Finding the Perfect Laser Hair Removal Specialist in Texas

In the State of Texas, a facility which provides laser hair removal services only requires the supervision of a licensed practitioner, with medical training, but that person is not required to be on-site. Currently, there is currently a motion before the Texas Board of Medical Examiners which would place more stringent controls on laser hair removal facilities, requiring a physician to physically be present for the treatment, but laser hair removal operators throughout the state are fighting the requirement.

Laser hair removal is considered a medical procedure, according to the FDA. Licensing restrictions and requirements vary among the states, as there is no nation-wide regulation. Before you give an individual permission to perform this medical procedure on you, consider this:

1. Is the staff medical doctor trained in dermatology or cosmetic surgery? Are they board certified in their field? When is the doctor on the premises?
2. Do they employ more than one kind of laser? Is the specialist conversant with the medical and technical aspects of the laser? Can they clearly explain to you why they choose a particular laser over another? You want to be sure that they are familiar with the capabilities of the specific laser that they use.
3. Where and how much laser training did your specialist receive? How was the training enacted? Was it hands-on, video or book study? The more in-depth their training, the more comfortable they will be with the laser.
4. Are they a member of a laser society or association, so that they are kept abreast of current techniques and technology?
5. How much experience do they have, practical not theoretical? You do not want a specialist at the front end of their learning curve.
6. Can you get several verifiable referrals from them? Don’t take this at face value. Make the phone calls, and don’t ask questions that will provide a simple yes or no answer, you want to get a real feel for this person. The referrals should be specific to the specialist, not the facility.
7. How much will this cost you, based on your specific needs? Cost should be a consideration, but not the only one. Don’t accept a facility because they give you the best price or the highest price; price is not an indication of bad or good service.

For specific information on Texas-based laser hair removal facilities as well as licensing and regulations you should check out the following websites:

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
333 Guadalupe
Tower Three – Suite 610
PO Box 2018
Austin, TX 78768-7008
Tel: 512.305-7010
Web: www.tsbme.state.tx.us

Cosmetology Commission
P.O. Box 26700
Austin, TX 78755-0700
Tel: 512.454-4674
Web: www.txcc.state.tx.us