COMPLAINTS FROM USE OF LASERS IN BEAUTY SALONS 1992 - 1994

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Health if he will give the number of complaints received from 1992 to 1994, pertaining to complications arising from the use of lasers by beauty salons.

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: Ministry of Health received a total of 10 complaints of complications pertaining to the use of lasers by beauty salons between 1992 and 1994.

In these 10 complaints, an instrument thought to be a laser was reported to have been used to remove tattoos( 6), moles (2) or freckles (2). The complications were mainly in the form of infection, formation of bad scars, and worsening of the initial problem. All required further medical treatment.

The import and use of lasers for medical and other purposes is regulated by the Ministry of Health and requires a licence. Generally, lasers that are used by beauticians are low powered lasers which are incapable of causing burns and do not require a licence. The Ministry is presently working with the Police on complaints against beauty salons, with a view to possible prosecution of beauty salons operators found to be illegally using high powered lasers.