Who Can Perform Laser Treatments In Ontario?
By: Ivonne Sanchez | BLOG.IVONNE.CA BY | IVONNE
Published on: October 23, 2023 at 6:17 p.m.
Laser technology is being used for an increasing number of cosmetic treatments including hair reduction, skin improvement, removal of pigmented blemishes, treatment of vascular lesions, and tattoo removal. If you are considering any of these procedures, it is important to understand both the potential risks and benefits, as well as who is qualified to perform them.
What Are Laser Cosmetic Treatments?
Lasers produce a concentrated beam of visible or invisible energy with a predetermined wavelength directed towards a particular kind of tissue or pigment. The result is that lasers can direct energy to remove unwanted hair, inspire rejuvenated skin, and eliminate tattoo pigment.
How Do Lasers Work?
Lasers (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) work by emitting a concentrated beam of light. When excited atoms return to their normal state, they release energy as photons. This emission stimulates nearby excited atoms to emit photons of the same wavelength, amplifying intensity. The result is a coherent, monochromatic, and collimated beam.
PicoWay Laser
Uses ultra-short picosecond (trillionths of a second) laser pulses that shatter targets like pigment or tattoo ink into very tiny particles without heating surrounding tissue. This "photoacoustic" effect breaks particles down so they can be naturally eliminated by the body, leaving surrounding skin undamaged.
GentleMax Pro Plus
A dual-wavelength laser platform combining a 755nm Alexandrite laser and a 1064nm Nd:YAG laser. For hair removal, the laser light is absorbed by melanin in the hair, converting to heat that damages the hair follicle while preserving surrounding skin.
Are Lasers Radiation?
Who Can Perform Laser Treatments in Ontario?
Medical Professionals
Physicians: Medical doctors are permitted to perform cosmetic laser procedures and can supervise non-physicians.
Nurses: RNs and RPNs may perform certain laser procedures under the order of a physician, within the College of Nurses of Ontario practice standards.
Non-Medical Professionals
Aestheticians and Other Practitioners: Can perform some laser procedures with strict regulations. Must have specialized training in laser safety and operation. Certain high-risk procedures may be restricted to medical professionals only.
Are Laser Treatments a Controlled Act?
The Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) lists 14 controlled acts. The controlled act most relevant to aesthetic treatments is: "Applying or ordering the application of a form of energy prescribed by the regulations under this Act."
The prescribed forms of energy under the regulations include electricity (for specific medical procedures), electromagnetism (for MRI), and soundwaves (for diagnostic ultrasound or lithotripsy). Laser light for cosmetic purposes is not listed among the prescribed forms of energy.
Therefore, laser treatments using registered devices for tattoo removal, removal of benign pigmented lesions, and skin rejuvenation are not controlled acts in Ontario (as of the time of publication). Readers are encouraged to contact their local Public Health Office or Regulatory Colleges for the most current information.
Risks of Laser Treatments
Common Risks
- Burns or Scarring: If not used correctly by experienced practitioners
- Skin Pigmentation Changes: Hypo- or hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones
- Eye Injury: When lasers are used near the eye area
- Swelling and Redness: Usually subsides within a few days
- Blistering and Crusting: In the days following treatment
Risk Reduction
- Always use a licensed, experienced professional
- Thorough pre-treatment consultation
- Follow aftercare instructions carefully
- Ensure facility uses well-maintained equipment
- Consider a patch test for sensitive skin
- Use proper eye protection during treatment
Benefits of Laser Treatments
Precision
Lasers target specific areas accurately, leaving surrounding tissues unharmed.
Reduced Recovery
Less invasive than surgery, with shorter recovery times. Many patients return to normal activities the same day.
Long-Lasting Results
Many treatments offer permanent or long-term solutions (e.g., laser hair removal, tattoo removal).
Versatility
Can treat skin conditions, remove tattoos, reduce wrinkles, eliminate unwanted hair, and more.
Collagen Stimulation
Laser treatments can stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin.
Customization
Treatments can be customized for specific skin issues, desired outcomes, and individual skin type.
Alternatives to Laser Treatments
| Treatment Goal | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Tattoo Removal | Surgical excision, dermabrasion, salabrasion, cover-up tattoos |
| Pigmentation Correction | Topical creams (hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin C), chemical peels, microdermabrasion, cryotherapy |
| Hair Removal | Electrolysis, waxing/threading, depilatory creams, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) |
How Are Lasers Regulated in Canada?
Federal
Health Canada licenses all medical-grade laser equipment for sale in Canada. The Radiation Emitting Devices Act sets safety standards for devices that emit radiation, covering manufacturing, sale, and importation.
Provincial
Regulatory colleges for medicine, nursing, and esthetics set standards of practice. Provinces may have specific health and safety regulations for laser use in medical and cosmetic procedures.
Municipal
Municipalities may require facilities to obtain business licenses and may impose health and safety standards. Zoning bylaws may also affect where laser treatment facilities can operate.
1 Source: Ontario Regulation 107/96
Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to replace legal or medical advice. Consult with a laser provider to learn about the risks and benefits unique to you before subscribing to any treatments.
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