13 avsnitt • Längd: 20 min • Veckovis: Torsdag
Lasers in Skin Podcast, hosted by ”Laser Guru” Mike Murphy, and his daughter Lisa McMahon, dives into the science of lasers in aesthetics. Mike and Lisa delve into the fundamental physics all laser technicians must understand to get the best results, while squashing the myths, the ”marketing baloney” and calling out poor training in the industry. Along with unmissable interviews and ’ask us anything’ episodes, the Lasers in Skin Podcast is the ultimate podcast for laser geeks!
The podcast Lasers in Skin is created by Lisa McMahon & Mike Murphy. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
In today's episode, Mike and Lisa dive into the fundamental concepts of laser physics through a fun "Explain Like I'm Five" format. They explore key terms such as fluence, pulse width, and wavelength, breaking down complex ideas into simple analogies. Mike explains how fluence, measured in joules per square centimeter, is crucial for achieving effective results in laser treatments, while pulse width is likened to the duration of a bus journey delivering energy to the skin.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Fluence refers to the concentration of energy delivered to the skin during laser treatments, measured in joules per square centimeter. It is crucial for achieving effective results in procedures targeting hair follicles, blood vessels, and pigmentation.
There is a minimum threshold fluence that must be exceeded for a treatment to be effective, as well as a maximum threshold to avoid causing damage to surrounding skin tissues. Finding the right range of fluence is essential for successful outcomes.
Pulse width (or pulse duration) is the length of time that energy is delivered to the skin. It can vary significantly depending on the type of laser used, and it does not directly correlate with the reaction time of the tissues being treated.
Wavelength determines the color of the light used in treatments and is measured in nanometers. Different wavelengths penetrate the skin to varying depths, which affects their effectiveness in targeting specific structures like hair follicles or blood vessels.
The concept of useful penetration depth combines both wavelength and fluence. It is important for ensuring that the energy delivered can effectively reach and treat the intended target within the skin, especially for deeper structures.
BEST MOMENTS
"Fluence is basically how concentrated the energy is on the skin surface, in a spot."
"To me, fluence is king. That's the main driver of pretty much all these reactions."
"So fluence is basically your make or break for any of these treatments that we are doing?"
"Pulse width is just a technical thing designed into the laser, but it doesn't actually translate into the cooking or the denaturation process within the tissues."
"There's no point the bus of photons reaching the target if they're all tired and they can't do anything."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the complexities of online forums related to laser treatments, including laser hair removal and tattoo removal. They express their concerns about the often toxic environment of social media, where misinformation can spread easily and new practitioners may take inaccurate advice as gospel. The duo emphasise the importance of conducting thorough research and seeking multiple perspectives before accepting any information found online.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Social media forums, especially those related to laser treatments, can provide both valuable information and misleading advice. It's important to verify information from multiple sources rather than accepting it at face value.
When seeking information, it's advisable to consult scientific literature and various reports from different researchers to form a well-rounded understanding, rather than relying on a single source.
Healthy debate and discussion in online forums are crucial for community learning. However, some groups may suppress differing opinions, which can hinder the sharing of accurate information.
It's important to recognise that even experts can be wrong. Updating knowledge based on new evidence is a sign of growth and should be embraced.
Many individuals in these forums are seeking support and guidance. It's essential to foster a respectful and helpful environment rather than engaging in ego-driven arguments.
BEST MOMENTS
"I'm just getting a bit sad about some stuff online and want to put it out there, really, see your thoughts."
"If you do see stuff on the Facebook forums or any kind of forum, do your own research to back it up or get some different opinions."
"The problem is that if people are just being deleted or blocked, then the argument is essentially being shut down."
"I'm happy to say that previously, a couple years ago, my information was incorrect. I've updated it and now the information I'm putting out there, hopefully, is correct."
"Some people are just like arguing in the comments about who's better."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this week's episode, Mike and Lisa look into the intriguing relationship between waxing and laser hair removal treatments. They explore the traditional belief that waxing should be avoided before laser treatments due to the risk of removing the hair target, but Mike presents a compelling argument based on the biology of hair growth phases. They discuss the importance of melanin in targeting hair follicles and suggest that waxing may actually enhance the effectiveness of laser treatments by reducing pain and minimizing harmful plume exposure for operators.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Traditionally, it has been advised not to wax before laser treatments because waxing removes the hair, which is the target for laser energy. However, recent discussions suggest that waxing may not be as detrimental as previously thought, and could potentially be beneficial.
The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). Only hairs in the anagen phase can be effectively targeted by laser treatments, as they contain melanin, which is necessary for the laser to work.
Melanin is the target chromophore for laser hair removal. While it is typically found in the hair shaft, significant amounts of melanin are also present at the base of the hair follicle, which can be targeted even if the visible hair is not dark or fully developed.
Waxing can reduce pain during laser treatments by removing visible hair that could generate heat and discomfort. Additionally, it minimizes the amount of plume (burnt tissue) released into the air, which can be harmful to both clients and operators.
There is speculation that waxing may help synchronize hair growth cycles, leading to more effective laser treatments. However, more research and real-life examples are needed to confirm this theory and determine the best protocols for combining waxing and laser treatments.
BEST MOMENTS
"So the interesting thing that I realised while studying all this was that the new hair shaft is growing or starts to grow in anagen 3. It's not fully melanised until late in anagen 3."
"So, any hair we can see that's not in catagen or telogen must be in late anagen. And that's good for us."
"If you hit those with laser IPL light, it makes no difference. If it's an anagen, it means the follicle is already in the subcutis, in the fatty tissue."
"If you wax them before you do the treatment, then immediately after the treatment, there's no visible hairs at all."
"So I suspect that if you were to wax and then treat with laser IPL, you'd probably have a hair-free environment for quite some time."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this episode, Mike and Lisa discuss the exciting news of Mike's recent election as chairman of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals (LPA). They talk through the organisation's mission to promote laser safety across various sectors, including clinics and industrial settings. Mike shares insights about the role of Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) and the new online course he's developing to train them, emphasising the importance of safety in laser use.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mike Murphy has been elected as the chairman of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals, which aims to raise awareness of laser safety across various sectors, including clinics, scientific establishments, and industrial settings.
The organisation is looking to modernise its approach by utilising social media and enhancing its online presence, with plans to offer a new course for Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) that will be available on an online teaching platform.
The new course for LSOs consists of four modules and includes a multiple-choice exam with 50 questions and a 90% pass mark. It is designed to be an open book exam, allowing participants to reference course materials.
There is a distinction between Laser Protection Advisors (LPAs) and Laser Safety Officers (LSOs), with LPAs providing support and conducting assessments, while LSOs are responsible for ensuring safety on the ground in facilities using lasers.
The chairman aims to engage insurance companies to recognise the value of accredited LSOs, potentially providing benefits to clinics that employ them, thereby enhancing safety standards in the industry.
BEST MOMENTS
"I was elected as chairman of the association of laser safety professionals, which is a small organization of laser protection advisors based in the UK."
"We're going to start using this new thing that we just heard about. It's called social media."
"Laser Protection Advisors are there to support Laser Safety Officers."
"If you get the passport, then you've got a certificate. But we're always here behind that to support you."
"It's important to have even more strings to your bow to help with that."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this episode, Mike and Lisa welcome their first online guest, Natasha, a laser technician from Northern Ireland. Natasha shares her journey through the challenges she faced early in her career, including a distressing experience with a potential lawsuit. She discusses how she overcame her initial lack of confidence and offers valuable tips for new and aspiring laser techs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Having proper insurance is crucial for laser technicians. In the event of a legal issue, it's essential to pass all correspondence to the insurance company, allowing them to handle the situation.
Technicians should not settle for basic training provided by equipment manufacturers. Seeking additional education and training from reputable sources can significantly enhance skills and confidence in performing treatments.
Clear communication with clients is vital. Setting expectations regarding treatment sensations and results helps build trust and ensures clients understand the process and potential discomfort.
Building a network of fellow technicians and industry professionals provides ongoing support and learning opportunities. Engaging with peers can help boost confidence and provide valuable insights.
Technicians should trust their knowledge and capabilities while remaining open to learning from others. Balancing confidence with humility allows for personal and professional growth in the field.
BEST MOMENTS
"Take a deep breath and realise that this will be temporary. It is not defining of you or your treatment or your career. It will pass. Your insurance is there for a reason."
"Do not settle for that training. Educate yourself. Do your research with regards to who you're going to go to for education."
"You're more capable than what you probably give yourself credit for. But also, if you think you know way more than you think you do, there's a wee bit of humility there as well."
"These letters are designed to scare you. They're threatening bully boy letters, but the last thing you do is respond. You pass it to your insurance company."
"The ongoing support after your training is the most valuable part of the whole thing."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the anticipated new regulations for laser treatments set to be introduced in Scotland in 2026. Drawing from Mike's extensive experience in the industry since opening the world's first tattoo removal clinic in 1989, they discuss the current regulatory landscape, the potential qualifications required for practitioners, and the importance of medical oversight for certain treatments. There is confusion surrounding existing regulations and a need for clarity as the industry evolves.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
New regulations regarding laser treatments in Scotland are expected to be proposed in 2026, with ongoing discussions about the qualifications required for practitioners.
The first laser clinic for tattoo removal opened in Glasgow in 1989, and despite expectations for new regulations over the years, significant changes have yet to be implemented.
Current recommendations suggest different qualification levels for various laser treatments, with Level 4 for IPL and laser hair removal, Level 5 for laser tattoo removal, and higher levels potentially requiring medical oversight.
There is a lack of clarity regarding what constitutes "medical oversight" in the context of laser treatments, leading to confusion among practitioners about compliance and training requirements.
Those currently using lasers should consider obtaining the necessary qualifications before the new regulations take effect, as failure to comply could result in business disruptions and insurance issues.
BEST MOMENTS
"When I first started in this industry about 375 years ago. We opened the world's first clinic in Glasgow, right? It was the first clinic in the world to offer Q-switched ruby laser treatment of tattoos."
"It appears to me that they don't take these things with any sort of serious level of priority. Which is a real shame because it has become a bit of a wild west out there."
"Our advice right now is just wait and see what's going to happen. If you know that you are doing these treatments, look into getting your full qualifications if you've not got them yet."
"The current setup suggests that if you're using CO2 lasers for skin treatments, then you need to have medical oversight. So there needs to be some sort of a medically qualified person in the loop somewhere."
"If you decide to go ahead and use the lasers outside of the requirements of the regulations, then your insurance probably will be void. If something goes wrong, your insurance company will just walk away."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this very first episode of the Lasers in Skin podcast, physicist Mike Murphy and his daughter, Lisa McMahon, introduce themselves and share their unique backgrounds in the world of lasers and skin treatments. Mike recounts his journey from studying physics and astronomy to pioneering laser tattoo removal and becoming a laser protection advisor. Lisa reflects on growing up surrounded by lasers and her transition from a corporate HR role to working alongside her father in the laser training industry. Together, they discuss their plans for future episodes, including educational segments, myth-busting, and interviews with industry professionals, all aimed at demystifying laser science and enhancing safety in laser treatments.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mike Murphy has a strong foundation in physics and bioengineering, having been involved in pioneering research on laser tattoo removal and treatments for skin conditions like port wine stains since the early 1980s.
Both Mike and Lisa are dedicated to educating others in the laser industry, with Mike having trained professionals globally and Lisa now actively involved in mentoring and conducting treatments.
Lisa transitioned from a corporate HR role to working alongside Mike in their laser training services, highlighting the importance of finding fulfillment in one's career and the challenges of running a business.
The duo aims to expand their training programs internationally, with upcoming masterclasses planned for locations like Dublin and New York, as well as the introduction of accredited training programs.
The podcast will cover various topics, including fundamental laser science concepts, industry myths, and interviews with notable figures, while also sharing insights from their father-daughter relationship.
BEST MOMENTS
"I did my first degree in physics and astronomy. I was approached by one of the lecturers who said to me, 'You're a physicist, aren't you?' I said, 'Yeah.' He said, 'Good. So you know about lasers?' I said, 'I can spell it.'"
"We opened the world's first laser tattoo removal clinic in Glasgow in 1989. That was the first of its kind anywhere in the world."
"Lasers have basically been in my life from the very start. I grew up around lasers and you zapping stuff all the time."
"I realised when I went back to my corporate job, I hated it. Absolutely hated it. And I didn't want to be HR."
"The physics behind the laser is super important and skipped over too much."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this episode, Mick and Lisa dive into the fascinating world of vascular removal treatments, specifically focusing on their favourite methods using IPL and long pulse YAG lasers. Lisa shares her excitement and detailed protocol for treating blood vessels, discussing the importance of pre-cooling the area, selecting the right fluence, and the technique of applying gel to the IPL tip. They explore the nuances of treating different types of vessels, including stubborn cherry angiomas and deeper leg vessels, while emphasising the significance of cooling and aftercare to minimise risks like hyperpigmentation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The preferred treatment discussed is vascular removal using IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and long pulse YAG lasers, which is particularly satisfying due to the instant results it provides.
The process involves pre-cooling the area with an ice pack, selecting the appropriate filter and fluence settings, and using a light touch to avoid squeezing the blood vessel, which could eliminate the target for treatment.
A high fluence (energy delivered per area) is crucial for effective treatment, with settings often adjusted based on the stubbornness of the blood vessels. The pulse width is typically kept constant at 25 milliseconds.
Clients may experience discomfort, especially when they cannot see the treatment happening. Proper cooling and communication about the procedure help manage their experience.
Treatment protocols may vary based on the client's skin tone, with darker skin requiring longer cooling times to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation or burns due to increased melanin absorption.
BEST MOMENTS
"It's the only treatment you can see instant results and it's amazing."
"If you put more pressure on the blood vessel, you're going to basically get rid of the target."
"The darker the skin tone, the longer you pre and post cool."
"I would be selecting my 530 nanometer filter for the wavelength, and I would be whacking my IPL up very high."
"You can't use a diode 808, 810 to do this. There's a lot of marketing baloney."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this episode, Mike and Lisa dive into a lively question-and-answer session, addressing a variety of topics related to laser technology and safety. They discuss common misleading claims made by laser suppliers, particularly regarding hair removal capabilities and output power, emphasising the importance of understanding fluence over mere wattage. The duo also shares humorous anecdotes, including Mike's penchant for dad jokes and a lighthearted debate about safety goggles versus ice pack cooling during laser treatments.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Many laser suppliers make exaggerated or false claims about their machines, such as the ability to treat all hair and skin colours. The Long Pulse YAG laser is noted as the only one that can treat dark hair on various skin tones, while other lasers have limitations.
The actual effectiveness of a laser treatment is more about fluence (energy density on the skin surface) than the total power output of the machine. High peak power claims can be misleading, as the average power and fluence are what truly matter for effective treatment.
Eye protection is crucial when using lasers. While skin can heal over time, the eyes cannot be replaced, making it essential to prioritize safety goggles over cooling methods during laser procedures.
It's vital to measure the output fluence of laser devices, as many machines do not deliver the energy they claim. Proper training and calibration are necessary to ensure effective and safe treatments.
The hosts emphasise the importance of understanding and adapting to the specific characteristics of each laser machine. Personal experience and testing are key to mastering the use of these devices and ensuring client safety.
BEST MOMENTS
"The most obvious wrong claims tend to be things like our laser can treat all hair colours and all skin colours. You just can't treat those, because there's not enough melanin in those hairs to give you a sufficient reaction."
"It's really the fluence that's the important parameter there. You could say, well, I have a 5,000 watt instead of a 3,000 watt diode system, but it's not really the power that's important."
"If you have a diode laser, you should not be treating skin tones 5 and 6. Those wavelengths will just damage the skin."
"You need to measure the fluence coming out of it or measure the energy and divide by the area. Without doing that, you cannot really know what it's going to do."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
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 as a fraud, despite evidence of their competence.
Scoring high on imposter syndrome assessments (like a 76% score) is not inherently good or bad; it highlights the importance of awareness about one's feelings and experiences rather than labelling them negatively.
Major life changes, such as career shifts or becoming a parent, can trigger feelings of imposter syndrome. These transitions often lead to self-doubt and the perception of inadequacy.
The terminology used to describe imposter experiences can influence how individuals perceive their feelings. Referring to it as an "experience" rather than a "syndrome" can help normalize the feelings and reduce the stigma associated with them.
It's essential to recognise that imposter feelings can resurface, especially during new challenges. Strategies for managing these feelings include self-reflection, understanding the origins of these feelings, and reframing them as a normal part of growth and ambition.
BEST MOMENTS
"There is no good or bad or ugly. There's only awareness. That's what the whole scoring system is about."
"If I had my time again, I wouldn't even call it imposter phenomenon. I would call it the imposter experience."
"The very first paper written on it mentioned imposter phenomenon. Yet, if you ask 100 people in a room, have you heard of imposter phenomenon? Maybe one or two wee hands."
"I would first off tell you that if I did this now, I would be in the nineties. Oh, a hundred percent. I am worse now than when I did that."
"It's highly likely if there was ever going to be a scenario in which someone would start to have those questions or self-doubts, that's when it might happen."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In this episode, Mike and Lisa dive into the concept of fluence, a critical factor in laser treatments. They explain fluence as the concentration of energy delivered to the skin, emphasising its importance in achieving successful results for various procedures like hair removal, tattoo removal, and treating blood vessels. They also cover related terms such as pulse width and wavelength, using relatable analogies to simplify complex physics concepts.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Fluence refers to the concentration of energy delivered to the skin during laser treatments, measured in joules per square centimetre. It is crucial for achieving effective results in procedures targeting hair follicles, blood vessels, and pigmentation.
There are minimum and maximum thresholds for fluence. If the fluence is below the minimum, little to no effect will occur. Conversely, exceeding the maximum fluence can cause unwanted damage to surrounding skin tissues.
Pulse width (or pulse duration) is the length of time that energy is delivered to the skin. It does not directly correlate with the reaction time of the tissues, as the actual processing within the tissues can last longer than the pulse width itself.
Wavelength indicates the colour of the light used in treatments, measured in nanometers. Precise measurements allow for clear communication about specific colours and their applications in laser technology.
Useful penetration depth combines the wavelength with fluence. It is essential for ensuring that the energy reaches the target area effectively and retains enough fluence to produce the desired therapeutic effect, especially in treatments like tattoo removal.
BEST MOMENTS
"Fluence is basically your make or break for any of these treatments that we are doing. To me, fluence is king. That's the main driver of pretty much all these reactions."
"If you, the pulse width is basically like the little bus that brings the fluence. No, it's the bus journey. It's the duration of the bus journey."
"The pulse width is just a technical thing designed into the laser, but it doesn't actually translate into the cooking or the denaturation process, the chemical processes within the tissues."
"You could say, well, the penetration depth of that is three, four, five millimetres, but it's not going to do anything."
"If you like what you're listening to and you want to listen to more of us or see our lovely faces more, please follow us on all of our social medias."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
In today's episode, Mike and Lisa delve into the critical topic of skin cooling during laser treatments. They discuss the importance of maintaining optimal temperatures to prevent pain and thermal damage to surrounding tissues, particularly collagen. Mike explains the thermodynamics behind laser energy absorption and the necessity of using effective cooling methods, such as ice packs, to draw heat away from the skin. The duo also addresses common misconceptions about air and cryo cooling systems, emphasising that while they can be effective, they often fall short in providing the same level of cooling as ice packs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Effective cooling is crucial during laser treatments to prevent pain and thermal damage to surrounding tissues. Cooling should be applied before, during, and after the treatment.
When using lasers, light energy is converted into heat, which raises the temperature of both the target and surrounding tissues. To avoid triggering pain (nociceptor activation) and damaging collagen, it's essential to keep temperatures below 45 degrees Celsius.
Ice packs, when used with a water-based gel, are more effective than air cooling systems. The gel enhances heat transfer, allowing for quicker cooling of the skin, which is vital for protecting nerve endings and preventing unwanted thermal damage.
Just as heating requires time to be effective, cooling also needs to be applied for a sufficient duration. For optimal results, ice packs should be left on the skin for at least two minutes to ensure adequate cooling.
While air and cryo cooling systems can provide some level of cooling, they may not be as effective as ice packs due to their inability to maintain the necessary temperature for the required duration. Users often report discomfort with cryo systems, preferring ice packs for a more comfortable experience.
BEST MOMENTS
"If you're going to be deliberately heating the skin, then you need to also deliberately cool simultaneously to not only reduce the pain sensation, but also reduce any unwanted thermal damage."
"You don't need gel in the skin, but more importantly, it enhances the heat transfer from the skin into the cooling agent."
"Cooling is kind of like inverse heating. You need to apply it for a given time to induce the desired effect."
"If you put ice on the skin surface with some gel, and you leave it for two minutes, then the top of the dermis will drop down to two degrees Celsius."
"Ultimately, our advice is always to use ice packs. It absolutely sucks, but oh my gosh, it's so much better for everybody."
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
ABOUT US
Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.
Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.
FOLLOW US
Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining
https://mikemurphyblog.com
https://www.dermalasetraining.com
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.