Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
By Beverly Fischer on September 27, 2017
Laser Hair Removal Back to BlogMany people struggle with unwanted hair around the face, legs, arms and bikini line. Common methods of hair removal such as shaving,
Laser hair removal is an effective cosmetic procedure that can permanently remove unwanted hair from different parts of your body. In fact, it is the third most popular non-surgical procedure for boosting aesthetic appeal in the body.
How laser hair removal works
During a laser hair removal procedure, hair follicles are beamed by the concentrated light. Pigments present within the follicles absorb light, leading to damage to the hair follicle and thus the hair is destroyed.
As the laser is administered on your skin, the operator will watch for the best settings that should be used, as well as any negative skin reactions. Any discomfort felt after the procedure can be treated with ice packs, cold water, or anti-inflammatory creams and lotions. It may take several laser sessions to remove all the hair because hair grows at many different stages.
Potential Risks of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has some potential risks if not performed properly. Operators who do not pay attention to sensitive skin areas can cause burns, scars, and disfiguring of the skin. The most common cause for laser injuries is an unqualified operator who may not use the correct settings, or schedule treatment sessions too close together.
Since laser treatments don’t have to be carried out by a medical professional in most states, some patients end up encountering non-medical personnel with inadequate knowledge of the procedure.
Why laser hair removal is safe
Laser hair removal is a very targeted approach, where dark, coarse hairs can be targeted while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. The laser also works very quickly, where each pulse of the laser can treat multiple hairs at the same time. It can take about 3 to 7 sessions for patients to have permanent hair loss from the treated areas.
Steps to take to ensure a safe hair removal procedure
Laser hair removal targets the hair roots and follicles. You should, therefore, avoid other hair removal procedures such as plucking and waxing for at least 6 weeks before beginning laser treatment. This is because lasers target the same hair roots that are removed temporarily by plucking or waxing.
Make sure that the laser-treatment is done by an experienced medical-professional who is properly licensed and trained. Ask if they have performed similar laser procedures to the areas where you would like treatment to be done, and what the potential risks are. They should also be able to address unique needs around your skin type, hair color, and complexion.
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Laser Hair Removal at Beverly Fischer, MD
At Beverly Fischer, MD, we offer several services that are aimed at hair removal and promoting the growth of healthier skin. Our laser hair removal procedure works by targeting hair follicles with infrared energy.
The infrared energy heats up the hair-follicles and reduces the growth of hair in targeted areas. 3-5 repeat treatments at 3-8 week intervals may be necessary in order to significantly reduce or eliminate hair growth.
Profraction
Profraction is another practice we offer that is aimed at the healthier-skin, where a laser microbeam is used to target and treat pinpoint areas of your skin. The growth of new collagen is induced at targeted areas, thereby smoothing out-lines, scars, and wrinkles.
Need a safe and effective hair-removal procedure carried out on your skin? Contact Beverly Fischer, MD today.
Dr. Beverly A. Fischer is passionate about her role as a leading female plastic and cosmetic surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland and beyond. She believes that plastic surgery makes a positive, life-changing difference, whether you’re renewing your body, face, and skin or embarking on an entire gender transition.
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