There are many benefits to laser hair removal, and the biggest is that it can do an excellent job of improving one’s self-esteem. Not only can it make you look better, but it can also relieve unwanted pain or discomfort. The less hair that grows back in your bikini area, the easier it will be to maintain smooth skin with minimal effort on your part over time. So yes, laser hair removal is safe if done correctly by an experienced practitioner.
It is no secret that laser hair removal is a popular and effective method for removing unwanted hair. Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to destroy the root of the hair, so that it will not grow back. This is done by using a light pulse that targets and damages the melanin in the epithelial cells. The melanin absorbs light at certain wavelengths and causes heat to be generated in the cell, which destroys the cell and prevents it from reproducing (i.e., preventing further growth).
Read on to learn more ABOUT Is Laser Hair Removal For Bikini Area Safe You Do, Common Myths About Laser Hair Removal and Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Everyone?
Is Laser Hair Removal For Bikini Area Safe You Do
Laser hair removal is a long-term hair growth reduction method. To the FDA, it is not a permanent hair removal method. Lack of long-term research on the effects of the procedure, you see. A laser treatment will reduce hair growth by up to 95%. However, a lot of patients do indeed experience permanent hair removal. Of course, factors such as genetics, hair color, previous hair removal history, hair growth cycle will also play a role.
The procedure relies on selective photothermolysis. It is the use of short pulses of light to treat skin conditions. This method causes less damage to normal tissue than do continuous beam lasers. During a session, a beam of light is produced. It targets the pigments in the hair. Once the melanin has absorbed the energy, the latter travels down to the hair follicle. There, it turns into thermal energy.
The heat damages the hair follicle beyond repairs and prevents any further growth. For a laser treatment to work, the hair must be in the anagen phase of growth. It is indeed the only time the hair and follicle are connected. As only 20% of hair is in the right phase at any point in time, one session can only treat so many hair. That is why treatments always include six sessions six weeks apart. So that you can treat all unwanted body hairs regardless of the hair growth cycle.
Are There Side Effects?
There are a few common side effects associated with laser hair removal. For example, it is typical to experience some slight discomfort, redness, and swelling in the first few hours after treatment. Some patients also experience minor itching. You can treat these common side effects with the simple use of aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin, but it’s also important not to complicate these issues.
After treatment, avoid working out and exercising, and be sure to wear loose clothing, so you don’t sweat in the treated area. It’s also crucial that you avoid sun exposure for the first 48 hours after a session. These side effects can affect various skin types and parts of the body ranging from the bikini line to the upper lip.
In rare cases, severe side effects can occur.
For example, you may have a higher risk of infection to the hair follicle and may see scars if you don’t perform the proper follow-up care. It is possible for blistering and burns to occur. These only occur if you use an unqualified or inexperienced technician for your laser hair removal treatments.
Many injuries also occur when people attempt laser hair removal with a home laser and without a laser hair removal technician present. A certified professional that knows how to operate the laser properly will not create burns or blisters on your skin. It’s also essential to protect your eyes, especially when getting laser hair removal on or near the face. Make sure your technician provides you with proper eye protection before your laser treatment. Eye damage can be one of the worst side effects of laser hair removal. The pulses of light emitted by the laser can do severe damage to eyes not shielded with protective eyewear.
Common Myths About Laser Hair Removal
There are two common myths about laser hair removal that are entirely untrue. Unfortunately, there are still some that people may tell you:
1. Laser hair removal can cause cancer (False).
This statement is FALSE. Laser hair removal does not cause cancer. Yes, the laser emits a small amount of radiation, but it is not enough radiation to do any damage to the skin. The only damage caused by the laser is to the hair root and the hair follicle in order to prevent further hair growth.
2. Laser hair removal can cause infertility (False).
Laser hair removal does NOT cause infertility. There is absolutely no evidence stating that laser technology can cause you to become infertile or sterile.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Everyone?
This procedure is safe, but you should always consult with a professional laser technician or dermatologist before laser hair removal treatment.
Some patients, such as those with diabetes, may be at a more significant cause for risk during a laser treatment. Diabetic patients tend to heal more slowly, and that can increase the risk of getting an infection. In some cases, your technician may want to test a small patch of skin first to see how you react to the treatment.
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should also avoid laser hair removal. There is not enough research to determine what effect removing hair with a laser can have on a fetus or a nursing baby. To be safe, err on the side of caution and wait until you’re done breastfeeding to begin your treatments.
How Safe is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is safe and it is one of the best ways to prevent unwanted hair from regrowth — under one condition:
You MUST have the hair removal procedure performed by a certified laser hair removal technician in a clinic or facility with a dermatologist on staff. Before you rush out to book an appointment at a local spa, make sure that they have licensed and qualified health care professionals on staff. The laser treatment itself is noninvasive, so some states deem it as a medical procedure, whereas other states do not.
Depending on where you live, you may find that there are strict rules and guidelines on who can and who cannot perform laser treatments. For a complete list of the laws and regulations by state. The FDA has approved laser hair removal, but federal approval is irrelevant if your technician cannot operate safely.
Shaving pros and cons
Shaving can be done at home. Arguably the cheapest hair removal option, you can get disposable razors in convenience stores and supermarkets. You can also get other shaving products like electric razors and depilatory cream to make the process easier.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable. You can get disposable razors for less than $15, while a bottle of shaving cream can go as low as $3. Fast. You can simply shave during or after you shower. Shaving can take less than 10 minutes. Convenient. You don’t have to prepare or schedule since it’s a quick process. | Prone to cuts, razor burns, and ingrown hair. Since you’re working with a blade, there’s a risk of cutting the skin. This can be painful, especially near sensitive areas. You’re also prone to razor hair, bristles, and ingrown hair. Faster hair growth. You aren’t removing hair from the roots, so it can sprout back quickly. To maintain a clean shave, you’ll need to shave multiple times per week. Can’t reach all areas. You might not be able to reach all areas like your butt strip and your anus using a razor. |