We all know you can buy “knock-off” designer clothing and jewelry, but did you know that you can also buy counterfeit versions of lasers? A letter to the editor in the September 2014 issue of “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine” alerts doctors to this problem.

Almost all FDA-approved aesthetic devices are being copied illegally, the letter reports. Unwary or unscrupulous buyers can be tempted to buy these lasers because their marketing material and photos appear similar to legitimate products, but they are sold at a fraction of the cost.

Potential problems with using counterfeit technology include lack of results and/or possible injury to the patient. The article also warns doctors that they may lose their license, could be heavily fined, or charged with criminal offences if an injury occurs. And their insurance will not cover them.

Just like clients, doctors are warned that we are living in a “buyer beware” environment and, if they are considering buying a laser, to ensure it is acquired directly from the manufacturer, it is authentic, and it is approved by the FDA.

Read the full article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/lsm.22275/