Laser professionals in the United States are volunteering to be part of New Beginnings, a nationwide philanthropic campaign, coordinated by the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) offering to remove radiation therapy marks at no cost to patients who have had cancer.
Eric Bernstein, MD, of Ardmore, Pennsylvania developed the idea for the initiative after seeing many of his patients with radiation marks, or tattoos, after undergoing cancer treatment. “My patients wanted those marks removed, which are reminders of their radiation treatment, and which can often stand out. I knew the docs who are members of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) would be a great resource for patients, and the President Dr. Jeff Dover was 100% behind the idea,” says Dr. Bernstein.
About 200 board certified ASLMS members across the country are taking part in the program. The procedure takes place in the doctor’s office. The number of treatments depends on the size, type and amount of ink present. This procedure often would not be covered by insurance and could cost hundreds of dollars. Under the program, patients must provide a letter from their oncologist or radiologist approving the removal of any radiation marks or tattoos.
