Buying a laser device: selection, costs, financing and service
Anyone looking to buy a professional laser device is deciding on technology, costs, financing and service all at once. This page answers the questions before purchase: which device suits which treatment, what a laser device costs, whether buying, leasing or financing makes more sense and how quickly the investment pays for itself.
SIACSKIN is a manufacturer and sells to over 140 countries. You will find out how training, maintenance and warranty are arranged, what the SIA AI takes on in devices such as the DEWEON 4LD, the AlexDUAL UFO and the PICOLO XL and which accessories complement operation, such as the Skin Analyzer Pro for skin analysis and the KYROMASTER for cooling.
Which laser device is a good starting point for a beauty salon?
For most salons a diode laser for hair removal is a suitable starting point, because demand is high and clients come back for an entire course. What matters is a device that covers all skin types, so that you do not have to turn anyone away. The DEWEON 4LD works with four wavelengths (755, 808, 940 and 1064 nm) for all skin types, and the AI skin analyser selects wavelength and energy automatically. That provides confidence in the first few months.
As a second mainstay, the DERMAFORCE BBL PRO for skin rejuvenation, redness and sun damage or the EUPHEUS M8 for tightening and scars is a good fit. Which order suits your target group and your budget is something SIACSKIN clarifies with you in the free consultation.
For hair removal you need a diode or alexandrite laser, for tattoos and pigment a picosecond or Q-switched laser, and for skin rejuvenation a CO2 or thulium laser, BroadBand Light or RF microneedling. At SIACSKIN this means: the DEWEON 4LD (diode laser, all skin types), the AlexDUAL UFO (alexandrite plus Nd:YAG) and the VCL DERMALIGHT (LED system for light, fine hair) for hair removal. The PICOLO XL is the picosecond laser for tattoos and pigment, and the PICOLO L and the PICOLO S are the Q-switched lasers.
For resurfacing, scars and wrinkles there is the FRACO CO2 XL as an ablative fractional CO2 laser, and the TULIX as a non-ablative alternative with little downtime. The DERMAFORCE BBL PRO treats redness, vessels and sun damage. The EUPHEUS V and the EUPHEUS M8 tighten by means of RF microneedling, and the JORDISHAPE is the device for body contouring.
How much does a professional laser machine cost, and how high is the monthly instalment?
Depending on the technology, a professional laser device costs a five-figure to six-figure sum. As a guide to the instalment, SIACSKIN applies around 1% of the net price per month over a term of 60 months, plus VAT and subject to creditworthiness. The price is determined above all by the laser source and power, the number of wavelengths, the cooling system, the service life of the handpiece and the software.
For reference, the instalments for some devices: PICOLO S (Q-switched laser) from approx. €130 per month, VCL DERMALIGHT from approx. €190 per month, DEWEON 4LD (diode laser) from approx. €470 per month, FRACO CO2 XL from approx. €800 per month, PICOLO XL (picosecond laser) from approx. €1,000 per month and AlexDUAL UFO (alexandrite plus Nd:YAG) from approx. €1,190 per month.
Buying, leasing or financing a laser machine: which makes more sense for a studio?
For most studios, leasing or financing makes more sense than paying cash, because the device earns its instalment from ongoing treatments and your liquidity remains free for rent, marketing and staff. Buying outright is worthwhile if sufficient equity is available and you do not want to pay interest. With leasing you use the device in return for fixed instalments, whereas with financing and hire purchase it passes into your ownership. Compare the term, deposit, residual value and what happens to the device at the end of the contract.
SIACSKIN offers financing, leasing and hire purchase via its principal bank. The terms depend on the credit check. On the Financing and Leasing page you will find an overview of the options.
How quickly does a laser machine pay for itself in a beauty salon?
A laser device pays for itself as soon as the contribution margin of your treatments exceeds the monthly instalment, and with a financed device this can be the case as early as the first few months. The calculation is simple: treatment price minus working time and consumables gives the contribution margin per session. Divide the monthly instalment by this value and you will know how many treatments you need per month. The decisive factors are utilisation, the price level in your region and the number of sessions per client. Course treatments such as hair removal fill the diary more predictably than one-off appointments.
An example on the cost side: the DEWEON 4LD is available from approx. €470 per month. With the SIACSKIN price calculator you can run this through with your own figures before you decide.
Can I get financing for a laser machine as a new business founder?
Yes, newly founded businesses can also finance, lease or acquire a laser device by hire purchase, and approval depends on the credit check. Without business figures, what counts above all is your personal creditworthiness, together with a coherent concept: location, target group, prices and expected treatments per month. Your own funds, a tenancy agreement for the premises and evidence of your qualifications are helpful. To start with, choose a device whose instalment you can afford even in a weak month.
SIACSKIN handles financing, leasing and hire purchase via its principal bank, for founders too. Devices with a low instalment keep the burden manageable, for example the JORDISHAPE from approx. €230 per month or the EUPHEUS M8 from approx. €270 per month.
Buying a new or used laser machine: which is the better choice?
A new device is almost always the better choice, because with a used laser you do not know the condition of the most expensive parts: laser source, handpiece and cooling. The shot counter is decisive, since diodes, flashlamps and crystals have a limited service life, and a replacement can eat up the price advantage. Added to this are the lack of a warranty, uncertain spare parts supply, outdated software and no induction training. If used, then only with a service log, a documented shot count and inspection by the manufacturer.
SIACSKIN supplies new devices with a 2-year warranty and induction training. If budget is the reason for buying used, financing a new device is often the safer calculation, because it spreads the price over monthly instalments and keeps the risk of downtime small.
What should I look for in the manufacturer of a laser device?
Look for four things: direct access to technical expertise and spare parts, a service team you can reach, training on the device and a warranty set out in writing. Ask specific questions: who carries out repairs, how long does it take to replace a handpiece, for how long are spare parts available, and what does a call-out cost once the warranty has expired? Have the device demonstrated and talk to studios that already use it. A low price without service becomes expensive as soon as the device is out of action.
SIACSKIN is itself the manufacturer. The AlexDUAL UFO and the EUPHEUS M8 are developed and built in Germany, and the FRACO CO2 XL is Made in Germany. Added to this are a 2-year warranty, induction training on the device and the company's own SIAC Akademie for further training.
What running costs and consumables does a laser device have?
Running costs arise mainly from wear parts on the handpiece, consumables per treatment, maintenance and electricity. With lasers and light systems the service life of the source is stated in shots, and once it is reached a replacement is due. With microneedling there are also sterile needle tips, which are changed after every client, and with ultrasound the cartridges. Contact gel, protective eyewear and distilled water for the cooling circuit are smaller items. Work out these costs per treatment before buying.
At SIACSKIN the AlexDUAL UFO is designed for up to 100 million shots, with no additional purchase required. The TULIX works without consumables and without a shot limit. For the EUPHEUS M8 the replacement needles are available directly in the shop.
What training do I need for a laser machine, and is induction training included in the purchase?
At SIACSKIN, induction training on the device is included in the purchase, and beyond that you need sound knowledge of laser safety, skin types, parameters and contraindications. The induction training shows you operation, handpieces, cooling, software and care of the device. But you will only treat safely once you can assess skin reactions, evaluate test pulses and avoid side effects. Allow practice time on models for this before you treat paying clients.
The SIAC Akademie run by SIACSKIN offers training and specialist qualification courses for this purpose. The SIA AI in devices such as the DEWEON 4LD makes getting started easier, because it sets the parameters to suit skin type and body area. It does not replace specialist knowledge.
How often does a laser device need maintenance, and how long is the warranty?
Maintenance once a year is usual, more often with heavy use, and SIACSKIN gives a 2-year warranty on its devices. During maintenance the cooling circuit and filters are checked, the cooling water is changed, the optics and handpiece are cleaned and the energy delivered is measured. In day-to-day use you extend the service life yourself: clean the handpiece after every treatment, keep the ventilation slots clear, top up only with the specified water and do not ignore error messages. Note the shot count regularly, and you will spot wear early.
How service and maintenance work at SIACSKIN and what the warranty covers is set out on the Service, Maintenance and Warranty page. Before buying, clarify how service is organised at your location, especially outside Germany.
Does SIACSKIN also deliver laser devices abroad, and how does installation work?
Yes, SIACSKIN sells to more than 140 countries. For delivery abroad, you clarify four points before ordering: transport and insurance, customs and import duties in your country, mains voltage and plug type at the installation site, and whether your country requires its own registration for the device. For installation you need a level, well-ventilated space, a socket with adequate fuse protection and, for water-cooled devices, distilled water.
Induction training comes with every device. How delivery, set-up and induction training are organised for your country is something you discuss in the free consultation before requesting a quotation.
What does the SIA AI do in a SIACSKIN laser device?
The SIA AI sets the treatment parameters automatically: it takes skin type and body area into account and selects the appropriate energy accordingly. This shortens set-up time, lowers the risk of operating errors and is particularly helpful for new members of staff. It comes with a client management system that documents client data, treated areas and shot counts.
The assistance works differently depending on the device. The AlexDUAL UFO uses cameras on the handpiece for this. On the DEWEON 4LD the AI skin analyser selects wavelength and energy automatically. The PICOLO XL likewise sets the parameters by AI, and the VCL DERMALIGHT offers the manual EXPERT mode alongside the AI mode SMART. Responsibility remains with you: you continue to observe and assess the skin reaction yourself.
Can I order my laser machine in a colour of my choice, and which accessories are worthwhile?
Yes, several SIACSKIN devices are available at no extra charge in the Pantone colour of your choice, including the AlexDUAL UFO, DEWEON 4LD, PICOLO XL, DERMAFORCE BBL PRO and VCL DERMALIGHT. The housing is made of aluminium. This way the device also matches your studio visually.
As accessories, skin analysis and cooling are the most worthwhile. The Skin Analyzer Pro images the skin with a multispectral camera in white light, UV and polarised light. The AI assesses pigment, wrinkles, pores, redness, moisture, sebum and elasticity and shows the before-and-after comparison. The KYROMASTER cools the skin with cold air down to minus 50 °C before, during and after treatment, requires no consumables and is compatible with laser, BBL and RF microneedling.
Who is allowed to carry out laser treatments, and what qualifications are required?
Who may carry out which treatment is regulated differently from country to country. Before buying, therefore, clarify with the competent authority or your professional association which qualifications are required for exactly the treatment you want to offer. This determines which device is an option for you. Also speak to your business liability insurer, which generally asks for proof of training for the technology in question.
Regardless of the regulations, you need knowledge of laser safety, skin types and contraindications, because the result and the safety of your clients depend on it. In Germany this is governed by the NiSV, and the SIAC Akademie run by SIACSKIN offers the corresponding specialist qualification training.
