Laser Care Australia
An informative guide to laser based skin treatments in Australia: what they involve, how they are regulated, and what to look for when choosing a clinic. Written by an Adelaide based registered nurse skin clinic.
General information only. This page is educational, does not constitute medical advice, and is not an offer of laser treatment.
Laser and energy based treatments are used in skin care for many different purposes, and they vary widely in how they work and how much risk they carry. Because of that variation, the standards a clinic works to matter as much as the technology itself.
What laser care involves
Laser care covers a broad group of treatments that use focused light, and related energy based devices, to target the skin. Different devices are designed for different purposes, and the right option, if any, depends on your skin and your goals.
Some laser and energy based procedures are considered higher risk and can carry risks such as burns, pigment changes or scarring if they are not performed appropriately. For this reason, a consultation, a suitability assessment, and in many cases a patch test, are important before any treatment.
Outcomes vary between individuals, and no specific or guaranteed result can be promised. Anyone offering laser care should explain the benefits, the limitations and the risks before you proceed.
How laser care is regulated in Australia
In Australia, the regulation of laser care involves several layers. The devices themselves are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The use of lasers and intense pulsed light is also subject to state and territory laser safety and radiation regulations, which differ around the country and can include licensing and operator training requirements.
Where a registered health practitioner is involved, they are accountable to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and their National Board, and you can check their registration on the public AHPRA register. Some laser based cosmetic procedures may also fall within current AHPRA guidance for higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, which sets expectations around consultation, consent and advertising.
Because requirements differ between states and territories, it is reasonable to ask any laser clinic Australia wide how it meets the rules that apply where it operates.
Laser Clinic Australia: What to Look For
When you compare a laser clinic in Australia, it helps to look at the same standards for each one. The points below are reasonable things to expect from a laser clinic Australia wide, with simple ways to check them. They are general guidance, not a substitute for your own enquiries.
Trained and qualified operators
Laser is performed by appropriately trained and, where required, licensed operators.
Ask about the operator's training and any licence that applies in your state or territory.
Device safety and maintenance
TGA regulated devices that are maintained and used within their intended purpose.
Ask what device is used and how it is serviced and maintained.
Consultation and patch testing
A consultation and assessment, often with a patch test, before any treatment.
Confirm a consultation and, where relevant, a patch test happen first.
Risk and informed consent
Benefits, limitations and risks are explained before you consent.
Ask what the risks are and how informed consent is obtained.
Practitioner and clinical oversight
Appropriate health practitioner involvement where the procedure requires it.
Ask whether a registered practitioner is involved and look them up on the AHPRA register.
Aftercare and follow up
Clear aftercare guidance and access to follow up.
Ask what aftercare and follow up are included with a treatment.
Laser care and our clinic
Aesthetic Nurse Suzie is a skin clinic in Adelaide that focuses on non-surgical skin treatments, including micro needling and microdermabrasion. This page is provided as general information about Laser Care Australia.
If you are considering a skin treatment, you are welcome to book a consultation to discuss the options available at the clinic and which, if any, may be suitable for you. Treatments are provided by Suzie Bannon, a Registered Nurse (Division 1) and Midwife registered with AHPRA. AHPRA registration number: NMW0000965450.
You can see the treatments offered on the skin clinic page, including micro needling in Adelaide and microdermabrasion in Adelaide.
General information only. Individual responses and recovery vary, and a consultation is required to determine whether a treatment is appropriate for you.
Laser Care Australia: common questions
Is laser care regulated in Australia?
Yes, through several layers. Devices are regulated by the TGA, the use of lasers and intense pulsed light is subject to state and territory laser safety regulations that differ around the country, and any registered health practitioner involved is accountable to AHPRA.
Laser Clinic Australia: what should I look for?
Appropriately trained and, where required, licensed operators; TGA regulated and maintained devices; a consultation and, where relevant, a patch test; clear information about risks; and aftercare with follow up.
Are laser treatments suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on your skin, your medical history and the specific treatment. Some people and some skin types are not suitable, which is why a consultation and assessment are important.
Does laser care carry risks?
Yes. Depending on the procedure, risks can include burns, pigment changes, scarring or other effects. These should be explained to you in full before you consent.
Does Aesthetic Nurse Suzie offer laser treatments?
Aesthetic Nurse Suzie is a skin clinic in Adelaide that focuses on non-surgical skin treatments such as micro needling and microdermabrasion. For the current list of treatments available, please see the skin clinic page or get in touch.
Book a consultation in Adelaide
If you would like to discuss a skin treatment, the first step is a consultation to assess your suitability and explain your options.
General information only. This page is educational, does not constitute medical advice, and is not an offer of laser treatment. Individual assessment is required to determine suitability, risks, recovery and costs. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. Care at this clinic is provided in line with SA regulations and current AHPRA guidelines for higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Content intended for adults aged 18 and over.
Practitioner: Suzie Bannon, Registered Nurse (Division 1) and Midwife. AHPRA registration: NMW0000965450.