FAQ /Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my client has an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator,
is it safe to treat them?
A: Ask your client to discuss this with their treating cardiologist and
to bring a clearance note that states it’s safe to perform a laser treatment.
Q: I am a clinician and I am pregnant, is it safe to operate the laser
or pulsed-light system?
A: This is a personal decision and you should consult with your OB/GYN,
however, all of Cynosure’s laser and light based systems emit light in the safe spectrum of light.
Q: Should I treat a client who is pregnant?
A: Cynosure lists pregnancy as a contraindication to laser and light based treatments. There is no documented clinical evidence of fetal harm from a laser or light based system, but remember the results of the treatment may be erratic or unreliable due to fluctuations in hormonal levels and other physiological skin changes.
Q: My client is breastfeeding, should I treat her?
A: There have not been any studies conducted looking at the effect of laser or light based treatments on breastmilk. It is not clear if ink particles from tattoo removal are passed to the baby so tattoo laser treatments should be avoided for nursing mothers. It is also recommended to avoid other laser and light based treatments as well.
Q: Can I treat a client who is taking a photo-sensitising medication, like an antibiotic?
A: Drug induced photosensitivity is caused by the reaction of the chemical
(mediation) to light. Most reactions occur when the skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays (sunlight). Cynosure’s laser and light based devices do not emit these wavelengths. We recommend you proceed with caution and perform test spots prior to treatment to determine client suitability.
Q: My client has cosmetic dermal filler and Botox/implants, is it safe to treat over these with a laser?
A: Cynosure cannot make any specific recommendations, but our customers generally wait two-weeks after injection to perform any laser treatments. The study: Effects of common laser treatments on hyaluronic acid fillers in a porcine model, suggest that a laser does not affect some injectables: Aesthet Surg J. 2008
Sep-Oct; 25(5):50311.doi:10.1016/j.asj.2008.07.010.Farkas JP1, Richarson JA, Brown S, Hoopman JE, Kenkel JM. Please also refer to the cautionary section of your clinical reference guides.
Q: My client is using a prescription topical (i.e. Retin-A, TriLuma, acne medications),on her face. How long does she need to wait before having a laser or light based treatment?
A: It is important for your medical director to assess the client’s skin and determine the timing based on the condition of the skin. Cynosure recommends treatment of healthy, non-irritated skin. If the topical has caused the client’s skin to be dry, red, flakey, or otherwise irritated, have her stop using the topical about 1-2 weeks before the treatment.
Q: My client had gold therapy injections in the past, is it safe to treat with a laser?
A: Gold therapy is given either orally or by injection to treat arthritis. The laser energy causes a chemical reaction which results in a permanent bluish/gray skin discoloration called chrysiasis. A client with a past or present history of gold therapy is contraindicated.
Q: I have a client who has a pigmented or vascular lesion on the lip, is it safe to treat?
A: Treating within the vermillion border of the lip is risky. The skin of the lips is thin and more vascular and has a greater tendency to blister. If you decide to treat these types of lesions, remember to administer test spots and observe for immediate side effects.
Q: Why do I have to wear the eyewear supplied by Cynosure, aren’t my
glasses enough?
A: Cynosure provides laser safety eyewear that is specific to the wavelengths of light that your device emits. The light emitted from a laser or pulsed light device can cause eye injury or even blindness. Everyone present in the treatment room must wear appropriate protective eyewear at all times when the laser is in use.
Be sure the laser eyewear that you are using is the correct one; you can find the laser specifications of the eyewear printed on the lens or frame.
Q: Should I wear a mask when performing laser or light based treatments?
A: Many laser treatments including hair removal, tattoo removal, fractional ablative, and micro ablative treatments create a laser plume. The particulates of the plume vary and may pose a risk to an individual’s health when inhaled. It is always best practice to implement a proper laser plume safety approach which includes the use of smoke evacuators, good ventilation, and respiratory protection.