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  • Are Laser Techs 'Robbing Everyone'?

    Are Laser Techs 'Robbing Everyone'?
    2025/10/30
    In this episode, Lisa and Mike dive into a recent controversy sparked by an influencer's comments about laser hair removal and pregnancy. Lisa shares her frustration over misinformation that has caused panic among clients considering laser treatments while planning for pregnancy. They explore the science behind hair growth cycles, the effects of hormonal changes during pregnancy, and the importance of understanding how laser treatments work. Mike provides insights into the physiological aspects of hair follicles and the potential for dormant follicles to reactivate, emphasising that reputable clinics are not "robbing" clients. KEY TAKEAWAYS An influencer's comments about laser hair removal and pregnancy have caused panic among clients, leading to misconceptions about the effectiveness of treatments. Hair growth can appear synchronized after laser treatments, making it seem like hair is regrowing when, in fact, dormant follicles may be activated due to hormonal changes or other factors. Once a hair follicle is effectively destroyed through proper laser treatment, it cannot regenerate. However, if a follicle is only stunned, it may regrow. Pregnancy can lead to hormonal shifts that may stimulate dormant hair follicles, resulting in increased hair growth in some areas, regardless of previous laser treatments. It's essential for laser clinics to communicate effectively with clients about the realities of hair removal and the potential for hormonal influences, ensuring that misinformation does not lead to unnecessary concerns. BEST MOMENTS "I wanted to put my two cents out there and explain as a laser trainer, laser tech, and a pregnant lady. I’m pretty qualified to talk about this." "When you kill a hair follicle, it's deed. You cannot grow new follicles. That's impossible." "It's not new follicles. Laser clinics are not robbing you. This can happen to anybody at any time." "You could end up seeing potentially more hair or what appears to be more hair than you had previously." "What Sophie has been saying has been miscommunication. It’s misinformed." 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 https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    21 分
  • AI & Lasers? The Good, Bad & Ugly!

    AI & Lasers? The Good, Bad & Ugly!
    2025/10/23
    In this episode, Mike and Lisa take a lively dive into the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) world of artificial intelligence. They chat about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Site.ai are showing up in the laser industry - sharing their own experiments, surprises, and a few AI “oops” moments along the way. From AI claiming Mike invented the Ruby laser (spoiler: he didn’t) to the real do’s and don’ts of using AI for laser treatments, Mike and Lisa break it all down with humour and honesty. They also bust a few persistent myths about laser tattoo and hair removal, while reminding listeners why human expertise still matters in a world full of smart machines. KEY TAKEAWAYS AI can be beneficial for research in the laser business, providing access to papers and references, but users should verify the information as it can sometimes contain errors, such as incorrect units. While AI can generate ideas for branding, marketing, and treatment advice, it is essential to approach pre and post-care recommendations with caution, as they may not always be accurate. There are several myths surrounding laser treatments, such as the belief that lasers burn or scrape the skin to remove ink, or that tattoo removal creams are effective. Understanding the science behind laser technology is crucial. The effectiveness and safety of laser treatments depend significantly on the operator's training and the quality of the equipment used. Proper training and application are vital for achieving good results. Users should not blindly trust information from AI or social media. It's important to ask questions and seek clarification on statements, especially when they seem dubious or inaccurate. BEST MOMENTS "Even simple things can go wrong with AI. You've got to be careful." "The myth persists because earlier lasers cause pigment changes, but modern systems can treat darker skin safely with proper settings." "Don't trust everything you see on AI or social media or anywhere. Trust nobody." "A Q-switch laser is a Q-switch laser. A YAG is a YAG. So that's silly." 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 https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    41 分
  • ELI5 - Laser Safety

    ELI5 - Laser Safety
    2025/10/16
    As Lisa navigates her pregnancy, Mike brings his expertise as a Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) to the forefront, explaining the critical importance of understanding laser safety in clinical settings. They discuss the role of LPAs, the significance of proper safety equipment like laser safety glasses, and the potential hazards associated with various laser classifications. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding laser safety is critical for anyone working with lasers or IPL devices, as improper handling can lead to serious eye injuries or other hazards. An LPA is responsible for assessing the safety of laser environments, ensuring proper safety equipment is used, and verifying that personnel are adequately trained. Regular checks of safety glasses and laser equipment are essential. Safety glasses must meet specific optical density ratings for the wavelengths used, and equipment should have proper labelling and maintenance. Local rules regarding laser safety should be dynamic and updated based on changes in equipment, personnel, or regulations. An LPA can help create and maintain these rules. Laser plume, which is the smoke produced during laser treatments, can contain toxic and carcinogenic substances. Proper ventilation and air filtration systems are necessary to mitigate health risks associated with inhaling these fumes. BEST MOMENTS "It's critical. The amount of courses out there and manufacturer's trainings that don't really properly cover it is pretty shocking." "If laser light can escape and someone's outside and they look in, then there's a small possibility that they could be affected adversely." "I've heard second babies are easier. I was your second baby. That we know of." "The problem is that people, when they're buying equipment, they don't know what to look for. It's not their fault." "You're breathing in dead people's tissue. I don't mean the people are dead. The tissue is dead." 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 https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    40 分
  • Let's Talk Hair Follicles

    Let's Talk Hair Follicles
    2025/10/09
    Today, Mike and Lisa dive into the intricate science of hair follicles and the role of melanin. Mike shares insights from his recent research, including the significance of the dermal papilla and the matrix in hair growth cycles. They look into how laser treatments target these components, the complexities of hair follicle regeneration, and the implications for effective hair removal. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hair follicles occupy indentations in the skin, with a complex structure that includes the dermal papilla and matrix, which play crucial roles in hair growth and signalling. The dermal papilla acts as the signalling centre for hair follicles, controlling their growth and degeneration. Disruption of its function could lead to hair loss, making it a key target for effective hair removal treatments. The concentration of melanin in the matrix of hair follicles is significantly higher than in the hair shaft itself. This means that even with reduced fluence from laser treatments, the matrix can absorb more energy due to its higher melanin content. The effectiveness of hair removal treatments may depend on the timing of the treatment in relation to the hair growth cycle, particularly targeting the anagen phase when the matrix is fully formed and contains melanin. The Fitzpatrick scale for skin tones is overly simplistic, as it does not account for the wide range of melanin concentrations within darker skin tones. A proposed new scale includes a "skin tone 7" to better represent this variability. BEST MOMENTS "The current thinking is that we have to kill the stem cells which reside in the bulge... is it that simple? Or is there more to it?" "The dermal papilla is kind of described as the nerve centre, the headquarters. It controls the growth and degrowth of the follicle." "If you can kill the dermal papilla cells, then you knock out the signalling centre." "The concentration of melanin in the matrix is significantly greater than the concentration in the hair." "I think we need to kill both the papilla, which is the nerve centre, and probably also most, if not all, of the stem cells in the bulge." 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 https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    34 分
  • Listener Questions - Part 2

    Listener Questions - Part 2
    2025/10/02
    In this second part of their listener Q&A, Lisa and Mike clear up common myths (like whether it’s possible to “overcool” a follicle), explain why pre- and post-cooling matter so much, and dive into the big debate: stamping vs. the gliding SHR method. They also share some important safety insights, and talk about why having an LPA and LSO is essential for running a safe, professional clinic. KEY TAKEAWAYS It is not possible to "overcool" the hair follicle before a laser treatment, as a dark, melanin-rich hair will still absorb enough energy to reach a destructive temperature, even if the surrounding skin is chilled to 0°C. The purpose of pre- and post-cooling (e.g., with ice packs, air, or cryo systems) is to cool the skin, not the machine's optics, and is essential regardless of whether you are using a Diode, IPL, Nd:YAG, or Alexandrite laser. The preferred technique is stamping (one-by-one pulse application) over the gliding SHR method, as stamping allows for a higher fluence, which more effectively raises the temperature of the hair follicle to ensure complete destruction. It is highly unlikely for a white cotton pad to catch fire with a Q-switched Nd:YAG or Pico laser, even at the highest fluence, because white cotton is highly reflective and has poor absorption of the energy. Clinic safety involves a daily checking routine, proper training, and having a designated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) on site, but finding a qualified Laser Protection Advisor (LPA) is the best starting point for a new clinic. BEST MOMENTS "The cooling is to to negate that temperature build-up in the epidermis and help to reduce pain." "But my thought on this, why are you shooting anywhere near the bloody pad anyway?" "The technology really has no bearing on it, because it's got nothing to do with the technology, it's all to do with cooling the skin." "Buying the equipment, getting the training, getting premises, that's the easy part. The difficult part is is promotions and marketing and getting the clients in." 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 https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    30 分
  • Listener Questions - Part 1

    Listener Questions - Part 1
    2025/09/25
    Today, Lisa and Mike tackle a series of listener questions. Mike shares a personal anecdote about his own sun damage from a recent trip to Italy, despite his usual advocacy for sun protection. He also discusses a curious case from early in his career involving a client's red tattoo that turned black after a laser treatment, a phenomenon he explains is an oxidation process. They consider the complexities of laser technology, the importance of training, and the nuances of treating different skin tones, particularly with diode lasers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mick discusses an early case where a red tattoo pigment unexpectedly turned black after a Q-switched Ruby laser treatment. Mick explains this is a genuine chemical oxidation reaction, a different process from the simple fading of permanent makeup (PMU) inks. Mike and Lisa emphasise that most lasers on the market are effective, but the key to good results and safety lies in proper training and understanding the technology. Mick humorously recounts getting sunburned in Italy, despite his reputation for wearing a t-shirt in the pool to protect his skin from UV rays. The composition of tattoo ink, whether metallic/organic (pre-2000s) or polymer-based (post-2000s), significantly affects how it reacts to laser removal treatments. BEST MOMENTS "The red ink all turned black. And I remember him coming back and thinking, 'Oh my God, what is this?' I'd never seen it before." "So what's happening there is not an oxidation process at all. What's happening is purely the darker inks are fading, revealing the lighter colored inks." "Don't believe all the flannel that you hear from the sales guys, because they'll tell you anything to sell a machine." "We will not support any machines that we don't absolutely love." "The 1064 nanometer wavelength is the most benign wavelength that we use." 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 https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    30 分
  • An Interview with... MIKE MURPHY!

    An Interview with... MIKE MURPHY!
    2025/09/18
    Lisa interviews a very special guest today - her dad, Mike Murphy, a true pioneer in medical aesthetic lasers. From being captivated by the moon landing as a kid to diving deep into physics and astronomy, Mike’s lifelong love of science eventually led him to make history by opening the world’s first private tattoo removal clinic using Q-switched lasers. His story is equal parts inspiring, nerdy, and groundbreaking. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mike Murphy was born in an RAF hospital in Germany and lived in various countries due to his father's military career, including Holland, Singapore, and Northern Ireland. His early curiosity about science and technology was influenced by significant events like the moon landing. In 1989, Mike and his colleagues established Dermalase, the world's first clinic using Q-switched Ruby lasers for tattoo removal. This clinic became a pioneer in the field, attracting clients from across the UK and even internationally. The company faced challenges, including a bankruptcy in 1996 due to a premature product launch in the U.S. market. Despite setbacks, Mike continued to innovate and adapt, eventually expanding into training and consulting in the laser industry. Mike is now focused on training professionals in the aesthetics field, emphasising the importance of proper education and safety standards in using laser technology. He is also working on new research projects and aims to continue contributing to advancements in the field. BEST MOMENTS "I was born in an RAF hospital in Germany, because all military bases across the sea are Crown property, so they're part of the UK." "You could have been Elvis in the laser world, that would be so cool." "We were the only clinic in the world, apart from the clinic in the hospital. We were the only private clinic at that time." "I wrote up a thesis to present for PhD and then I read it and didn't like it. I thought this is a pile of sugar." "You guys introduced aesthetic laser tattoo removal to the UK and the world." 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 https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    43 分
  • TRT Part 2 (Mike Couldn't Sleep)

    TRT Part 2 (Mike Couldn't Sleep)
    2025/09/11
    Today, Lisa and Mike delve into the intricacies of relaxation times in relation to laser treatments, particularly focusing on tattoo removal. They clarify previous discussions about the relevance of relaxation times, emphasising their importance when dealing with tiny ink particles in tattoos. They explore how these particles behave under laser energy, the mechanics of steam formation, and the differences between nanosecond and picosecond lasers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Relaxation time is crucial when considering tattoo removal because the tiny ink particles can lose heat rapidly. This means that the energy from the laser must be delivered in a short enough time to create steam bubbles that help break down the ink. While picosecond lasers are marketed as superior to nanosecond lasers, both can effectively remove tattoos. The difference in effectiveness may not justify the higher cost of picosecond lasers, especially since nanosecond lasers have been successfully used for decades. The process of tattoo removal involves heating the ink particles, which leads to steam formation. The explosive force from the steam causes the ink particles to break apart and disperse, making them easier for the body to eliminate. The pulse width of the laser is significant; shorter pulses (picoseconds) can deliver energy more effectively to create the necessary temperature rise for steam formation. However, nanosecond lasers can still achieve this effect, especially with proper technique. BEST MOMENTS "Relaxation time is much more important when you are considering tattoos. These particles are incredibly small, they can be easily down at like 40, 50, 60, 100 nanometres in size." "If you heat up these ink particles using laser energy, they will lose that energy extremely rapidly." "The ink gets hot and some of the heat diffuses into the water, creates steam and the macrophages explode." "I always say it depends on your budget, but also how much money have you got to waste?" "Sometimes the old stuff is still very relevant because it still works." 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 https://mikemurphyblog.com https://www.dermalasetraining.com This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    19 分