Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Cancer?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
4 Min Read

Laser hair removal uses a handheld device that sends pulses of light energy directly onto the skin, similar to when rubber bands snap against your skin. Some have described it as feeling similar to rubber bands snapping.

FDA-approved lasers used in hair removal treatments emit minimal radiation and only target melanin pigment in hair follicles containing melanin. As such, this process cannot target gray, white, or blonde locks which do not contain melanin pigmentation.

Ionizing Radiation

Lasers are widely used for numerous procedures, from hair removal and scar treatment to skin resurfacing and wrinkle smoothing. While many may fear lasers emit radiation and could possibly cause cancer, they do not present this threat and can safely be utilized for various skin care treatments.

The FDA classifies laser energy as non-ionizing radiation, making it completely safe for use on skin. There is no risk of cancer with laser therapy as long as an experienced practitioner performs it and follows all recommended guidelines.

Laser hair removal involves pressing a hand-held laser instrument against the skin. The tip may have a cooling device or gel attached, to protect the patient’s skin from burning during treatment. Eyewear is also often provided during this procedure to protect from the laser’s beam; some people experience something resembling rubber band snapping against skin or multiple stinging sensations from its beam; the treatment typically lasts anywhere from several minutes to an hour, depending on its size and area being treated; many patients report smelling smoke due to heat generated from laser treatment – these phenomena are commonplace!

After your procedure, your skin might appear red and swollen – this is perfectly normal and should subside within several hours. Ice packs may help relieve any pain or swelling associated with it; natural or artificial sunlight should not be exposed until the treated area has completely recovered; follow-up treatments might need to take place every four to six weeks as part of its healing process.

Laser hair removal offers many advantages over its more invasive counterparts. Not only will you save time with shaving, waxing and plucking sessions; you may also experience less enlarged pores, pigmentation issues and improved tone of the skin as a result of laser treatment; plus its lessening of ingrown hairs–an often irritating problem–as well as reduced risk of folliculitis infections of hair follicles – these all make laser treatment well worth investing in!

Concerns may exist around laser hair removal due to any perceived link between it and cancer; however, this is untrue as there is no association between treatment and cancer. Individuals interested in laser hair removal should visit a reputable dermatologist to gain more information and discuss its potential advantages and drawbacks. Furthermore, their doctor can answer any other inquiries they may have regarding laser hair removal treatments. Doctors can help their patients make an informed decision about whether the treatment they’ve chosen is the appropriate one for them, find out whether it will be covered by health insurance or flexible spending accounts, investigate local clinics that provide these treatments, look out for package deals or discounts and create payment plans that fit within their budget.

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