Laser Hair Removal Risks and Procedure

Laser hair removal is a procedure many people with unwanted body hair, on the upper lip, arms, legs, chin, bikini line and virtually anywhere else on the body and will often achieve semi-permanent results.

Like the name suggests, a laser with extreme heat is used to target the dark pigmentation in the hair and hair follicle with the goal of damaging the follicle which drastically inhibits future hair growth. Although virtually anyone can get laser hair removal, the best results often befall those who have light skin and dark hair, since the laser light is attracted to the dark pigment in the hair.

This is not to say that a person with dark skin and dark or light hair could not receive laser hair removal, only that it may not be as successful and the laser may cause some damage to the skin such as scarring. Even the ideal candidate may have to receive several treatments before hair growth is truly inhibited and even then annual visits for touch ups may be necessary as the follicles rejuvenate themselves.

The procedure is often performed by a doctor, although it can be done by at a salon but this can increase the risk of skin damage. On rare occasions, this form or hair removal may cause scarring, blistering, skin pigment changes or other changes in the skin as a result of incorrect laser settings or an incompetent specialist. However, these effects are rare and can be further reduced by choosing only a medical specialist and avoiding salons.

If you choose to be treated by a doctor, they will cleanse the skin and may use a razor to remove excess hair so that the lasers light will be able to more accurately target the hair follicle. After the skin has been cleaned of dirt and excess hair, the doctor will apply a special topical lotion that protects the skin to the area receiving hair removal. If the affected area is small, such as the upper lip or chin, the treatment my only last couple minutes as opposed to larger areas, like the back, which may take up to several hours.

For several hours at the end of the session, the area that received treatment is likely to be tender and red. However this condition is temporary and will likely go away within several days. Scabbing is quite common and it is recommended that the area be left completely alone until it has time to heal and for the scab to fall off as picking at it may cause scarring and in some cases, infection. Although the idea of laser hair removal may scare some, it is a very effective way to remove excess hair even if the first treatment is not completely successful. In many cases, post first session hair is often lighter in color and less course, often becoming barely noticeable after the third session. This method of hair removal is becoming very popular and, in some places, is used more than waxing.