Laser Hair Removal Risks and Safety (2024)

FAQs

Laser Hair Removal Risks and Safety? ›

Laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scars can occur. You can greatly reduce the risk of possible side effects by having your treatment performed by a medical doctor who is extremely skilled in using lasers and has in-depth knowledge of the skin.

Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.

The procedure also isn't linked to any long-term side effects. Still, discussions about the side effects of laser hair removal abound. Although temporary and minor side effects can occur after the procedure, other effects are rare. Beyond that, any claims about links to your long-term health are unfounded.

While it is unlikely you could contract anything just from having laser hair removal, it would be possible to be exposed to bacteria etc if the practice was not sterilizing properly. It is easier to ensure proper sterilization when only the gauges actually touch the patient's skin.

The laser targets the hair follicle without impacting the surrounding skin, and it's FDA-approved as safe and effective for all skin tones. Studies show that laser hair removal is extremely effective for the bikini area, only outperformed by treatments on legs, arms, and underarms.

Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

It was found that the history of laser hair removal was positively associated with positive HPV results (OR: 4.353, CI: 95%, 3.157 to 5.989). Conclusions: Laser hair removal was positively associated with positive HPV transmission.

Rest assured, the technology behind laser hair removal is designed with precision to specifically target hair follicles without adversely affecting the surrounding tissues, including nerves.

In rare instances, laser hair removal may cause thicker, darker hair to grow or regrow in an adjacent area to the one being treated. This condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis. Paradoxical hypertrichosis can occur anywhere on the face or body.

What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›

It does not eliminate hair, it REDUCES hair

A common misconception is that laser hair removal is a permanent solution, but the reality is that its a semi-permanent solution. You can expect up to a 90% reduction in hair growth and thickness, to the point where you won't need to shave as much.

It's recommended to wait at least 6-8 hours after a laser hair removal session before taking a shower; which should be cold or very mild. This gives the skin time to cool down and for any redness or swelling to subside. At Skin Perfection; London's Top Laser Hair Removal Clinic; we recommend you to avoid hot showers.

Immediately after the procedure the treated area might appear red and swollen. This is a normal response and usually subsides within a few hours. 7-14 days after the procedure the hairs will begin to fall out. Now, this doesn't mean the hair won't ever return.

The underarms are among the most painful areas of the body to undergo laser hair removal because the skin is so thin. This isn't necessarily the case for the rest of your arms, though, where the pain is much milder.

Lasers can harm the skin via photochemical or thermal burns. Depending on the wavelength, the beam may penetrate both the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost living layer of skin. Far and Mid-ultraviolet (the actinic UV) are absorbed by the epidermis.

No evidence suggests that laser hair removal causes infertility. The procedure only affects the surface of the skin and does not reach reproductive organs. However, if you are actively trying to conceive, it is always wise to discuss potential risks with your doctor.

A safe and effective alternative to other hair removal methods like shaving and waxing, laser hair removal promises a significant reduction of unwanted hair, especially when done by a trained professional using the correct type of laser for your skin type.