What Is Laser Hair Removal?

A laser is a focused beam of light that is used in medical laser hair removal procedure to eliminate undesirable hair. A laser generates light during the procedure, which is captured by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The hair follicles, which are tube-shaped sacs within the epidermis that produce hairs, are harmed by the heat created when the light energy is turned to heat. This injury inhibits or postpones the creation of new hair [1].

 

 

What Is Its Importance?

Laser hair removal helps eliminate unwanted hair. The common areas treated are the leg, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini line. Except for the eyelid or vicinity, it is possible to cure undesirable hair in almost any place. Tattooed skin also should not be treated [2].

 

The effectiveness of laser hair removal is influenced by skin type and hair color. The skin pigment should not absorb light, unlike the pigment in the hair. The skin should not be harmed by the laser, which should only harm the hair follicles. The best results are obtained by having black hair and pale skin, which contrasts with each other.

 

 

What Might be the Risks of Laser Hair Removal?

The likelihood of adverse responses varies depending on the patient's delicate skin, hair color, treatment plan, and compliance to both pre and post-treatment care. The most frequent negative effects of laser hair removal are as follows [3]:

• Skin sensitivity: Temporary soreness, swelling, and, redness are possible after-effects of laser hair removal. Most signs and symptoms disappear within a few hours.
• A change in pigment: After laser hair removal, the affected skin could become darker or lighter. These modifications could be short-term or long-term. People with darker complexion and individuals who do not avoid solar radiation before or even after treatment are most at risk for skin whitening.

 

On rare occasions, laser hair removal may cause crusting, blistering, scarring, or other changes to the skin's texture. Graying of the treated hair or hair growth around the treated regions are other uncommon side effects, particularly on black complexions. Due to the risk of serious eye injury, laser hair removal is not advised for the eyelids, brows, or surrounding areas.

 

 

What Precautionary Measures You Should Take?

If laser hair removal is something you're interested in, choose a doctor who has expertise with laser hair removal on your skin tone and is board certified in a specialty like dermatology or cosmetic surgery. If a medical assistant or registered nurse is performing the procedure, ensure that a doctor will supervise and be present while the treatments are being given. Spas, salons, and other establishments where non-medical staff can perform laser hair removal should be avoided [4].

 

To find out if laser hair removal is the best course of therapy for you, get an appointment with the doctor before beginning. This is what your doctor will probably do:

• Examine your medical background, including any drug usage, history of skin conditions or scarring, and previous hair removal methods
• Take pictures for use in long-term reviews and before-and-after comparisons. 
• Discuss risks, benefits, and predictions about what laser hair removal can and cannot achieve for you.

 

During the appointment, go over the treatment plan and associated charges. Typically, laser hair removal is a paid service.

 

 

What Could Be the Outcomes?

Your hair will gradually fall out over a few days to a few weeks. It could seem as though the hair has still been growing back. When used on hair cells that are just starting to sprout, laser hair is the most effective [5].

 

The outcomes are quite erratic and unpredictable. Hair removal typically lasts for several months, if not years, for the majority of patients. Laser hair removal cannot guarantee permanent hair removal, though. Typically, hair regrows finer and lighter in color. You might need more laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.

 

 

 

 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6484575/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16816888/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11893222/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31579971/

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