Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments, and with good reason. It quickly and painlessly eliminates unwanted hair. Yet many individuals have questions about its workings; in this article we’ll cover its fundamentals as well as answer some frequently asked questions about it.
Safety
Laser hair removal uses pulses of invisible infrared energy to break down melanin in hair follicles and stop further hair growth, effectively eliminating all kinds of unwanted hair without harming surrounding tissues. Laser can be safely used on almost every part of the body and works on all hair types, colors and textures; safe for all skin types too! Typically 3-6 treatments are necessary for best results so be sure to follow any treatment plans advised by your laser technician for optimal results.
Laser facilities must implement appropriate safety measures to safeguard both clients and staff. This may involve training staff members on safety measures as well as documentation. In addition, personnel who come into direct contact with laser must wear eye protection with an optical density (OD) number that indicates how much laser energy has been blocked – higher numbers indicate greater protection.
Many lasers used for hair removal fall under Class 3B or 4 classification, emitting high levels of radiation that can damage eyes and skin permanently, as well as creating a fire risk when striking combustible materials or objects directly.
Facilities must ensure their employees wear appropriate eyewear, but must also implement a written laser safety program with specific objectives for delegating authority and responsibility, classifying laser hazards, hazard evaluations, training programs, engineering/procedural controls as well as creating an area specifically for laser use and providing adequate signage – in addition to keeping records of laser use for compliance reasons.
Laser hair removal can be an extremely effective permanent hair reduction solution; however, it should not be performed on children, pregnant women, or those suffering from certain medical conditions such as psoriasis, diabetes or circulatory issues. Common side effects of laser hair removal treatments are redness and swelling in the treated area – although these will fade as healing progresses; for best results it is advised that cold compresses be applied during treatments to minimize these side effects.
Side Effects
If you’re fed up with shaving, waxing and threading to get rid of unwanted hair, laser hair removal could be a great alternative to these methods. Safe and effective without long-term side effects; some individuals may experience temporary side effects like irritation and redness that can usually be treated at home; for more severe conditions (e.g. skin infection) medical advice may be required.
Laser hair removal typically causes mild irritation due to the heat of its laser beam and more commonly in darker areas of the body. Most discomfort usually goes away within hours or can be eased with an ice pack applied directly over affected area. People with sensitive skin may also experience skin crusting that leads to scabbing and scarring; to minimize such consequences use moisturizer on affected area as well as cover clothing over it for maximum effectiveness.
Some individuals experience changes to the color of their skin following laser treatment, with those with lighter complexions typically being affected more. If this concerns you, speaking to a dermatologist first is recommended before proceeding with laser treatments.
Scarring is another possible side effect, though this should only occur under exceptional circumstances. To avoid it, always choose a qualified practitioner and follow his/her instructions closely during treatment, in addition to protecting the skin from sunlight after receiving laser treatments.
Many people find the results of laser hair removal to last longer than other forms. Although the full effects may take several treatments before you see visible progress, results should become noticeable gradually if treatment schedule is adhered to properly.
Laser hair removal should not cause cancer; its radiation only targets the surface layer of your skin. However, it can still lead to precancerous lesions and skin damage, so if these symptoms arise it’s wise to visit a dermatologist as soon as possible. Laser hair removal should also be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding for best results.
