Can Estheticians Perform Laser Treatments in Texas?

Laser Treatments Are Outside Esthetician Scope

TDLR explicitly prohibits estheticians or cosmetology operators from using lasers — including for hair removal, skin resurfacing, IPL devices, or any light-based therapy that penetrates beyond the epidermis. That means estheticians cannot individually perform laser hair removal or laser skin treatments under their standard licensure. They can however get licensed as a laser technician and would thereby be performing procedures under that license and scope of practice.

Who Can Perform Laser Treatments?

In Texas, medical acts (use of a laser that is not laser hair removal) such as laser procedures are regulated by the Texas Medical Board and must be performed under physician supervision or delegation. This includes:

• Physicians (MD/DO)

• Physician Assistants (PAs)

• Nurse Practitioners / APRNs

• Registered Nurses (RNs)

These providers must be properly trained and act within written protocols defined by a supervising physician. They may administer laser treatments if all delegation requirements are met.

Within licensed Laser Hair Removal facilities, individuals must hold a special laser technician certificate, such as apprentice-in‑training, technician, senior technician, or professional tiers licensed through TDLR. But importantly: a separate laser technician licensure is required, distinct from an esthetician license.

Can Estheticians Assist in Laser Services Under Supervision?

Standard estheticians are not authorized to act as laser technicians in Texas, even under physician oversight. Only those who have completed TDLR-approved laser hair removal technician training and obtained certification may operate lasers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

1. Estheticians cannot perform laser treatments—this is strictly outside their authority under Texas law.

2. To use lasers in Texas med spas, practitioners must be:

   • Licensed medical providers (RN, NP, PA, or Physician), or

   • Certified TDLR laser technicians operating under appropriate protocols and physician oversight.

3. The laser technician certificate is distinct from esthetician licensure and mandatory for laser service providers.

4. All laser services must happen within licensed facilities that have a written contract with a consulting physician, and physicians must be available for oversight or emergencies.

What Should Med Spa Owners & Practitioners Do?

• Verify staff roles to confirm only properly trained and licensed technicians or medical practitioners operate lasers.

• Ensure establishment and laser facility licensing is current and aligned with state rules.

• Maintain written protocols and physician delegation agreements.

Conclusion on Can Estheticians Perform Laser Treatments in Texas?

If you’re leading or staffing a Texas med spa, keep in mind laser treatments are medical procedures under law. Estheticians are restricted to non-invasive, cosmetic services only unless proper delegations are in place to offer lasers, estheticians need the right certification and must operate under a medical provider’s direction.

Feel free to reach out if you need more specific information or further clarification.

Weitz Morgan is a leading law firm in Texas in providing comprehensive advice and guidance to med spas. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities faced by this rapidly growing industry, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping med spas navigate the legal landscape successfully.

We recognize that med spas operate at the intersection of healthcare and beauty, which necessitates a multifaceted approach to representation. Our firm offers a range of services, including a flat-fee med spa formation package and an outside general counsel subscription, tailored to meet the specific needs of med spas, ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, protecting licenses, and fostering a legally sound business environment.