The cost of cheap skin treatments?

Some years ago, I worked at a gorgeous day spa, this place was top notch in every way possible. We had back to back I.P.L. hair removal appointments at discounted prices to attract new clients. It worked. Many numerous attempts to talk my boss into raising prices per treatment, fell on deaf ears. You can guess how this ended? Our I.P.L. handpiece eventually, as I tried to explain to my management, ran out of pulses. It was time to replace the handpiece. The cost of the new handpiece couldn’t be worked into the budget. Wonder why? (insert eyeroll) Management figured it would be cheaper to purchase a brand-new platform from some unknown online company. I kid you not, the platform, along with an I.P.L. handpiece to perform hair removal, skin rejuvenation, acne and vascular/pigmentation issues, for under $6000.

For those that know me, know I would fervently advise against this purchase, first, this device wasn’t approved by Health Canada. I asked my employer, in all seriousness if the insurance policy covers liability for the device, in case something should go wrong. Once again, no research was conducted, and I was told, they are good: “We have a Salon Policy” please, for all those, with “Salon Policies” that operate medi-spas, I urge you to read the policy, then immediately set up an appointment with your broker, so you can discuss your needs. A salon policy is an umbrella policy and wouldn’t give you all the necessary coverage.

Shall I get back to the newly acquired equipment then, you see, something did go wrong not long after they received the new machine. A client came in for her scheduled skin rejuvenation appointment and left with 3rd degree burns to her face.

I need to clarify; the new machine was not to blame. It was the technician’s fault. She failed to re-asses the client intake form, she did not perform a new patch test as is required with each new piece of equipment, she failed to adjust the parameters of the treatment from one machine to another and this client ended up scarred for life. Lawsuit was filed, against the spa as well as the technician, by the victim, and she deserved every penny of the millions she was awarded due to negligence. This case never made it to court, as it turned out, the insurance provider wouldn’t cover liability once investigations revealed, the equipment used wasn’t approved by Health Canada. The spa had to pay the awarded monies out of pocket, and they tried selling the business until they had no choice but to shut down in the end.

Yes, you can get insurance. However, there are many limitations and as a provider you need to do your homework to ensure you will get coverage when need arises. Many insurance companies blindly offer coverage in an attempt to get those premiums, nevertheless in an event of negligence or simply, your client not following post protocol could cost you millions if it turns out your equipment is not approved for use in Canada.

As mentioned before, many “reputable” training institutions offer affordable equipment that includes training, but it will always be your responsibility to find out if such equipment is approved. This is very easy to find out. Simple Google search for, MDALL, will take you to government website where you can search in their ACTIVE LISTING or ARCHIVED LISTINGS SEARCH. It either is in there or “NO MATCH FOUND” means the equipment is not approved.

Your next step, if you can’t find the device on the government listings, but still desire to buy anyway, is to set up that appointment with your insurance broker and have an honest conversation about what ifs and would you be provided coverage?

My advice remains same, find a reputable company, that went through application and licensing process to be able to sell you the equipment, yes it will cost more but you do need to price your service menu accordingly. Value yourself, the time and money you invested into your education and business. You do not need every client out there, just the ones willing to pay you your worth in exchange for great results, safely.

To all our amazing clients, you too need to be involved and do your homework. Please remember, skill and expertise along with powerful equipment, shouldn’t come cheap. It’s better for everyone if you wait until you can afford these treatments, because at the end of the day, it’s not a need, it is a want.