There have been calls for better training for laser hair removal operators after a woman from Ilford, north London, was left with permanent scarring after a session. Lasers caused first degree burns on Vanda Thomas’ skin, which the operator had failed to recognise during the 20 minute session. She insisted the burning sensation Vanda experienced was perfectly normal and there was no cause for concern.

The Association of Independent Healthcare Organisations is calling for tougher regulations in this area. Better training, it says, is needed for those working in this area: “There isn’t any regulation at the moment and that puts people at risk, so always background check a practitioner and ask if they have had the training before considering treatment. It was found that there hasn’t been as much risk with lasers, hence why the government does not support regulation – yet this is a problem but it’s the responsibility of the patients to find out about the practitioner.’

A spokesman for the Department of Health said it was working with Health Education England to review the qualifications needed for those providing non-surgical treatments such as laser hair removal. Ms Thomas’ experience illustrates the need for better quality training in some cases – while this is an isolated incident, training can bring provider’s skills up-to-date, improving client confidence in the process.