Laser hair removal is a popular and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the procedure. While there are no long-term health risks, there are some side effects that you should be aware of before undergoing laser hair removal. Rarely, the procedure can cause blisters, crusting, scarring, or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include greying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, especially on darker skin.
The long-term effects of laser therapy, including the possibility of an increased risk of cancer, have not been studied. Some researchers have observed changes in atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) after laser hair removal. Therefore, they recommend that care be taken when using cosmetic laser therapy in people with a personal or family history of skin cancer or atypical moles, until further research determines whether these changes may be malignant or not. Laser hair removal can also be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes in skin color, and scarring may occur. You can greatly reduce the risk of suffering possible side effects if you carry out the treatment with a doctor who is very experienced in the use of lasers and with a deep knowledge of the skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends choosing a board-certified dermatologist to perform laser treatments. There are some people who should avoid laser hair removal treatment or take special care to discuss it with an expert professional before undergoing the procedure. If you're interested in laser hair removal, choose a doctor who is certified in a specialty, such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery, and who has experience in laser hair removal for your skin type. In the case of laser hair removal, the laser beam is used to destroy hair follicles (the cells where hair grows), causing hair loss from those follicles. The Food and Drug Administration considers these laser hair removal devices for home use to be cosmetic, not medical, which means that they do not undergo the same level of scrutiny as other medical devices.
Laser hair removal is more effective for people with fair skin and dark hair, but it can be used successfully on all skin types. Before laser hair removal, schedule a consultation with your doctor to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option for you. However, there are no comprehensive studies comparing the effectiveness of these devices with laser hair removal performed in the doctor's office. When the doctor activates the laser, the laser beam will pass through the skin to the hair follicles. Laser hair removal is the most effective hair removal procedure available and can be used on virtually any part of the body, including sensitive areas such as the face and bikini line.
Some hair may be resistant to laser treatment or regrow after treatment, although the new hair may be finer and lighter in color. During laser hair removal, the laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. When you invest in a laser hair removal treatment, you may never need to wax, shave, or use a depilatory cream again, saving you time, money, and hassle. If you decide to use a home laser hair removal device, follow the instructions that come with the device to help reduce the risk of injury, especially eye injury. The risks of side effects vary depending on skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and compliance with pre- and post-treatment care. Because powerful lasers are used in the process, you may be concerned about the side effects of laser hair removal on your face.
It's important to understand all potential risks before undergoing any type of cosmetic procedure so that you can make an informed decision about whether it's right for you.
