6. Does the specialist belong to a professional association, and are they up-to-date on technology and techniques?
7. What will be your cost for the laser hair removal process for your individual needs, specifically, not in general? You shouldn’t let the price be your deciding factor; even a high priced salon may offer a payment plan.
8. Ask for referrals if you don’t have any of your own.
9. Trust your judgment. If, after your initial consultation, you don’t feel comfortable with the answers to your questions, the process or the facility itself, don’t proceed further.

For additional information on laser hair removal regulations and licensing in Connecticut, please check the following websites:

State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health
410 Capitol Avenue – PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Tel: 860.509-8000
Web: www.dph.state.ct.us

Connecticut Department of Public Health Office of Examiners of Electrologists Board of Hypertrichologist
410 Capitol Avenue MS#13PHO
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Tel: 860.509-7648

Connecticut Department of Public Health Office of Practitioner Licensing & Certification
410 Capitol Avenue MS#12APP
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Tel: 860.509-7603
Web: www.dph.state.ct.us