Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe method for getting rid of unwanted hair, but there may be factors which cause scarring on the skin.
Untrained technicians, subpar equipment and ineffective treatment settings may lead to hypo- or hyperpigmentation, scarring and/or burns of the skin during laser hair removal sessions. In this article we’ll look at what could go wrong during such sessions.
Inexperienced Technicians
Laser hair removal has long been recognized as an effective, safe way of eliminating unwanted hair. Over the past 20 years, technology and accessibility have evolved along with state and local regulations regarding how best to operate cosmetic laser devices safely.
Laser technicians are responsible for ensuring every laser procedure they conduct is carried out safely, and clients receive optimal results with minimal complications. Unfortunately, in states with lax regulations or no need for physician supervision on-site spas have proliferated offering bargain-basement treatments performed by inexperienced technicians with little oversight putting both their clients and themselves at risk.
Untrained technicians may be unfamiliar with the appropriate settings to match a client’s skin tone or hair color, leading to uneven treatment or, worse yet, burns. Therefore, it’s crucial that clinics hire and train highly-skilled and university trained laser specialists.
Choose a laser hair removal provider who provides clear pricing. Ideally, each treatment should be available online or over the phone prior to scheduling a consultation so clients don’t get lured in with promises of low monthly payments that turn out much higher than they originally estimated.
Final consideration should include whether or not a particular client is an appropriate candidate for laser hair removal. Certain medications and medical conditions (such as psoriasis, rosacea or polycystic ovarian syndrome ) can increase risk from laser sessions; additionally sun exposure must be closely monitored; laser sessions are not advised for individuals with recent sunburns or pigmented skin conditions.
Due to this reason, it’s essential that individuals seek advice from a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare provider who can assess and recommend an alternative hair removal method that best fits them and their situation. A full assessment of potential laser treatments can take place during a private appointment with either your physician or nurse practitioner who will also administer these treatments.
Discount Laser Centers
Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after non-invasive cosmetic procedures, attracting an increasing number of business entrepreneurs who recognize its immense market potential and opening laser centers to exploit it. Unfortunately, these centers often employ various technologies and prices in order to draw customers in; this may cause issues as some technologies used by these businesses may not be optimal and cause undesirable side effects.
Some laser companies will utilise outdated IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines instead of modern laser technology in order to keep prices low, increasing the risk of burns and skin damage as a result. To avoid such complications, opt for centers which use cutting-edge and optimal technologies available.
Discount laser centers may also fail to follow an effective treatment protocol, meaning their laser will not be set with enough fluence (power level) for your skin type or hair color.
Reasoning behind why the laser must be set at a specific level lies within its targeting of melanin, found both in your hair and skin. Without adequate contrast between your hair color and skin tone, the laser could target skin instead of hair causing burning sensations; hence it is imperative that you are totally honest with your practitioner regarding both of these elements.
For optimal laser hair removal treatments, avoid tanning for at least a month prior to beginning treatment and during treatments themselves. In addition, make sure that a high SPF sunscreen is applied during treatments to protect the skin and avoid sunburns. To receive optimal laser treatment visits a reputable, trusted, and highly experienced medical spa like Prolase Laser Clinic in NYC which specializes in laser hair removal, Botox injections, dermal filler injectables as well as numerous cosmetic services designed to give you beautiful and rejuvenated skin.
Incorrect Calibration
Laser hair removal has long been proven a safe and effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, however, several common mistakes during treatment can thwart these efforts – from minor errors such as accidental double exposures to more serious missettings that lead to burn marks or scarring resulting from incorrect settings.
Setting the appropriate parameters is critical to ensure a safe and successful procedure at a laser clinic.
Fluence and spot size are two key variables that play into setting. Spot size refers to the width of a laser beam, which determines how deeply energy will penetrate skin layers. A lower spot size will enable you to reach deeper follicles while larger spots could result in too much heat being dissipated too quickly.
Another element that could reduce the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments is their fluence – or amount of energy delivered per second – which determines their intensity. A higher fluence could mean more intense damage to hair follicles while lower fluences will deliver less energy and have less of an impactful result on the skin.
Your practitioner will conduct an in-depth medical history review and skin and hair analyses during your initial consultation to determine whether you are suitable for laser hair removal. They will assess your unique skin and hair needs and select an ideal laser. It may be advised to refrain from shaving, plucking and waxing six weeks prior to beginning treatment; additionally it’s essential to use high SPF sunscreen on areas to be treated.
People with darker hair or tanned skin are at increased risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser treatments, and should seek medical evaluation as soon as it occurs to avoid permanent scarring and other complications like scab formation, pigment changes in their skin pigmentation changes, herpes simplex infections or blistering.
Poor Technology
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular and safe procedure that offers an alternative to shaving unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, several factors may lead to subpar or even dangerous results from laser hair removal treatments – these include unqualified technicians, improper treatment settings or outdated equipment.
Not only should a clinic use cutting-edge laser/IPL technology, but it’s essential to find one with up-to-date contraindications, safety features and guidance on sun exposure. Some discount laser centers and unlicensed providers use outdated machines that produce less effective results. Checking their contraindications list, safety features and guidance regarding sun exposure is also key.
Effective laser/IPL treatments depend on three parameters – wavelength, pulse duration and fluence of the laser – which must be tailored specifically for each client’s Fitzpatrick skin type. For instance, dark-skinned clients require longer pulse duration to safely heat up melanin hair follicles without risking damage to surrounding tissue.
Skilled technicians can achieve optimal results by customizing pulse duration and energy/fluence settings to best match an individual’s hair color, thickness and follicle depth. Another key consideration is spot size – or beam width. This allows laser/IPL treatment to penetrate deeper into skin layers without harming surrounding tissue.
Pulse frequency of laser/IPL technology helps prevent skin burns and discolorations by speeding up its speed of pulse delivery to prevent skin blisters or scarring on its surface. Too quick of a pulse rate could even result in blisters forming more rapidly than needed, potentially leading to blisters or scars on its surface.
Laser/IPL device sales have seen rapid expansion thanks to technological innovations in aesthetic lasers. Many of the more recent machines feature alexandrite and Nd:YAG devices which work more effectively on darker skin types while still targeting all hair follicles – multi-mode technology can solve many of the issues encountered with other devices; its widespread adoption should continue driving growth of global laser/IPL market over the coming years.