Note: This advice is given by the CAP Executive about non-broadcast advertising. It does not constitute legal advice. It does not bind CAP, CAP advisory panels or the Advertising Standards Authority.
In 2003, the ASA investigated a complaint about an ad that claimed laser surgery could be used to permanently unblock nasal passages and cure persistent snoring. The ASA noted that nasal obstruction had various causes and the advertiser’s procedure could treat, but not cure, nasal blockages that had arisen from a swelling of the nasal lining. The ASA understood that, although it could help in some cases, the advertiser’s procedure was not a cure-all for snoring. (The Private Clinic Ltd t/a The Sleep Disorder Clinic, 19 November 2003).
It should be acceptable for marketers of relevant laser treatments to claim their procedure could help unblock noses and, in some clinical situations, help with persistent snoring problems. Marketers should qualify their claims to explain the causes of nasal obstruction for which their procedure is suitable. They should not go as far as implying laser treatment can cure either a blocked nose or all snoring.
CAP understands that users of some lasers (for example, 3b, 4 and Intense Pulse Light Source) normally need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (www.cqc.org.uk). Marketers should ensure that they do not promote the use of lasers by unqualified technicians.
Last modified : 26 July 2010