6 factors to consider when selecting a laser for your clinic

The Aesthetic Lasers market was worth US$798.4 million in 2018, and it’s expected to grow to US$1.93 billion¹ in 2026. Patients are showing boosted demand² for laser procedures, and doctors are increasing their supply of aesthetic laser devices in return.

The increased interest in laser procedures is partly due to a rise³ in consumer appreciation of personal aesthetics. Customers appreciate that treatments like laser hair removal are a permanent solution to their beauty woes: traditional home treatments were often time-consuming and inconvenient. New laser technologies have also been introduced over the past few years⁴, giving dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and laser specialists a larger field of possibilities to offer their patients.

Before choosing a laser for your clinic, there is a laundry list of factors you must consider. It’s essential to research the market and understand what it offers before making a decision.

1. Understand your clients

Before shopping for laser equipment, the first thing to do is understand the type of clients you intend to target. This way, you’ll be informed about the kind of devices that would be ideal for your clinic. Desired treatments for a client may vary across different age groups, from laser hair removal or wrinkle reduction to total skin rejuvenation. You may also have to address different skin types to make sure the equipment suits their needs.

2. Consideration of laser specifications

Depending on what your clinic practices, you’ll have to look for lasers that have the versatility to maximise your treatment options. Some lasers can be used for both cosmetic and medical purposes⁵. Cosmetic services help patients achieve their desired appearances through laser treatments, while medical procedures aim to improve the overall health of patients’ skin.

If your clinic provides both cosmetic and medical treatments, you can consider the PicoWay system.⁶. This latest laser offers flexibility in customising configurations to best complement your medical and cosmetic practices in its FDA and CE cleared indications. It has four picosecond wavelengths: 532 nm, 730 nm, 785 nm and 1064 nm, approved for indications ranging from tattoo removal of benign pigmented lesions to the treatment of wrinkles. It also has a high peak power and shortest^* pulse durations which produce a precise, consistent result.⁷

Picosecond technology has revolutionised laser treatment by minimising thermal impact to surrounding tissues. At the same time, the short picosecond pulse durations reduce the risk of hypo-hyper pigmentation and scarring⁸, making it a suitable choice for any type of treatment.

3. Skin types

As mentioned above, it is important to match specific lasers for the different skin types your clients have. People with fair skin (Fitzpatrick skin type I-III) have less melanin; they experience a lower prevalence of effects like blistering or scarring. In contrast, people with higher skin melanin concentration (Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI) are more susceptible to certain dermatological conditions such as melasma, which can lead to hypertrophic scarring⁹

Cosmetic treatments differ for patients with a range of skin types. Hence it is vital to consider lasers that can treat darker skin types. The PicoWay system’s ultra-short picosecond pulses are 100 times shorter than Q-switch lasers and have been proved clinically successful in Fitzpatrick skin type IV-VI.

4. Quality of the device

After narrowing down the type of equipment your clinic is looking for, the next step is to determine how much you’re willing to pay for your laser. There is a large selection of devices in the market at different price points, your selection would need to be based on your needs, quality of the product, and efficacy of the product. It is vital not to choose a product purely based on the lowest quote available. Sometimes, a higher price point might reflect higher efficacy, safety, or after-sales support of the device.

When selecting your device, consider the trade-off between quality, after service, and cost. A lower-priced laser saves you money in the short term—but it may also lead to lower returns over longer periods of time in some cases. High-quality results, consistency, and device longevity are worthy investments back into your clinic. You’ll likely not need to constantly replace your laser and spend more in the long run if you invest in a long-lasting device.

5. Warranty

Lasers are incredibly complex instruments that need to be maintained regularly to function properly. Only experienced laser technicians with the right equipment are able to service your lasers constructively and adequately. This makes the laser manufacturer’s service, responsiveness and expertise equally important as the laser equipment itself.

As your cosmetic laser wears and tears, there will be a point in time where you’ll have to repair it, so it’s crucial to make sure your laser comes with a warranty. Take a closer look to see what the warranty covers. Will you have to pay extra to repair a product after a certain period of time? Is there a service warranty package subscription after the warranty expires? Loss of income due to malfunctions could potentially cost more compared to the initial cost of a service warranty.

6. Reliability of service and equipment

Finding the right company to supply you with good quality instruments can be a little tricky because there are just too many options available. Besides that, you’ll have to check if you’re able to repair your lasers locally and whether the process takes a long time.

Here is a quick checklist to help you in your search for a reliable laser manufacturer:

• Check on the company’s reputation to make sure that they have a great track record of delivering quality equipment
• Research whether they regularly meet industry standards
• The company should be happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have
• They must be registered with the proper authorities and should have permits as required by the law
• They must also conform to local and international standards, which enables them to sell to other countries and local clinics
• The company should provide continuous support in various aspects to help your clinic growth such as service, clinical & marketing

Not all companies have the funds or resources to invest in a dedicated service department for their customers. Some may source external laser technicians that might not have the extensive knowledge required to access the highly specialised parts in the laser equipment.

Select the perfect laser for your clinic

When picking your next laser device, think about how it can meet your clients’ needs reliably. Not all lasers deliver the same high-quality results. A suitable laser can make a big difference in your services, as your clients can personally experience the laser’s effectiveness in the procedure results.

If you’re interested in exploring laser options for your clinic, Candela provides consultations to learn more about the variety of devices to help your clinic achieve its desired results. Get in touch with us