An association representing the cosmetics and beauty industry yesterday voiced concern about a government proposal to introduce a licensing and training system regulating the use of high-powered lasers in beauty salons. The government is considering legislation to regulate health-care devices, particularly lasers commonly used in beauty salons to remove body hair, freckles and wrinkles. The lasers would be classified as high-risk devices and beauticians using them would require licensing and training. But Jacky Choi Ho-sang, president the Cosmetic and Perfumery Association of Hong Kong, said a licensing system could put many small beauty salons out of business. There are now no laws regulating the use of laser devices and operators are not required to undergo any training. Mr Choi said lasers used in beauty treatments emitted 'soft' beams that were different from surgical lasers. But the government's proposed legislation would classify cosmetic lasers as category three, high-risk devices. Medical experts agree with this classification and recommend stricter controls. Lo Wing-lok, a legislator and president of the Hong Kong Medical Association, said: 'I would propose that only medically trained personnel such as doctors and dentists be permitted to use laser equipment. These devices can cause very serious injuries.' The government was still conducting research into the laser equipment and the legislation would be put before the Legislative Council by the end of this year at the earliest, Dr Lok said. But at least one beauty salon owner supports regulation. Amy Au-Yeung, of the Joice Beauty Centre in Quarry Bay, said she only offered laser treatment by referring clients to a dermatologist.
