Lasers in Skin

In this episode, we take

a peek into our crystal

ball to see what the future of Dermalase Training holds! (I wish

we could actually do

that…)

Do you think contact skin cooling is reckless?! We don’t. In this episode, we discuss a comment we’ve

heard about ourselves!

What do you think? Are we?

Here we go with part 2 of our time at the BMLA. This time we chat about more of the

presentations, our observations and a little more fun!

Links as promised:

http://www.youtube.com/@laser-guys

www.mikemurphyblog.com

https://www.laserprotection.net

BOOM

Hey guys! We went to the British Medical Laser Association this month so want to tell you all about it! Listen to our thoughts

on different presentations and what we got up to…. Did someone say Pop World? Oh no.

BUSTED!

Let’s have some fun busting some laser myths. You won’t believe some of them!

Any to add? Send us a message!

@dermalase_lasertraining

Let’s talk about red flags with training academies.

We’ve all seen them, maybe been stung by them before too!

@dermalase_lasertraining

Have you ever had a client complain even if there’s nothing you could’ve done differently in treatment? Then you’ve realised they thought you were going to

literally make them look 30 years younger in one treatment, or remove their tattoo within a week, or remove all their hair within one session! Let’s talk managing client expectations to save you the hassle down the line!

@dermalase_lasertraining

Are you curious about what you can do with your IPL? Do you have burning

questions that were never answered? In this episode

we go all things IPL!

What’s a Monte Carlo Simulation I hear you ask? Great question. Let’s get Mike to explain in this

episode! Buckle in for a science heavy listen my friends..

@dermalase_lasertraining

Hey guys, Lisa here!

We are back, did you miss us last week?

Have you considered buying a device directly from China? We discuss the ins and outs of this to give you the full picture.

As always, hope you enjoy!

Dad's known as the Doc Marten, Hawaiian shirt wearing Physicist with a leather jacket (no matter the weather!) at the British Medical Laser Association. In this episode he chats about the talks he'll be giving at the BMLA this year in May.

Are you going? If so, let us know and we can meet up in real life!!

@dermalase_lasertraining

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Conference Announcement

01:11 Research Insights on Hair Follicle Treatment

06:45 Modeling Laser Treatment Parameters<...

We know, we know, all of the unknowns about these new regulations in the industry coming in is daunting. Listen to dad and I chat about some of the key players, the recent updates that we know, our thoughts and what this means for all small businesses and us!

Ultimately, you're not alone in this. Let us know your thoughts or concerns!

@dermalase_lasertraining

Chapters

00:00 Understanding UK Regulatory Bodies

04:09 Fragmentation and Confusion in Regulations

08:06 The...

Hey guys, Lisa here!

Do you know how important it is to understand skin tones in relation to laser treatments? If you're here, you will know a bit I'm sure, but let's bring it back to basics and cement that knowledge.

Enjoy our chat about melanin concentration, the skin, why we hate the use of the Fitzpatrick scale in lasers and a sprinkle of Mike's jokes.. as always.

@dermalase_lasertraining

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Skin Tones: The Basics

03:08 The Physics...

Hi Everyone! I'm back with our blurb and listen in, this one's been asked for a lot! I've managed to reduce yellow ink in PMU eyebrows... Yep, you'll want to hear this.

Tune in to my dad and I chit chatting about permanent make up and tattoo removal using lasers. We also, of course, have a bit of a rant about misconceptions. It wouldn't be us if we didn't..

Enjoy!

@dermalase_lasertraining

<...

Here we go, AGAIN! "IPL's suck" - no, no they don't.

Hey guys, Lisa here! Listen in if your opinion is the IPL's are the worst for hair removal, listen in if you don't..Just listen in and tell us your thoughts! Do you use Lasers or IPL for hair removal? It's important to know the differences and how to utilise them to get the best for your clients.

Ps, everyone welcome on my wee boy, Odhran. His podasting debut!

@dermalase_lasertraining

...

The conversation delves into the upcoming regulations affecting aesthetic and laser businesses in the UK, focusing on their implications for small businesses, safety standards, licensing, and training requirements. The speakers discuss the need for proper enforcement and accountability within the industry, emphasizing the importance of consumer protection and the challenges that may arise for practitioners and clinics as new standards are implemented.

Takeaways

The new regulations aim to protect consumers and ensure safety in aesthetic treatments.

Licensing and training standards are crucial for practitioners...

In this myth-busting deep dive into the science of aesthetics, Lisa McMahon and physicist Mike Murphy take laser hair removal out of the ‘magic wand’ category and into reality. Plot twist: the hair isn’t the star of the show, it’s just the messenger.

The duo breaks down the surprisingly complex world of the hair follicle, spills the tea on stem cells and the dermal papilla (DP), and explains why so many treatments shrink hair instead of kicking it out for good. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just laser-curious, this episode mixes physics, biology, and a few...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike, dive into the common frustrations surrounding laser hair removal and why results can vary so significantly between individuals. Joined by Lisa’s newborn, Baby Bryan (Rosha), they discuss how subpar training and a lack of fundamental biological understanding within the industry contribute to inconsistent outcomes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Many laser technicians are taught to ‘under-treat’ or follow rigid, incorrect protocols, leading to more sessions with fewer results.

Energy output on a screen may not match what is actually being delivered; machines naturally lose efficiency over time and require regula...

Today, Mike and Lisa tackle the darker side of running a laser business: the fear of getting sued and the importance of protecting your intellectual property. Mike shares his personal experiences with ‘ambulance chasing’ law firms attempting to bully him into settlements over frivolous claims, breaking down exactly how their business model works and why you shouldn't be intimidated. He also provides actionable advice on how to handle aggressive legal letters. Hint: It involves checking your insurance policy's fine print and demanding evidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Many legal letters demanding compensation for alleged injuries are tactic-driven atte...

In this episode Mike and Lisa sit down with Dr. Marc Reid, author of "You Are Not a Fraud: The Scientist's Guide to Imposter Syndrome." Together they delve into the complexities of imposter experiences, exploring their origins, manifestations, and strategies for managing them. With personal anecdotes and insights from Dr. Reid's research, including a survey of over a thousand participants, the discussion highlights the commonality of these feelings among professionals, particularly during career transitions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Imposter syndrome, or the imposter phenomenon, is a common experience where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed...

What really happens when tattoo ink hits your skin? In this episode, Lisa and Mike zoom in on the histology of tattoos, unpacking how ink is deposited, why your body treats it like a foreign intruder, and how your immune system wages a losing battle to make tattoos permanent. They then shine a (literal) light on laser tattoo removal, explaining how light energy turns to heat to break ink into tiny fragments your body can clear away. Along the way, they answer listener questions, bust myths like the much-hyped R20 method, and dig into the risks behind the controversial...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike zoom in on the world of benign pigmentation, and how lasers can help fade it safely and effectively. Before anyone goes zap-happy, they stress one crucial rule: always make sure pigmentation is benign first. They break down how to assess it properly (because guessing is not a treatment plan).

From there, the duo explores different laser options like Q-Switch YAG and IPL, unpacking wavelengths, absorption, and how these tools actually target melanin without causing chaos to the skin. Lisa also shares her real-world treatment tips, including her go-to cooling techniques to...

Today, Lisa and Mike take another look at the fascinating world of laser physics, particularly in the context of medical aesthetics. They explore various pulse regimes - nanoseconds, picoseconds, and femtoseconds - discussing their implications for energy delivery and tissue reactions. Mike explains the significance of these time scales, including the concept of zeptoseconds, and how they relate to the behaviour of atoms and light.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Different pulse regimes (nanoseconds, picoseconds, femtoseconds) affect how energy is delivered to tissues. Shorter pulses (like nanoseconds) allow energy to be absorbed quickly, leading to higher temperatures in...

In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the intricacies of "reading the skin" during various laser treatments. They discuss the importance of understanding skin responses, such as erythema and edema, as indicators of treatment effectiveness, particularly in hair removal, tattoo removal, and pigmentation treatments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding skin responses during treatments is crucial. Indicators such as erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) provide valuable feedback on how the skin is reacting to various laser treatments.

The appropriate fluence (energy level) for treatments cannot be predetermined without observing the skin's reaction. Practitioners should start...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike dive into the controversial Neat Cell picosecond laser pen device, which claims to remove tattoos without scarring. Mike shares his skepticism about the device's effectiveness, explaining the technical limitations of picosecond lasers and the potential dangers of using such a product without proper safety measures. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Skepticism of Neat Cell Device: The Neat Cell picosecond laser pen device is met with skepticism regarding its claims of being a true picosecond laser, as it is likely just an LED or a low-powered laser diode that cannot e...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike delve into the intriguing topic of 'jumping hairs', a phenomenon observed during laser hair removal treatments. Inspired by a message from a listener in Germany, Nicole, they discuss the misconception that the rapid ejection of hairs post-laser treatment indicates treatment efficacy. Lisa and Mike clarify that this effect, often referred to as 'popping hairs', is primarily due to steam formation in the hair follicles rather than a sign of successful follicle damage. They emphasise that while visual reactions like swollen follicles or erythema can be appealing, they do not necessarily correlate with treatment...

In today's episode, Lisa and Mike turn up the energy - literally! They dive into the fascinating world of lasers and IPL treatments, unpacking the science behind spot size, fluence, depth of penetration, and wavelengths. When Emma, a curious Level 4 student, asks about how energy delivery changes with different spot sizes, Lisa and Mike fire back with laughs, analogies, and plenty of light-based wisdom. Along the way, they break down why fluence matters, how scattering shapes results, and why pre-cooling can be the secret to a pain-free zap.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Fluence, defined as energy per...

In a fascinating deviation from their usual topic, Lisa and Mike delve deep into the world of experimental physics and astrophysics in this episode. Mike tackles a range of mind-bending questions sourced by Lisa from ChatGPT, covering everything from the common misconceptions of relativity and time dilation near the speed of light and black holes, to the immense size of the universe. They also touches on space exploration (Mars colonisation), the mysteries of gravity (gravitational waves), and some truly silly, thought-provoking physics questions about cats, superheroes, and woodchucks.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Time does not actually "slow...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike dive into a recent controversy sparked by an influencer's comments about laser hair removal and pregnancy. Lisa shares her frustration over misinformation that has caused panic among clients considering laser treatments while planning for pregnancy. They explore the science behind hair growth cycles, the effects of hormonal changes during pregnancy, and the importance of understanding how laser treatments work. Mike provides insights into the physiological aspects of hair follicles and the potential for dormant follicles to reactivate, emphasising that reputable clinics are not "robbing" clients.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

An influencer's...

In this episode, Mike and Lisa take a lively dive into the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) world of artificial intelligence. They chat about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Site.ai are showing up in the laser industry - sharing their own experiments, surprises, and a few AI “oops” moments along the way.

From AI claiming Mike invented the Ruby laser (spoiler: he didn’t) to the real do’s and don’ts of using AI for laser treatments, Mike and Lisa break it all down with humour and honesty. They also bust a few persistent myths about lase...

As Lisa navigates her pregnancy, Mike brings his expertise as a Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) to the forefront, explaining the critical importance of understanding laser safety in clinical settings. They discuss the role of LPAs, the significance of proper safety equipment like laser safety glasses, and the potential hazards associated with various laser classifications.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding laser safety is critical for anyone working with lasers or IPL devices, as improper handling can lead to serious eye injuries or other hazards.

An LPA is responsible for assessing the safety of laser environments, ensuring...

Today, Mike and Lisa dive into the intricate science of hair follicles and the role of melanin. Mike shares insights from his recent research, including the significance of the dermal papilla and the matrix in hair growth cycles. They look into how laser treatments target these components, the complexities of hair follicle regeneration, and the implications for effective hair removal.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Hair follicles occupy indentations in the skin, with a complex structure that includes the dermal papilla and matrix, which play crucial roles in hair growth and signalling.

The dermal papilla acts...

In this second part of their listener Q&A, Lisa and Mike clear up common myths (like whether it’s possible to “overcool” a follicle), explain why pre- and post-cooling matter so much, and dive into the big debate: stamping vs. the gliding SHR method. They also share some important safety insights, and talk about why having an LPA and LSO is essential for running a safe, professional clinic.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

It is not possible to "overcool" the hair follicle before a laser treatment, as a dark, melanin-rich hair will still absorb enough energy to reach...

Today, Lisa and Mike tackle a series of listener questions. Mike shares a personal anecdote about his own sun damage from a recent trip to Italy, despite his usual advocacy for sun protection. He also discusses a curious case from early in his career involving a client's red tattoo that turned black after a laser treatment, a phenomenon he explains is an oxidation process. They consider the complexities of laser technology, the importance of training, and the nuances of treating different skin tones, particularly with diode lasers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Mick discusses an early case where...

Lisa interviews a very special guest today - her dad, Mike Murphy, a true pioneer in medical aesthetic lasers. From being captivated by the moon landing as a kid to diving deep into physics and astronomy, Mike’s lifelong love of science eventually led him to make history by opening the world’s first private tattoo removal clinic using Q-switched lasers. His story is equal parts inspiring, nerdy, and groundbreaking.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Mike Murphy was born in an RAF hospital in Germany and lived in various countries due to his father's military career, including Holland, Sing...

Today, Lisa and Mike delve into the intricacies of relaxation times in relation to laser treatments, particularly focusing on tattoo removal. They clarify previous discussions about the relevance of relaxation times, emphasising their importance when dealing with tiny ink particles in tattoos. They explore how these particles behave under laser energy, the mechanics of steam formation, and the differences between nanosecond and picosecond lasers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Relaxation time is crucial when considering tattoo removal because the tiny ink particles can lose heat rapidly. This means that the energy from the laser must be delivered in...

Today, Mike and Lisa dive into a passionate discussion about the ongoing debate between two hair removal techniques: stamping and Super Hair Removal (SHR). Lisa expresses her frustration over misleading social media posts that claim stamping is outdated and ineffective, while SHR is the superior method. They explore the importance of technique in both methods, emphasising that neither is inherently better if not applied correctly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Both stamping and Super Hair Removal (SHR) techniques can be effective for laser hair removal, but their success heavily depends on proper application. Incorrect techniques can lead to...

Lisa and Mike delve into a series of curious cases they've encountered in their laser treatment practice. They discuss unusual reactions from clients, including prolonged redness after cooling treatments and unexpected swelling in sensitive areas. The conversation also touches on the challenges of treating stubborn hair in the bikini area and the complexities of tattoo removal, particularly with dense ink

KEY TAKEAWAYS

One client experienced prolonged redness on her lower legs after laser hair removal treatments, suggesting a possible mild inflammatory response to the cooling process rather than the laser itself. This highlights the importance...

Light Scattering and Laser Treatments: What You Need to Know

In this episode of Lasers in Skin, Lisa and Mike explain how light scatters in the skin during laser treatments. They uncover the risks of treating tattoos, pigmentation, and permanent makeup (PMU), and debunk the myth that white tape or pencil can safely protect tattoos. Listeners will also hear about Mike’s upcoming experiment on different light wavelengths and what it means for safer, more effective laser procedures.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Light scattering in skin – how lasers and light bounce within the dermis, creating risk...

In this episode, Lisa and Mike discuss the concept of thermal relaxation time (TRT) and its relevance in laser treatments. They explore the historical context of TRT, tracing its origins back to discussions between physicist Dr. John Parrish and dermatologist Dr. Rox Anderson in the 1980s. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding how heat affects blood vessels and hair follicles during laser procedures. Lisa and Mike also introduce the concept of thermal diffusion time (TDT) and emphasise that the key to effective treatments lies in the denaturation time of stem cells, rather than solely focusing on TRT or...