Laser Hair Removal Safety General Information on the Safety of Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal - Is It Safe?

Laser hair removal involves the use of laser technology. With this process, lasers will emit light at various wavelengths, energy output, and pulse widths. Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin that is absorbed by dark pigment (melanin) present in the shaft of the hair follicles. This happens because dark objects absorb the heat from light. The laser is designed to burn whatever it targets. The way to target the melanin in hair is to set the wavelength to the particular structure of melanin.

These lasers are used by a skilled dermatologist in an office or clinic setting and they produce pulses of high energy light of a single wavelength. To accomplish the removal of hair, this laser device is directed toward the hair, specifically the melanin pigment within the hair shaft and produces heat within the hair. This heat transfers down to the hair follicle. This in turn will inflame the follicle sending a signal to the follicle to stop or at least slow its growth.

USDA Approval - Experienced Dermatologists

The US Food and Drug Administration issued approval of the first laser hair removal system in 1995 and since then many types of lasers have flooded the market. Laser hair removal treatments should only be done by a trained and experienced dermatologist to reduce the possibility of side effects. Contrary to popular belief, laser treatments are not permanent. The only treatment that the FDA allows the term “permanent” to be used in association with the treatment is electrolysis. They do however, retard hair growth for several months and eventually with continued treatment, hair may not grow back for a year or more.

Laser hair removal treatments usually require anywhere from 6-8 sessions for the best results. Sessions need to be spaced out for 3-12 weeks apart. These different time amounts depend upon the way the patient responded to the first and subsequent treatments. A couple of weeks after a treatment, the shedding of treated hair should be complete and new growth should be coming in by the fifth week. How long it takes for these stages to complete will determine the spacing out of treatments.

Generally Considered Safe - Potential Side Effects

Generally, laser hair removal is considered safe, but a few side effects have been reported. Side effects and risks associated with laser hair removal include the chance of burning the skin that surrounds the hair follicle. The chance of this is greater if done by an inexperienced clinician. Another risk is the discoloration or darkening of the skin near the hair follicle caused by bleeding underneath the skin. Sometimes white spots will develop or some patients will experience a flare up of acne. Swelling around the treated areas with fluid from a damaged follicle has been reported as well as the possibility of scabs forming near the treated sites which could result in scarring.

Infections have been known to develop after treatments, so to prevent this, practitioners will cover the area that was treated until it heals. Additionally, a moist solution will be used to promote further healing and the prevention of infection.