CONTROL ON THE USE OF LASER THERAPY IN BEAUTY SALONS

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Health what supervision is being enforced by his Ministry on the use of laser therapy in beauty salons for facial pigmentation, when doctors have to undergo courses before using laser therapy.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Under the Radiation Protection Act 1991, the import, possession and use of lasers in Singapore are controlled through licensing by the Ministry of Health.

Lasers are classified into 5 classes in line with internationally-established classification standards. The first 3 classes comprise low-powered lasers that are incapable of causing burns or being used for cutting. Users of such low-powered lasers are not required to be licensed. Beauty salons are only allowed to use these low-powered lasers.

To ensure that there is no illegal possession of high-powered lasers or misuse of lasers, my Ministry makes surprise checks on beauty salons. My Ministry will also investigate, should the public or doctors lodge any complaints regarding complications arising from the use of lasers.