The Consumer Council today (December 15) warned of the perils of potential serious side effects in the latest innovation of cosmetic service - intense pulsed light (commonly known as IPL) and laser treatments.
The Council is rightly concerned in view of the rapid proliferation of this unregulated cosmetic service.
Already consumer complaints related to such service and in particular intense pulsed light treatments are on a significant rise. Complaints against IPL treatments jumped from only one each in 2001 and 2002 to 20 cases in the first 11 months of this year.
As regards laser treatments, there were 14 cases so far this year. In both cases, half of the complainants claimed to suffer from side effects or other complications after cosmetic treatment.
Out of these concerns, the Consumer Council has conducted its first ever survey on the service providers of IPL and laser cosmetic treatments - 11 private hospitals, and 41 beauty salons and centres advertising such treatments - between August and October this year.
As part of the study, the Council also sought the expert opinions of the Hong Kong Surgical Laser Association, the Hong Kong Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the University of Hong Kong's Division of Dermatology, and the Department of Health.
Consumers are advised to consult the survey report published in the December issue of CHOICE for guidance. The survey covers comprehensively areas related to pricing, types of cosmetic services and instruments, qualifications and training of the operators of such devices.
According to the survey, all respondents - all 9 private hospitals with laser and/or IPL treatments and only 15 of the beauty salons and centres responded - claimed that their operators were mainly doctors or specialists (in the case of hospitals) and doctors, nurses or experienced trained beauticians (in the case of salons and centres).
Of special concern to the Consumer Council is the present lack of effective regulation of such cosmetic service and in particular the qualification of the personnel administering and applying the service, and the quality of the IPL and laser instruments which are potentially powerful devices depending on their output.
According to expert opinions, any inappropriate application of the instruments could lead to serious side effects or complications such as skin burn, blistering, skin colour change and scar.
Personnel operating the devices must possess the proper training and knowledge of the bodily response to such radiation treatments. Moreover, equally important, is the correct diagnosis, and the quality and proper maintenance of the devices to ensure public safety.
The Consumer Council, therefore, strongly supports the Government proposal to restrict the use or operation of high-risk medical instruments such as high-power lasers and IPL devices to only trained personnel. This will enhance consumer confidence in the service and raise the standard of the profession.
The Department of Health and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department have issued a consultation document on the Regulation of Medical Devices in July 2003. It proposes to regulate the manufacture, import, sale and use of medical devices in Hong Kong for the protection of public health and safety.
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