Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/834468
www.ascpskincare.com 45 Rocky Mountain Laser College Q: What was the genesis of Rocky Mountain Laser College? A: Rocky Mountain Laser College started in 1948 as the Rocky Mountain College of Electrolysis. Electrolysis is a hair-removal technique in which the clinician uses a small needle and inserts it into one hair follicle at a time. Heat and electricity is applied to the needle, which disables the papilla so the hair won't grow back. It is a slow and sometimes painful process. In the 1990s, the FDA cleared lasers to be used for hair removal, so the college changed its name and its courses to exclusively lasers. We have been teaching lasers for over 20 years, and have added laser tattoo removal, laser skin rejuvenation, photofacials, radio frequency skin tightening, and non-invasive circumference reduction to our courses. The course really gives an all-around good education on the capabilities of lasers. Think of the laser college like a driver's ed school, where you learn the rules of the road and how to keep you and your passengers safe. When you are done with driver's ed, you can drive a pickup or a sports car because all cars drive alike. It's the same with lasers! Every device has wavelength, fl uence, pulse duration, and spot size settings that are adjusted by the clinician to give the client the most eff ective and safest treatment possible. Q: Why is it important for estheticians to learn laser therapy? A: There are always things that don't budge on a client's skin and lasers are the next step to an eff ective treatment. And lasers are natural—what could be more natural than a beam of light? From clearing easy things like sun spots and age spots to more diffi cult things like cherry hemangiomas and rosacea to serious issues like Nevus of Ota and melasma, lasers can change someone's life! And lasers are becoming much more common. The general public is used to them and is asking for these pricey upgrades more and more. FOLLOW THE LEADERS ascp skin deep special advertising section "There are always things that don't budge on a client's skin and lasers are the next step to an effective treatment." sponsored by Q: What are some state laws that estheticians need to be aware of? A: The law of the land says the alteration of human tissue by the use of a laser is the practice of medicine, and the only person who can practice medicine is a licensed physician. But the huge majority of states allow the physician to delegate the fi ring of a laser to someone who has had formal and structured training. That's where your Certifi ed Laser Specialist® (CLS) certifi cate comes in. The CLS certifi cate is trademarked by the US Patent and Trademark Offi ce and is only available from the Rocky Mountain Laser College. Your doctor or medical director will need this proof of training to be able to delegate laser treatments to you. Q: Anything new on the horizon you can share with us? A: Absolutely! Soft-tissue and pain-reduction lasers are being used every day by massage therapists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to bring their clients more eff ective and longer-term relief. The Colorado Department of Higher Education has recently approved our newest course on laser phototherapy. It teaches the use of low-level lasers to clinicians who have a good understanding of human anatomy. Jess Riggs, RMLC skin rejuvenation instructor and clinic director