Laser Safety at Northern Sydney Dermatology & Laser

Your Safety is Our Priority

At Northern Sydney Dermatology & Laser, we take laser safety seriously. Our clinic is a leader in procedural and laser dermatology, and we work to follow safety protocols. All laser treatments are conducted under the guidance of experienced dermatologists with extensive knowledge of laser physics, skin biology, and procedural safety.

Why Laser Safety Matters

Laser devices are powerful medical technologies that, when used properly, can deliver transformative results. However, misuse or poor technique can pose risks such as burns, pigment changes, scarring, or eye injury. That’s why dermatologists are the ideal specialists to deliver or supervise laser therapy. Our practice is referred complications from many non medical clinics and hence we are aware of the problems that can occur. Sometimes practitioners are not aware of what they don´t know.

Our Safety Standards Include:

1. Dermatologist Oversight
All laser protocols are designed, supervised, or directly delivered by a procedural dermatologist. You benefit from a medical approach that ensures your skin is appropriately assessed for safety, efficacy, and readiness for treatment.

2. Accredited Laser Operators
All staff operating laser devices are trained and hold a laser safety certificate.

3. Laser Safety Officer (LSO) on Site
Our clinic has a designated Laser Safety Officer who oversees compliance, safety equipment, signage, eye protection, and emergency readiness.

4. Skin Type Consideration
Laser settings are tailored to your Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history, medication use, and treatment goals. This reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), scarring, or other complications.

5. Comprehensive Patient Education
Before your treatment, you will receive detailed pre- and post-care instructions. We explain what to expect, potential risks, and how to optimise your skin's recovery and results.

6. Protective Protocols
Every treatment room is equipped with the necessary safety signage, eyewear matched to the laser wavelength in use, and appropriate coverings to prevent beam exposure.

Tailored, Safe Results

Laser therapy is never one-size-fits-all. At NSDL, our experienced team ensures every treatment is:

• Medically appropriate

• Individually tailored

• Delivered with technical precision

• Backed by medical-grade safety standards

We’re here to restore your skin safely—with results you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Safety – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are laser treatments safe?

Yes, when performed by an experienced and qualified practitioner, laser treatments are extremely safe. At Northern Sydney Dermatology & Laser, all procedures are medically led and performed by trained professionals using evidence-based protocols and state-of-the-art technology.

2. What qualifications should a laser provider have?

Laser safety depends not just on the machine, but on the person operating it. Dermatologists undergo years of specialist medical training, making them uniquely qualified to assess your skin type, diagnose underlying conditions, and customise laser settings safely.

3. What are the risks of laser treatments?

While rare under proper medical supervision, potential risks include temporary redness, swelling, post-inflammatory pigmentation (especially in darker skin tones), or, uncommonly, scarring. These risks are minimised when lasers are used appropriately by experienced professionals.

4. How do you ensure patient safety during laser procedures?

We follow strict protocols in line with the Australasian College of Dermatologists Laser Safety Guidelines and AS/NZS 4173:2018. These include:

• Thorough skin assessments and personalised treatment planning

• Protective eyewear for patients and staff

• Pre-treatment briefings and informed consent

• Routine device calibration and maintenance

• Laser safety signage and room controls

5. Do lasers increase the risk of skin cancer?

No—quite the opposite. Some lasers, especially fractional lasers, have been shown in recent studies (e.g., Brewer et al., 2021) to reduce the risk of future keratinocytic skin cancers when used correctly in treating sun-damaged skin.

6. How do I know if laser is right for my skin type?

Before any treatment, we assess your skin’s tone, texture, medical history, and specific goals. This ensures the chosen laser and parameters are safe for your skin type, including for patients with melanin-rich skin.

7. What should I do before and after my laser session to ensure safety?

Pre-treatment: avoid active sun exposure, retinoids, and harsh skin treatments for 1–2 weeks.
Post-treatment: follow your dermatologist’s instructions closely—typically involving sun avoidance, gentle skincare, and wound care if required.

8. Q: Are laser treatments safe for all skin tones?
A: Yes—but only when the correct device and settings are used. At NSDL, we assess every patient’s skin type and history to ensure the safest, most effective laser choice.

9. Q: Will I wear protective eyewear during the procedure?
A: Absolutely. Every person in the treatment room is required to wear wavelength-specific laser goggles to prevent eye injury.

10. Q: How do I know if I’m a good candidate for laser?
A: During your consultation, Dr Nina Wines or one of our trained dermatologists will evaluate your skin and determine which treatments are appropriate and safe for you.

11. Q: What if I’m on medication or have a history of skin sensitivity?
A: We will take a full medical history and can defer treatment, adjust protocols, or recommend alternatives to ensure your safety.