In this episode, Kathy challenges the default assumption that lasers should slow down in the summer, arguing the real issue is not the season, it’s patient selection and compliance. She breaks down how Fitzpatrick type, sunscreen behavior, and lifestyle habits determine who can safely be treated. Kathy explains why non-ablative fractional lasers like MOXI create opportunities for year-round treatments, while cautioning against treating recently tanned skin or melanin-rich clients during high sun exposure months. She also outlines how to avoid and correct common complications and why most practices miss revenue by not properly educating clients on safe summer options.

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Get the key frameworks for summer laser safety, including client selection, treatment strategy, and complication prevention.

Talking Points

• Summer laser treatments are viable with correct patient selection and timing
• Fitzpatrick I–III are safest starting point for summer treatments
• Melanin-rich skin types should generally wait until fall or winter
• Face treatments are safer than body due to sunscreen compliance differences
• Lifestyle and sunscreen habits determine candidacy more than season
• Frequent reapplication and visible lack of tan signal safer treatment windows
• Vacation schedules require spacing treatments at least two weeks before sun exposure
• Recent tanning increases complication risk; allow time before treating
• Non-ablative fractional lasers like 1927 thulium offer low downtime with strong results
• Nd:YAG devices remain safe across Fitzpatrick types, including summer use
• Avoid treating tanned areas with BBL to reduce risk of burns and complications
• Moxi can correct BBL striping or stamping with low-energy, high-density passes
• Education during consults reframes “lasers” as distinct technologies with different risks
• Offering summer laser promotions depends on proper screening, not assumption

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