Laser hair removal has become more and more popular, yet you must find a technician with adequate training and experience in order to be successful with it.
Kellett reports seeing at least two clients per week with injuries caused by laser treatments, and she strongly supports government efforts to establish minimum standards for this unregulated industry. She advocates making treatment mandatory within health care facilities under direct physician supervision.
No
Laser hair removal can be a safe, effective solution to unwanted facial and body hair. However, it’s essential that any treatment comes from a registered practitioner with experience performing the procedure and full insurance cover. Furthermore, check if they hold a licence from Health Canada as this indicates their proficiency at fulfilling set standards regarding skill training, training and insurance cover.
Search online for “laser hair removal” or the name of the practitioner to ensure they hold a license to operate their device (for instance treating growths or pigmented areas of skin). Also look up their registration as this should show any valid medical or clinical reasons they might use the laser device e.g. treating growths or pigmented areas on skin).
At each session, those performing laser treatment will apply a cool gel to safeguard both eyes and skin areas being targeted by the laser beams. Once on, pulses of light from the laser are released that destroy hair follicles producing hair in quick or longer sessions; for larger areas this process may take an hour to complete. It is suggested you schedule sessions every four weeks although frequency will depend on individual preferences.
Your choice of laser treatment depends on both your skin tone and hair colour, with certain lasers only safe for those with dark skin and hair while other lasers could cause burns or hyperpigmentation (darker spots on skin or scalp). If you have very dark or blonde hair, however, treatment might not even be an option at all.
Before beginning any treatment it is recommended that sun exposure be limited for at least six weeks prior, as prolonged sun exposure can alter skin pigmentation. Furthermore, plucking, waxing or electrolysis treatments which target hair root can interfere with lasers delivering treatment to target area.
An editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal recently commented on the lack of regulations surrounding laser treatments. The author noted that other health-related uses of laser machines were regulated by provincial or territorial governments or colleges of physicians and surgeons, yet hair removal laser machines remained exempt. As a result, the editorial advocated for changes such as mandating practitioners operating these devices to be properly trained and licensed before using them for laser hair removal treatments.
The author of the editorial, a dermatologist who sees at least two clients per week who suffer injuries from laser hair removal, believes this is no exaggerated reportage and that government regulation of this industry must take place to safeguard consumers. She claims the unregulated market presents serious risk to those with darker skin who are particularly prone to burns and scarring from laser treatments performed outside of clinics supervised by physicians; she suggests the first step be mandating that laser treatments take place only under physician oversight.
Yes
Laser hair removal is a popular procedure that uses high-energy light to target hair follicles and reduce growth. While safe for most skin types, for optimal results it is best performed by an experienced medical aesthetician who has completed postsecondary training on cosmetic laser technology. Furthermore, clients should make sure the salon or technician they choose has references as well as licensing from Health Canada to conduct hair removal with this device.
Laser hair removal treatments vary significantly depending on where and who provides your treatment, so for the best experience it’s wise to select a certified medical aesthetician with extensive medical aesthetic experience and choose a clinic or spa offering multiple forms of treatments.
Health Canada reports the primary risks of laser hair removal as permanent discolouration and scarring, abrasions/blisters/inflammation to skin as well as injuries typically unreported but should still be a consideration. Health Canada suggests to avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis treatments prior to scheduling your laser appointment as these procedures could remove hair roots targeted by laser technology; in addition, sun exposure should be reduced before your appointment so as to lower risks and complications.
At your laser appointment, it is also essential that it does not fall during your menstrual cycle. Though this may seem trivial, this is significant as your body becomes more sensitive to pain during this time, intensifying any discomfort caused by laser hair removal. Furthermore, to further decrease risks of sunburn wear sunscreen and refrain from tanning as much as possible to increase safety.
Kellett treats at least two clients per week for injuries related to laser hair removal, and finds it frustrating that this industry remains unregulated. She suggests government action be taken in setting minimum standards; Kellett has asked Health Minister Adrian Dix to make it mandatory that lasers only be used within physician offices or under the supervision of dermatologists or plastic surgeons.
Dariush Honardoust, an instructor with the BC Academy of Medical Aesthetics & Skin Care, has long advocated for more regulation. He notes that other industries – like chiropractics and acupuncturists – are subject to regulation while aestheticians remain unregulated. “This profession should not remain unchecked and unsupervised,” according to him.
He suggests that anyone considering laser hair removal should make sure that they possess a valid license and their workplace is fully insured, while self-treatment at home should be avoided as this can be dangerous, leading to burns, bruises and hyperpigmentation. It’s wise to seek recommendations from friends or family before selecting a practitioner; also be sure they are licensed by your provincial government or an established association; regular sessions yield noticeable results!
