Thoughts on buying a laser hair removal machine

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This is a random and not necessarily a nursing related question...

I'm a relatively new RN and just about have a year of experience on my belt and finally realized that I can afford laser hair removal lol. I finally started, about a month ago, but realize that its super pricey just for one session. Going to the spa, I realized that there were RNs/NPs/PAs doing treatment and I thought that perhaps buying an ipl laser machine would benefit me price wise in the long wrong. Any thoughts to this? Wouldn't it be of some benefit to have a quality machine even after I have no need for it, such as reselling it etc. Moreover, since I'm an RN, wouldn't it technically be legal for me to use it on myself at least?

I'm aware that many RN's are trained by their employer on how to do laser treatments; if I learn then is this plausible?

Btw I work in telemetry not cosmetics

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I think it depends on what kind of machine you're considering. If you're talking about buying a professional grade laser hair removal machine, it's going to run you upwards of 5K. Recouping your cost by resale is likely to be impossible, as reputable businesses will be buying new machines and the number or people who are willing/able to afford several thousand dollars for a machine (never mind someone local to you) is miniscule.

However, there are laser hair removal machines designed for home use that cost about $500. You could start with one of those and then resell it for a couple when you're done. If it works, you'll spend less than the cost of one professional laser removal treatment. If it doesn't work, you're only out a few hundred dollars.

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I appreciate your insight and perspective!

I'm aware of at home laser products but I'm nearly 100% positive that that won't work for me. (I'm not the most ideal candidate for treatment), so I figured that buying the specific professional laser that I want would be of most value to me.

Tbh my main goal isn't to get treatments for free or to resell the machine but I'd rather have a laser machine for the same price for 6 treatments with all the different areas I want done (Lets just say a lot of hair ;) I searched and saw that they run around $2-5k which is up there but expected.

When going for my first treatment one of the RNs was telling me that shes lasered her whole body and whenever she misses a spot or hair comes back she's able to come the same day and zap it away lol. She then paused and said "We'll that's something that I can do not necessarily you guys" lmao. I'd love that freedom and figured I can just do my sister's and friends for the heck of it.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Hmm. I can't imagine there are any legal issues with you doing treatments on yourself (although it's certainly not risk free). I'd consult a lawyer before performing treatments on anyone else. While it's probably along the same lines as getting a tattoo from someone who is not licensed, you'll probably want some kind of signed waiver in order to protect yourself if something goes wrong.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I would think it would be extremely difficult to do some of the most obvious areas for laser hair removal yourself due to pain and positioning

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