Calls to regulate sale of cosmetic medical lasers

A consultant dermatologist has described Ireland’s lack of regulation of cosmetic medical lasers as “madness” that is putting people at risk of severe scarring.

Anyone can legally buy, import, and operate a medical-grade laser here for cosmetic services such as tattoo removal or thread vein removal. There are no mandatory training or licensing requirements because EU regulations don’t recognise medical devices used for cosmetic purposes.

Dr Callaghan Condon is a consultant dermatologist in the Blackrock Clinic and a member of the Irish Association of Dermatologists. He is calling on the Health Products Regulatory Authority to seek change at an EU level to protect the safety of people using cosmetic laser services in Ireland.