Will the OTC laser hair systems have an impact??

Implications:

Implications:

Palomar and Gillette’s venture in the direct to consumer sale of a light based laser device has several issues that will effect the ability of this venture to be successful

1. The device is only approved for non facial areas, and is only temporarily effective with less than 10% reduction- this may not be enough to entice the public to purchase the product and buy the consumables. Face is the number one area that patients want treated!!

2. The price point of $2-300 plus consumables may be too high for a machine with marginal benefit.

3. Eye exposure is a concern, even with a light based, nonlaser device. It will be easy to claim eye damage, and difficult to defend.

4. There is a significant risk of alienating the purchasers of the high margin lasers that Palomar produces, and driving them to other vendors.

Sunil S. Dhawan,MD

Analysis: My expectations are not high for the Palomar/ Gillette product:
1. High price for marginal benefit.
2. Temporary result of 10% reduction at best
3. Best on non facial areas- most patients want the face treated, where hair is most obvious
4. Alienation of the core purchasers of the high margin lasers, ie physicians, that may drive them to other vendors!

Sunil S. Dhawan, MD