Is Laser Hair Removal Healthy ,,,,Pregnant ladies and those with particular skin types may also find it unsuitable. There is no proof that laser hair removal increases the risk of skin cancer.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before beginning any new procedures for hair removal, but ultimately the decision is yours to make. In any case, the laser hair removal procedure takes only a few minutes and causes no discomfort. Laser hair removal is effective because it destroys melanin, the pigment responsible for skin’s natural color. Lasers can permanently remove undesired hair by inflicting thermal damage on hair follicles at sufficiently high energy levels and pulse durations.
Laser hair removal is an effective way to remove unwanted hair but it can be unhealthy if carried out inappropriately. A recent laser treatment study states that women who undergo too many laser treatments may cause lasting damage to their skin. Too much exposure to intense light from lasers may lead to long-lasting discoloration of the skin. Read on to learn more on side effects of laser hair removal on bikini area/Laser hair removal is an effective way to remove unwanted hair but it can be unhealthy if carried out inappropriately. A recent laser treatment study states that women who undergo too many laser treatments may cause lasting damage to their skin. Too much exposure to intense light from lasers may lead to long-lasting discoloration of the skin.
Is Laser Hair Removal Healthy
Laser hair removal is a procedure to remove unwanted body hair. People may want the treatment on their underarms, back or bikini area. It’s not permanent, but the results last longer than shaving or waxing. Most people need about six treatments. It’s usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.
It’s noninvasive, which means it doesn’t require any cuts in your skin. People may get this treatment on any part of their body, but the most common areas are:
- Face.
- Underarms.
- Bikini area, or any areas that grow pubic hair.
- Back.
- Legs.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis. Heat from a laser destroys cells that have a lot of pigment (color). Since dark hair has a lot of pigment, it absorbs the most heat. Hair transfers heat to the hair follicles and destroys them, so hair can’t grow.
A hair follicle has to be in its anagen, or growth, stage for the procedure to work. Follicles are in different stages at different times, so most people need multiple laser treatments.
Who can have laser hair removal?
Anyone with extra body hair can have laser hair removal. It’s usually a cosmetic procedure. It may improve your appearance or self-image. Many people also prefer not having to shave regularly.
Sometimes laser hair removal treats excess hair growth caused by:
- Hirsutism, when women grow dark or coarse hair in areas where men usually have hair.
- Hypertrichosis, when men or women grow excess hair anywhere on their bodies.
These conditions might be the result of:
- Certain medications, including anabolic steroids and birth control pills.
- Hormone imbalances, especially increased testosterone or androgen levels.
- Inherited disorders, conditions passed from parents to children through genes.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Tumors that produce hormones.
Laser hair removal is most effective for people with thick, dark hair and light skin. The contrast between skin color and hair color makes it easier for the hair to absorb heat. It might not work as well for people with dark skin or hair that’s blonde, gray, white or red.
side effects of laser hair removal on bikini area
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure to remove unwanted hair on your body. It’s noninvasive, which means it doesn’t require any cuts in your skin. People may get this treatment on any part of their body, but the most common areas are:
- Face.
- Underarms.
- Bikini area, or any areas that grow pubic hair.
- Back.
- Legs.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis. Heat from a laser destroys cells that have a lot of pigment (color). Since dark hair has a lot of pigment, it absorbs the most heat. Hair transfers heat to the hair follicles and destroys them, so hair can’t grow.
A hair follicle has to be in its anagen, or growth, stage for the procedure to work. Follicles are in different stages at different times, so most people need multiple laser treatments.
Who can have laser hair removal?
Anyone with extra body hair can have laser hair removal. It’s usually a cosmetic procedure. It may improve your appearance or self-image. Many people also prefer not having to shave regularly.
Sometimes laser hair removal treats excess hair growth caused by:
- Hirsutism, when women grow dark or coarse hair in areas where men usually have hair.
- Hypertrichosis, when men or women grow excess hair anywhere on their bodies.
These conditions might be the result of:
- Certain medications, including anabolic steroids and birth control pills.
- Hormone imbalances, especially increased testosterone or androgen levels.
- Inherited disorders, conditions passed from parents to children through genes.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Tumors that produce hormones.
Laser hair removal is most effective for people with thick, dark hair and light skin. The contrast between skin color and hair color makes it easier for the hair to absorb heat. It might not work as well for people with dark skin or hair that’s blonde, gray, white or red.
Who shouldn’t have laser hair removal?
Talk to your healthcare provider before having laser hair removal. You may need to avoid the procedure if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
- Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
- Have keloid scars (raised scars).
- Have or have had skin cancer.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
How should I prepare for laser hair removal?
In the weeks leading up to your procedure, avoid tanning beds and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Naturally or artificially tanned skin can make laser hair removal less effective and lead to side effects.
Shave the area that will be treated two to three days before a treatment. Laser hair removal treatments won’t work on areas where the hair is longer than a grain of rice. After treatment begins, avoid waxing, tweezing and plucking hair in the treated areas.
What happens during laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal involves several steps. Your healthcare provider:
- Cleans the area.
- Gives you protective glasses or goggles to wear during the procedure. Your healthcare also wears protective eyewear.
- Treats your skin with the laser. It might feel like a series of stings. Some people describe it as a rubber band snapping against their skin.
Your procedure might take a few minutes or up to an hour. It depends on the size of the area that is being treated. You might smell smoke and burning hair. This is normal, and is the hair burning away from the laser’s heat.
What happens after laser hair removal?
Your skin might be red, swollen and a little painful after laser hair removal. You can use a cold compress on the treated area. Don’t expose the treated area to natural or artificial sunlight. You should be able to go back to normal activities right away.
RISKS / BENEFITS
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal is usually safe and effective for most people. Only an experienced healthcare provider should perform the procedure.
What are the side effects of laser hair removal?
Possible side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Blisters.
- Burns.
- Herpes outbreaks.
- Hyperpigmentation, areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin.
- Hypopigmentation, areas of skin that are lighter than the surrounding skin.
- Infections.
- Scars.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
The results of laser hair removal last longer than shaving, waxing, tweezing or plucking.
Some people prefer laser hair removal to electrolysis. Electrolysis uses a thin wire to destroy hair follicles with electric current. Benefits of laser hair removal over electrolysis include:
- Fewer treatments.
- Less pain during treatment.
- Reduced risk of ingrown hairs.
RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK
Will I need multiple treatments?
You’ll likely need anywhere from six to eight laser hair removal treatments. Sessions are usually about six to eight weeks apart. This timing helps capture more hairs in different growth phases.
How long do the effects of laser hair removal last?
Most people see about a 10% to 25% reduction in hair growth after the first treatment. After all your treatments, you may not have new hair growth for several months or years.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal isn’t permanent. It’s unlikely that treatments will target all the hairs in their growth phase. Some hair will grow back, but it’s usually lighter and thinner than before.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Can I do laser hair removal at home?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves some laser hair removal devices for home use. Without supervision by an experienced healthcare provider, the risk of misuse or injury increases. Use extreme caution and protective eyewear if you do at-home laser hair removal.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective way to remove unwanted body hair. Heat from a laser removes hair and destroys hair follicles. It’s not permanent, but the results last longer than plucking, tweezing or waxing. Most people need multiple treatments. Only an experienced healthcare provider should perform this procedure. Potential side effects include burning, scarring and permanent skin discoloration.
Genital hair (bikini area) is something that bothers many people. This is because it may increase the risk of infection by absorbing harmful microorganisms into the body especially in women or it may increase the unpleasant odor in these areas by absorbing water and sweat.
There is not much difference between laser hair removal laser method and Brazilian bikini hair removal laser in hair removal. Both of these methods are for removing all or some of the excess hair in the genital area and genitals of individuals.
The difference is that in the Brazilian type laser bikini all the hairs around the genital area of the people are targeted by the laser hair removal and no more hair remains in these areas.
But in laser bikini hair removal some hair remains on the skin.
The truth is that both of these methods are very effective and safe for removing excess hair and provide all the necessary needs for removing your excess hair and the only difference is in people s tastes.
Both bikini laser hair removal methods provide long-term results and eliminate the need for shaving and waxing. Using a razor to remove excess hair eliminates the risk of folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles which is very similar to pimples and in some cases can be very annoying) and in some sources laser hair removal is mentioned as a treatment for folliculitis.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Face
Using laser hair removal technology is a safe way to get rid of unwanted hair. Most people find the procedure to be quick and easily tolerated.
Is laser hair removal good for skin?
It is important to understand how laser hair removal works in order to understand why it does not harm your skin.
Laser hair removal works on hair follicles because the energy from the laser is absorbed by the melanin in the hair.
- Melanin is the pigment that gives hair and skin its color; one of its primary duties is to absorb light energy, which helps protect the skin from sun damage.
During a laser hair removal procedure, the melanin in the hair absorbs the laser energy into the hair follicle where it causes damage.
- Hair follicles are tiny organs that grow within the second layer of skin; they regulate and grow hair. The human body has many different types of hair. These variations are determined by the follicle and its behavior.
When it is treated with the laser, the damage hinders the hair follicle’s ability to grow hair.
Damaging the hair follicle during laser hair removal does not usually have any side effects. On occasion, the epidermis around the follicle can become irritated and red for a couple of hours after a treatment.
- The epidermis is the outer layer of your skin; its primary job is to protect your body from the environment, so it contains the melanin that keeps you protected from the sun’s rays.
Because the energy pulsed from the laser hair removal device is absorbed by melanin, the treatment sometimes varies for people with lighter hair and those with less contrast between their hair and skin pigmentation. Different laser types may be used for better results depending on your skin and hair color.
On occasion, treatments for people with low contrast – meaning hair and skin color which are similar – have resulted in temporary skin lightening. You can help avoid this by staying out of the sun before and after treatment and following the instructions for your procedure.
WHAT SCIENCE SAYS ABOUT LASER HAIR REMOVAL SAFETY
Many studies have been done to analyze both the effectiveness of laser hair removal and its safety.
A massive study treated 948 patients with laser hair removal over an eight-year period from 1997-2005. Their hair loss was analyzed during treatment, and they were also given follow up evaluations that lasted until 2015.
The study found laser hair removal to be both effective and safe.
The final report published in October 2019 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine showed that only four of the patients reported minor long-term issues.
CAN YOU HAVE LASER HAIR REMOVAL ON YOUR FACE?
Yes. A laser hair removal face professional will help you decide which troublesome locations are best treated with the laser.
The most common facial locations for laser hair removal are:
- upper lip
- chin
- beard area
- eyebrows
- sideburns
HOW IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL DONE ON FACE?
Laser hair removal on the face works in the same way it does on other parts of the body. In the office, the procedure will generally follow these steps:
- You will have a brief consultation to verify what treatment is appropriate, and which locations on your face are to be treated.
- Your face will be prepped for the procedure. This may involve using a facial pencil for marking, shaving the current hair, or putting gel on the treatment area.
- You will be given eye protection.
- The hand-held laser device will be used systematically across the treatment zone.
- Your face will be cleaned, and you will be given post-treatment instructions.
So, can you do laser hair removal on your face?
Yes, and the treatment time is very quick. Most sessions take 10-15 minutes, with the actual laser treatment lasting only 1-5 minutes.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR FACE?
Laser hair removal is an effective method of removing hair on any part of your body; the number of treatments is dependent on the area treated in addition to your skin and hair type.
According to that massive study that began in 2005, facial hair was treated to a nearly 80% removal in an average of five treatments.
But, how is laser hair removal effective on face? Especially interesting is comparing this effectiveness to other popular hair removal treatments like electrolysis and waxing.
Laser hair removal is more effective than electrolysis or waxing for facial hair.
A study published in 2001 in Dermatologic Surgery systematically compared three hair removal methods in thirty subjects. Hair removal from the face was one body area that the study chose to research using needle electrolysis, hot wax, and laser hair removal.
The results showed that laser hair removal yielded a significant amount of hair loss after only the first visit, as compared to electrolysis or waxing which showed no notable difference in growth.
HOW MUCH DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR FACE COST?
The truth is, laser hair removal with likely cost you less in the long term. Because the effects typically last longer than other removal methods like waxing or shaving, you will be saving money on repeated visits to the wax salon or expensive razors.
Prices vary per patient and depend on the size of the area you want to treat and how many treatments your particular skin and hair type will take.
Most people need 6-12 sessions for laser hair removal on face areas to be effective. Here are average costs nationwide for a single session on a few typical areas:
- Neck $60 – $125
- Upper Lip $30-$60
- Chin $30-$80
- Sideburns $30-$85
At Bridgetown Aesthetics we offer free consultations for you to get a personalized estimate of costs.
IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL SAFE FOR THE FACE?
Yes, laser hair removal is safe for your face. Temporary side effects have been reported by a small number of patients.
Depending on your skin, you may experience mild redness or swelling for an hour or two after the session.
On very rare occasions patients experience temporary burning, scabbing, or skin tone change, but these are the exception and your laser professional will provide you with appropriate laser treatments and instructions designed to avoid any side effects with customization for your skin and hair type.
Body hair grows at different speeds than each other. In addition each hair follicle is in a separate cycle from other hair follicles. The hair growth cycle consists of three stages: anagen telogen and catagen which are different in each follicle. The best time to use extra laser hair removal on a hair follicle is when the hair is in its anagen stage which is the most connection between the hair and the follicle.
Therefore laser hair removal should be done in several sessions so that once all the hair in its anagen phase is in contact with the bikini hair laser to remove all the follicles in these areas.
Normally in the genital area and genitals the hair cycle lasts every 30-45 days and for this reason it is recommended to visit the centers that are reputable and consult with your doctor to determine the time between sessions according to the type of skin you have.
What skin type is best for laser bikini hair removal?
We have several skin types in terms of color and skin type is the number one best type and type of skin for laser hair removal.
The whiter the skin color and the darker the hair color the better the results of laser bikini hair removal.
If we have dark skin is it possible not to get an answer from the laser?
In answer to this question it should be said that it is true that the best answer is for light skin with dark hair color but if you go to a reputable clinic with an experienced operator using methods such as increasing range and reducing energy and double shot and other methods are open. You can also use bikini hair laser without worrying about any particular complication and enjoy the results like having soft skin.