Is Laser Hair Removal Dangerous?
Many people seek to find ways to remove unwanted hair, usually for cosmetic reasons. Shaving and waxing remain popular but many are now opting for laser hair removal. This involves using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to remove hair. In technical terms, IPL is not really a laser, but rather full spectrum light produced by xenon flash lamps.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
The laser is used to target dark areas, that is, areas of hair growth. The melanin in hair follicles makes it easy for the lasers to hone in. This melanin is what gives the hair its color. People who have light or red hair are not good candidates for this procedure as the laser can only target dark hair.
The laser in essence burns away the hair but leaves the skin around it undamaged. This process also works at removing hair on dark skinned individuals. The process is used by both men and women and typical areas targeted for the procedure include the buttocks, cleavage, upper lip, chin, bikini area and abdomen.
The Risks of Laser Hair Removal
Like so many other similar procedures laser hair removal is not without risks. The side effects fall into both long term and short term categories. Temporary effects (short term) include:
- Discomfort during the procedure which can be alleviated with local anesthetic
- Pain which can occur during or after the procedure
- Swelling or redness which are generally easily treated
- Blisters which can become sores if not properly and promptly treated
- Hyperpigmentation which means the area becomes darker, but this usually goes away on its own
Some permanent side effects are:
- Skin discoloration is sometimes a permanent occurrence
- In some cases there is damage to the skin which can last for years or does not go away at all
- Sometimes the procedure can leave permanent white spots on the skin
Many people have had laser hair removal performed without any lasting ill effects. Aside from damage to the skin which is minor in the majority of cases there are no reported dangers inherent in the procedure. Be sure to choose a practitioner that is properly licensed to perform laser hair removal. Ask around to see if friends or family members have had it done and by whom.
It is best to avoid tanning of any type before having this hair removal done. Be sure to talk to the person performing the procedures and express any concerns you may have. You will be given a guide as to how to prepare and any medication you can use in the event of any problems.
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