Connecticut Tattoo Laser Removal – Business Guide

In Connecticut, more than a million people* have at least one tattoo. If you’re looking to enter the tattoo removal market in Connecticut, this article is a must. Understand the basic requirements of a tattoo removal start up, the potential tattoo removal market in Connecticut, and the appropriate state laws on laser procedures. 

Tattoo Removal Business Start Up

When starting a tattoo removal business, there are several crucial things to consider, plan, and implement. For a step-by-step guide to starting a tattoo removal business, click here. The business will also require insurance coverage. For a detailed analysis of which insurance covers the business will need, click here.

It ultimately comes down to this: laser tattoo removal.

Laser removal has emerged as the go-to treatment. It is effective and comparatively safe, being a non-invasive skin treatment. A laser tattoo removal clinic can be a highly profitable business.

Tattoo Removal Market Connecticut

Not everyone loves their tattoo forever. According to Harris Poll (2015), almost a quarter of people with tattoos suffer from tattoo regret. The tattoo removal market is currently witnessing a huge expansion. It is set to grow into a $795 million market by 2027 at a growth rate of 19.3% (Allied Market Research). More than a million people in Connecticut have at least one tattoo. Many of these tattooed individuals will face tattoo regret too. And when they do start looking for removal options, your tattoo removal business in Connecticut can emerge as their savior. 

Tattoo Removal Laser Laws Connecticut 

The State Department of Public Health, headquartered in Hartford, is the governing body that regulates laser procedures in Connecticut. In Sec 19a-903c of Chapter 368II titled ‘Miscellaneous Provisions’, falling under Title 19a of the Connecticut General Statutes, the board has referred to provisions dealing with medical spas and cosmetic laser procedures. It defines a medical spa as “an establishment in which cosmetic medical procedures are performed, but shall not include, hospitals or other licensed health care facilities.”

The section further establishes laser procedures, like laser hair removal, as cosmetic medical procedures. A ‘cosmetic medical procedure’ has been defined as

“any procedure performed on a person that is directed at improving the person’s appearance and that does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease and may include, but is not limited to, cosmetic surgery, hair transplants, cosmetic injections, cosmetic soft tissue fillers, dermaplaning, dermastamping, dermarolling, dermabrasion that removes cells beyond the stratum corneum, chemical peels using modification solutions that exceed thirty per cent concentration with a pH value of lower than 3.0, laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, laser treatment of leg veins, sclerotherapy and other laser procedures, intense pulsed light, injection of cosmetic filling agents and neurotoxins and the use of class II medical devices designed to induce deep skin tissue alteration.” 

In Connecticut, performing laser cosmetic procedures is restricted to certain professionals coming from the medical field. Sec 19a-903c (b) states that “….Any cosmetic medical procedure performed at a medical spa shall be performed in accordance with the provisions of this title and title 20, and shall only be performed by such physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse, or a registered nurse licensed pursuant to chapter 378.”

For a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or registered nurse to qualify, they must also meet certain requirements: 

1. The individual must be actively practicing in the state. 
2. They must have appropriate training or education from a credible institution (higher education or professional organization) and have experience performing the procedure. 

The qualified laser professional must conduct an in-person physical assessment of the individual before the procedure. The customer must also be given a written notice, prior to the procedure, containing imperative information about the laser technician (for example, name, areas of expertise, etc.). The medical spa is also required to display such details at a conspicuous place in the clinic as well as on their website. In any advertisement published by the medical spa, the same information must be mentioned or web links to the information must be given. 

Connecticut Tattoo Removal Laws (in short):

In Connecticut, only licensed physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and registered nurses can operate a laser. The individual must also have appropriate laser training/education and experience.

Connecticut Business Support

Many organizations help businesses start and run efficiently. Some of them are:

1. The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development offers financial aid in terms of grants and low-interest loans for certain businesses. It also provides information on other viable financing options for small businesses.
2. The Connecticut Small Business Development Center Network (CSBDC) provides support and assistance to existing and new businesses through its various training programs and free consultation service.
3. The Connecticut branch of SBA also has a lot to offer. The Connecticut district office of the SBA is not only a storehouse of information but also provides networking opportunities through its various small business events. The Connecticut Small Business Resource Guide (https://www.sba.gov/document/support-connecticut-district-resource-guide) is a comprehensive guide to starting a business in Connecticut – from funding options to state policies and permits.
4. Score is a non-profit organization offering educational resources and advice and mentorship from business experts. It has offices in New Haven, Greater Hartford, Fairfield County, Western Connecticut, Northwest Connecticut, and Southeastern Connecticut.   
5. Empower Business Connection is another association committed to helping businesses and professionals, by providing educational material and resources, support, and networking opportunities.

Note: This article does not provide legal interpretation or counsel.