Amedical laser is not just a tool – it is an investment used every day. This article will outline a few items to be done daily to prevent costly maintenance, as well as methods for finding the right service person for a laser.

THE USER MANUAL

Not every laser or IPL is the same, so read the user’s manual. Some manufacturers suggest that maintenance should be done twice a year, while others suggest once per year. There are a few reasons for this, whether it is to change filters and coolant or to verify the output power is correct. The manufacturer’s suggestions are meant to keep the equipment operating to specific performance. They want to make sure users are providing their clients with the best and most effective treatment.

THE LASER LOG

This is a very important daily item, especially if there is more than one person using the laser. A good laser log should record: how many pulses or how much energy is being used per client throughout the day; every time water is added, or window or cryogen is replaced; how often daily maintenance is done; and what corrections are made. If any error messages are displayed, what they are and when they occurred should also be recorded. These items aid in troubleshooting a problem or determining if preventive maintenance is required.

DAILY MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should include checking the coolant or water level, wiping down the equipment after every treatment, inspecting the hand piece and delivery system, and keeping treatment rooms cool and dust-free.

Many people take care of the outside of their equipment, but neglect the inside. This leads to inferior performance and costly service calls. A properly-maintained laser will provide clients with the best experience. Professionals will know that their clients are getting the correct treatment and will be satisfied with the results. The results of correct treatments are what keeps the client coming back and leaving great reviews online. An improperly maintained laser could lead to lessened results or adverse reactions from a treatment, leading to unsatisfied customers and bad reviews.

Understand the cost of maintaining a laser. The manufacturer’s extended warranties are, on average, 10 percent of the list price. The manufacturer also does time and material on lasers purchased from them or on recertified lasers. Extremely busy offices that utilize lasers every day should keep their lasers under service contract with the manufacturer.

THIRD-PARTY TECHNICIANS

Another option is to use a third-party service technician. Some of these companies offer service contracts. Others offer a per-call charge or hourly rate plus parts. Third-party service technicians could also allow a spa to keep more of its revenue. When looking for a third-party technician, do research. Find a technician who has worked for the manufacturer or has had training on the unit. They should have a good knowledge of the specific laser and use quality parts. The best service technician for one laser may not be the best for another laser. Some of the best technicians are specialized in only a couple of manufacturers or lasers. This may mean that a technician will need to be flown in from other parts of the county. This adds to the cost of maintaining a laser, but it could be worth it in the long run.

Choosing the wrong technician could lead to longer down times and frustrated customers. Some questions to ask when looking for a technician are:

• What is your background with this specific laser? What training do you have? How many years have you been servicing this laser?
• Are the parts you use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?
• Do you have the service manual for this laser?
• What other lasers do you work on?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have references?

Cheaper is not always better. Lasers are designed to operate with specific specifications. Using parts that do not meet manufacturer specification could lead to premature failures, which are very costly, upset clients, and cause rescheduling conflicts, laser down time, and extra service calls and parts.

Correct preventive maintenance is required in running a healthy profitable business. Keeping track of laser usage and maintenance allows professionals to be pro-active instead of re-active. Pro-active means scheduling maintenance when it is convenient for the spa and clients, setting the spa apart from competitors, with the best treatments and treatment times. Lasers are the business. A laser that is not working is not making money.