Laser hair removal is classified under which class of lasers?

Laser hair removal is classified as Class IV, which signifies that these lasers have a high output power and can pose potential hazards if not used correctly. Class IV lasers can cause severe skin and eye damage if accidents occur during operation. Their design allows for effective hair removal by targeting the melanin in hair follicles, effectively destroying them while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

In contrast, Class I lasers are considered safe for all applications and are unlikely to cause any harm. Class II lasers may emit low levels of visible light and are generally safe because the human eye reflexively blinks in response to bright light, limiting exposure. Class III lasers, while potentially hazardous, typically refer to lower power lasers that do not have the same capacity for injury as Class IV lasers. This classification helps ensure that practitioners and patients are aware of the safety protocols necessary when using more powerful lasers in medical and cosmetic procedures.