Is laser hair removal harmful
Laser hair removal is a safe and permanent method for getting rid of unsightly body hair. Follicles in the active growth phase, as opposed to dormant follicles under the skin, are the primary targets of this operation. The laser’s heat energy destroys hair follicles and shafts without harming the skin around them. In the end, this procedure either destroys the follicle permanently or temporarily damages it, causing it to stop producing hair for a period of months to years.
Hair removal methods are always evolving, and despite the lack of a need for getting rid of hair in most circumstances, individuals still do so. It can be simply a cosmetic choice or it can be a matter of enduring pain to reduce hair growth. Regardless, laser hair removal is an option that many people have pursued but few have been satisfied with the results. Read on to learn more about laser hair removal side effects infertility and is laser hair removal painful.
Is Laser Hair Removal Harmful
Laser hair removal is ever increasing in popularity. Technology is fast advancing, and there are increasingly excessive commercial claims that laser hair removal in all skin types is free of side effects. The aim of this study is to review the evidence from published literature regarding the incidence of adverse effects after laser and light systems for hair removal. A review of the current published literature on the ill effects reported after laser/light-assisted depilation was conducted. Overall incidence of adverse effects after laser/light hair removal appears to be low, with very uncommon permanent sequelae. The two largest studies to date have shown that acute and transient side effects do occur. Higher incidence of pigmentary alterations is associated with the shorter wavelength lasers (up to 19%), particularly with darker skin types, compared with lower incidence using the neodymium-yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser (2-3%). Both studies did not show any long-term side effects or scarring. Laser/light hair removal, carried out by trained professionals, is a safe procedure with a very low incidence of permanent sequelae. The majority of adverse effects are transient and minor. They are more common in darker skin. Longer wavelength devices reduce the risk in darker skin.
Is laser hair removal painful?
For a couple of days after treatment, the affected skin may become red and tender. Many people describe the sensation as similar to a sunburn. The process itself, however, is typically not painful.
Does it work?
Laser hair removal therapy does work, but it rarely achieved permanent hair removal. Laser treatment can significantly reduce hair growth, nevertheless.
After the first treatment, many people will only be hair-free for a few months. The hairs will eventually grow back, though they are often finer, lighter, and less likely to be noticed than before.
Many people will require multiple sessions to achieve a more permanent or satisfactory solution to unwanted hair. The hair may grow back lighter and thinner with each subsequent session. After enough treatments, it may stop growing back altogether.
Laser hair removal may also be more effective on dark hair. People with blond, reddish, or grey hairs may not notice much of a change, as laser lights are attracted to dark hair and are often not successful on light hair.
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects Infertility
You’re pumped about permanent hair removal, but you want to make sure that it’s safe.
There are many different hair removal methods, but the most common used today is called “laser genesis” – this is what the medical spas and hair removal clinics use. This process targets hair follicles and actually destroys them.
And there are 3 main side effect concerns that people have: 1) cancer, 2) infertility, and 3) pimples.
This section will share scientific evidence about the 3 common side effect concerns.
CANCER
You may have seen news headlines that look something like this:
But, are these headlines actually something to worry about? Can laser hair removal actually increase your risk of getting cancer?
Here’s what Heathline has to say about it:
“It’s a myth that laser hair removal can cause cancer. In fact, according to the Skin Care Foundation, the procedure is sometimes used to treat certain forms of precancerous lesions.”
So, why has there been such a buzz about laser hair removal and cancer?
The lasers used to treat unwanted hair do emit some radiation. And people often associate radiation with cancer.
But, recent data has shown that the radiation that is emitted during a laser hair removal treatment is minimal – much lower than what an average cell phone emits.
INFERTILITY
The second most common side effect that women worry about is if laser hair removal can increase risks of infertility.
Women usually ask this question during bikini line treatments. They’re worried that the lasers can go deeper than just the treated area (the hair around the bikini line) and interfere with their ovaries.
Elizabeth Hale, a professor at NYU School of Medicine, commented on this topic. She says:
“The lasers we use penetrate less than one millimeter into the skin, so there’s no way they could reach your ovaries. But even if they did—which they never, ever could—they wouldn’t do anything, anyway. They work on pigment and have no bearing on fertility.”
Therefore, there’s nothing to worry about.
PIMPLES
Younger people who decide to get laser hair removal worry about it causing acne.
Will getting laser hair removal increase your likelihood of getting pimples?
There hasn’t been any official scientific research into this, but experts in the field have discussed it.
One expert shares how laser hair removal might actually DECREASE your risk for getting pimples. They claim that:
“Laser hair removal does not pull the hair from the skin, but rather is less invasive and uses light to target the hair follicle, to prevent further growth and eventually have the hair fall out. As a result, laser hair removal may result in a decrease in breakouts.”
This is not something that you should worry about. Laser hair removal has not been clinically shown to increase acne.
ARE THERE ANY LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Mayo Clinic, a highly respected medical institution, states that there are no known long-term side effects of laser hair removal.
In order to become legalized, laser hair removal had to be intensely studied in order to determine its long-term safety to our health.
But, there are known short-term, temporary side effects. Here are a few of those side effects:
REDNESS AND SWELLING
To effectively remove your unwanted hair, the laser has to target your hair follicles. During this process, the goal of the laser is to actually severely damage those hair follicles so that they’re not able to continue growing hair.
During this process of safely damaging your hair follicles, you may experience temporary redness and swelling.
Laser hair removal can be used with multiple laser types. Your professional will consider the most appropriate one based on:
- its safety and effectiveness for the underarm area
- the thickness of your hair
- your skin color
- the color of your hair
It’s important to work with a professional who has experience using laser hair treatments on different skin tones.
Dark skin requires less intense lasers, such as diode lasers, to help reduce pigment changes. Light skin, on the other hand, may be treated with ruby or alexandrite lasers.
Armpit laser hair removal cost
In 2019, the average cost of a laser hair removal session was $287.
Keep in mind that your exact cost may depend on the location and your professional. You may also need multiple sessions spaced over several weeks to get the results you’re looking for.
As a cosmetic procedure, armpit laser hair removal isn’t covered by medical insurance. However, you may be able to bring down your overall cost with a payment plan, specials offered by your professional, or financing.
Be sure to talk with your professional about the total expected fees ahead of time.
is laser hair removal painful
laser removal does cause discomfort, but it typically causes much less discomfort than other forms of hair removal, especially waxing. Many individuals describe laser hair removal as akin to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin.
Are you considering laser hair removal but concerned it will hurt? Our specialists at Laser Bar and Spa understand that the thought of laser hair removal can be intimidating if you’ve never had laser treatments before, but we also know that the benefits of laser hair removal are nothing short of luxurious. That’s why we always offer topical numbing cream to keep you as comfortable as possible, whether you’re opting for a Brazilian laser treatment, an arm treatment, or a leg treatment.
Below, we answer the most common questions, including how much laser treatments hurt and which treatment areas hurt the most.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Yes, laser removal does cause discomfort, but it typically causes much less discomfort than other forms of hair removal, especially waxing. Many individuals describe laser hair removal as akin to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin.
Not all people experience pain the same way, so be sure to temper your expectations if a friend or family swears that it “doesn’t hurt at all” or “hurts tremendously.” A few factors that can influence your personal pain tolerance include:
- If you’ve had a sufficient amount of sleep
- If you’re hydrated
- The current phase of your menstrual cycle (fun fact: You perceive less pain during your luteal phase.)
Because a lack of sleep and dehydration can increase pain sensitivity, try to stay hydrated and get a good night of sleep before your laser hair removal session. To further reduce discomfort, your Laser Bar and Spa provider may rub topical numbing cream onto your skin before your session. Depending on your personal pain tolerance and which area you are treating, you may not need the cream.
Which treatment areas hurt the worst?
In addition to the aforementioned factors, the area being treated by the laser also influences the level of discomfort you may feel. Some treatment areas are not as painful as others. Areas with thinner skin tend to be more sensitive, while areas with thicker skin tend to create less discomfort. Some of the more moderate areas include:
- Legs
- Stomach
- Cheeks
Some of the more sensitive areas include:
- Your back
- Your upper lip
- Your underarms
- Your bikini line
You may find, however, that the discomfort is worth the long-term freedom from shaving and waxing.
What does it feel like after your session?
Laser hair removal is effective because it heats up your hair follicle. The heat damages your follicle, which prohibits hair growth. Because of the heat generated by the laser, you may notice that the treatment area is red afterward, and it may feel similar to a mild sunburn. Most side effects are mild and dissipate within 24 hours.
After your session, we provide you with post-care instructions that may include:
- Staying out of the sun (your skin is more sensitive to UV rays after laser treatments)
- Using sunscreen or covering up the treated area with clothing if you can’t avoid sun exposure
- Exfoliate treated areas to reduce ingrown hairs
With laser hair removal, you feel flawless all the time. Other benefits of laser hair removal include increased self-confidence, freedom from razor burn and ingrown hairs, and no more painful waxing sessions.
Another perk: Unlike waxing, you don’t have to let your hair grow out between laser sessions.
Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.
For each treatment you’ll wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam. An assistant might shave the site again if necessary. The doctor might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment.
During the procedure
The doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip of the instrument or a cool gel might be used to protect your skin and lessen the risk of side effects.
When the doctor activates the laser, the laser beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. You might feel discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and you’ll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel.
Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, might take more than an hour.