laser hair removal side effects

Laser hair removal is considered a medical treatment, and just like all other medical treatments,  it carries the risk of possible side effects. The chance of developing one or more of the existing side effects partially depend on your skin characteristics. The side effects of laser hair removal can be temporary or permanent.

The possibility of developing a temporary side effect is much higher than developing a permanent one after laser hair removal. A temporary side effect can last anywhere from a day to several  months before it goes away completely. The temporary side effects that can be experienced after laser hair removals include pain, blistering, swelling, redness, irritation, and hyperpigmentation.

Some people describe the discomfort they feel during and after their laser hair removal treatment as a feeling of pain.  This feeling exists, both during the procedure, and after it is finished.  During the treatment process, the feeling of discomfort can be lessened by the use of a local anesthetic.  For the days following the procedure, the pain can be alleviated through the use of over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

Swelling typically occurs at, or near, the area that was treated for hair removal. Topical treatments, such as creams or ointments, generally relieve the swelling.  This side effect may or may not be particularly bothersome, depending upon the area that was treated with laser hair removal.

If redness develops as a side effect of laser hair removal, it can be treated with a topical cream or ointment.  This side effect usually resembles a mild sunburn.

Blistering can be a very painful, embarrassing, and noticeable side effect of laser treatment.  Some people do not feel comfortable being seen if they have blisters.  If you are one of these people, it is best to schedule your laser hair removal treatments at a time when it will minimize your exposure to other people.

A temporary darkening of the skin of the treated area is called hyperpigmentation. Generally, this temporary side affect of laser hair removal will disappear on its own.  Often, the area affected by hyperpigmentation can be covered with makeup.

In addition to the temporary side effects, there is also the possibility of permanent or long-term skin damage.  If you’ve made the decision to have laser hair removal, you must be prepared to accept these risks.  Permanent side effects include skin discoloration, scarring, and burns.

If skin discoloration does occur, it is generally a permanent lightning of the skin in the area that was treated. The wavelengths of the laser beam are made to attack the dark pigmentation in the hair follicle.  Sometimes dark colored skin can also be affected.  This side effect can be emotionally damaging, although it is not painful.

Scarring, mostly occurs by experiencing accidental over treatment or by being treated by someone with minimal training.  It is very important to make sure that your laser hair removal treatments are being done by a qualified, experienced professional technician.

Burns are a very rare occurrence, and they usually are caused by an inexperienced, less qualified technician.

The risks and side effects associated with laser hair removal can be minimized by making sure that the treatments are done by a qualified professional.  It is also important to tell your practitioner of any hormonal or family conditions that may affect your treatment. Tanning and unprotected exposure to the sun should be avoided for several weeks before treatment.

Safety Issues Regarding Laser Hair Removal

Safety issues regarding laser hair removal relate to both clients and technicians. These safety issues are very different than those involving other forms of epilation.  There are no concerns of drawing blood, contaminating probes, or risking infection.  However, there are concerns regarding burns and eye safety.  Several organizations have laid down guidelines to ensure the safety of both the clients and technicians. These organizations include The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The American National Standards Institute, The Food and Drug Administration, The Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and The Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal.

All laser hair removal devices in the United States are subject to very strict mandatory performance standards.  They also must meet the federal laser product performance standard, which includes specifying their safety features, both for the benefit of the patient and technician.

It is best to purchase new laser hair removal equipment.  If used equipment must be purchased, it should only be bought from a qualified distributor with the assurance that it has been thoroughly checked and serviced.  The equipment should also be guaranteed..

The room that is used for laser hair removal can be used for other treatments.  However, it must be set up in accordance with the strict guidelines that are associated with the use of laser equipment.  Setting up the room  the proper way is usually done by the equipment distributor or the manufacturer.

The laser hair removal room should have a door  that can be locked during treatment. There should be a warning light outside the door to let others know that treatment is being done and they should not enter.  There should be protective eyewear, outside of the door for people who may need to enter during a treatment.  They should not be any windows in the room, however if there are windows they should be blacked out with protective coverings.  It is very important to that the electrical outlet has its own circuit breaker.  It also must be grounded, and have the proper amperage and voltage.  The room should not have any mirrors or reflective surfaces in it.

Laser hair removal equipment should be on a flat surface and have plenty of ventilation around it.  This equipment should only be serviced and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines for that particular device.  It should be regularly cleaned of any carbon buildup that may occur. When the laser equipment is not in use the key should be removed.

It is important that the operator of the laser hair removal device be well trained and qualified.  This training should be in all areas including histology and client care. The technician should not wear any reflective clothing or jewelry.  The technician, along with any other person in the room, is required to wear ANSI approved protected our eyewear in order to avoid laser blindness.

The client should  receive a thorough and detailed consultation, pre and post care instructions,  and a patch test before the laser hair removal treatment begins. It is also important that the client understands the benefits and risks of the treatment.  During the laser hair removal process the client should wear ANSI approved protective eyewear and be instructed to keep the eyewear on throughout the treatment.

laser hair removal

Safety issues regarding laser hair removal relate to both clients and technicians. These safety issues are very different than those involving other forms of epilation.  There are no concerns of drawing blood, contaminating probes, or risking infection.  However, there are concerns regarding burns and eye safety.  Several organizations have laid down guidelines to ensure the safety  of both the clients and technicians. These organizations include The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The American National Standards Institute, The Food and Drug Administration, The Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and The Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal.

All laser hair removal devices in the United States are subject to very strict mandatory performance standards.  They also must meet the federal laser product performance standard, which includes specifying their safety features, both for the benefit of the patient and technician.

It is best to purchase new laser hair removal equipment.  If used equipment must be purchased, it should only be bought from a qualified distributor with the assurance that it has been thoroughly checked and serviced.  The equipment should also be guaranteed..

The room that is used for laser hair removal can be used for other treatments.  However, it must be set up in accordance with the strict guidelines that are associated with the use of laser equipment.  Setting up the room  the proper way is usually done by the equipment distributor or the manufacturer.

The laser hair removal room should have a door  that can be locked during treatment. There should be a warning light outside the door to let others know that treatment is being done and they should not enter.  There should be protective eyewear, outside of the door for people who may need to enter during a treatment.  They should not be any windows in the room, however if there are windows they should be blacked out with protective coverings.  It is very important to that the electrical outlet has its own circuit breaker.  It also must be grounded, and have the proper amperage and voltage.  The room should not have any mirrors or reflective surfaces in it.

Laser hair removal equipment should be on a flat surface and have plenty of ventilation around it.  This equipment should only be serviced and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines for that particular device.  It should be regularly cleaned of any carbon buildup that may occur. When the laser equipment is not in use the key should be removed.

It is important that the operator of the laser hair removal device be well trained and qualified.  This training should be in all areas including histology and client care. The technician should not wear any reflective clothing or jewelry.  The technician, along with any other person in the room, is required to wear ANSI approved protected our eyewear in order to avoid laser blindness.

The client should  receive a thorough and detailed consultation, pre and post care instructions,  and a patch test before the laser hair removal treatment begins. It is also important that the client understands the benefits and risks of the treatment.  During the laser hair removal process the client should wear ANSI approved protective eyewear and be instructed to keep the eyewear on throughout the treatment.

Necessary Care after laser hair removal

Laser hair removal, although a simple process,  does require proper care of the skin in the area that was treated.  Generally there is little recovery time needed regarding laser hair removal procedures. People can usually return to normal activities  immediately after treatment.  However, it is important to take the time to follow the recommended guidelines for aftercare in order to protect against any chance of a complication and to reduce any discomfort that may be experienced.

Following laser hair removal treatment, it is not uncommon for the skin to be slightly swollen and red in the treated area.  Some people describe it as feeling like a mild sunburn, with slight puffiness and irritation. Placing a cooling preparation such as a cold compress, cold pack, or aloe vera, on the affected area will ease the temporary mild burning sensation.  Some people experience this burning sensation for only a few hours, while others may feel it for a day or two. This is the time it takes for the skin to return completely to its normal state.

It is important to apply a total sun block to the area that was treated with laser hair removal if it is going to be exposed to sunlight.  A sun block with an SFP of 30 or higher should be applied. Irritation and a burning sensation of the treated areas can result from even the slightest exposure to the sun.  Sunlight should be avoided for three weeks following laser hair removal.  This will prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring.

Moisturizing creams can also have a beneficial effect on the treated areas and help to prevent tissue crusting or scabbing.  These creams can be bought over the counter or be prescribed by your practitioner.  It usually is not necessary to use antibacterial cream.  In fact, antibacterial creams might cause drying of the skin in the area that was treated with laser hair removal.  Healthy skin is important for successful laser treatments and moisturizing every day will help to keep your skin that way.

As long as the skin is not broken, it is safe to apply makeup to the areas of the skin that have undergone laser hair removal treatments.   The makeup used should be new and applied with clean fingers or a new clean sponge.  Make of also helps to act as an additional sunblock.

Following a laser hair removal treatment, it is best to take warm, quick showers. It is best to use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh soaps that may dry the skin. If any area of the body other than the face as has been treated, hot baths should be avoided for a couple of days.

The area of treatment should not be shaved for four or five days.  After that time, it is okay to begin shaving again.  Tweezing, waxing, plucking, and bleaching should not be done at all during, or in between, laser hair removal treatments.

If any blistering occurs, immediately apply a topical antibiotic cream or ointment and cover it with a non-adhering dressing.  Immediately notify the laser technician or your physician.

After a few days, you will usually notice the hair that was treated by  laser hair removal begins to shed.  This should be expected and is a normal part of the treatment and recovery.

laser hair removal devices

There are several different types of laser hair removal devices available today.  These are alexandrite lasers, diode lasers, ruby lasers, and NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets, which is commonly referred to as Nd:YAGs.

Alexandrite lasers :

Alexandrite lasers became available for use in laser hair removal in 1997  when they were cleared by the FDA.  Alexandrite lasers produce light beams in the red spectrum of visible light. Their wavelength is 755 nanometers which is very effective but only safe on light skin. Generally, alexandrite lasers are considered long pulsed and because of this produce greater depth penetration. Five different types of the alexandrite laser are available. These include the Apogee, GentleLase, Epicare, Epitouch Alex, and Ultrawave II-III.

Diode lasers :

The  FDA also cleared diode lasers for use in 1997 as an effective method of permanent hair reduction.  Diode lasers produce a wavelength of 800 nanometers with pulse widths of 5-400 milliseconds. This type of laser has proved successful in the treatment of ingrown eyelashes and works very well on dark hair. The Light SheerXC is a diode laser that is extremely powerful.  Other diode lasers include EpiStar, Apex-800, Iridex, and Mediostar.

Ruby lasers:

Ruby lasers were also cleared by the FDA for laser hair removal in 1997, however, they did not prove as effective.  Clinical research showed that the laser damage did not extend far enough down into the hair shafts to result in permanent laser hair removal.  Originally there were five types of ruby lasers, of which only two are still available for commercial use. A Ruby lasers operate on a shorter wavelength system of only 694 nanometers.

NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets:

NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets have a longer wavelength which makes them more effective for longer term, and according to some people, even permanent laser hair removal. There are two types of Nd:YAGs lasers. These are the Q switched and the long pulse.  All Nd:YAGs produce a wavelength of 1064 nanometers. The Q, switched NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets has a very short pulse of about one nanosecond. Long pulse NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets have a pulse of about a millisecond and can be used on all skin types.

The pulse duration, or pulse width, of lasers used for hair removal is the timing of the light energy.  It is usually measured in milliseconds. Most lasers used for hair removal have a maximum pulse duration in the 20 to 40 millisecond range. Longer pulse widths are generally considered more effective and produce fewer side effects.

Each type of laser produces a specific spot size which is measured in millimeters.  The spot size is the size, or width, of the beam of light at the laser sends out.  A spot size of seven to 10 mm is considered acceptable for laser hair removal.

Most lasers have three main parts, an energy source, and active medium, and an optical cavity, also known as a resonator. The energy source is a device that supplies energy to the active medium.  Laser hair removal devices use electricity as their energy source. The element of the active medium contains atoms that can both absorb and store the energy.  The optical cavity is the part of the laser that contains the active medium. Lasers are defined by the elements they use.

Female Hirsutism

Laser hair removal can be a successful treatment option for women who suffer from hirsutism. Female hirsutism affects between 5 and 10% of all women.  The percentage rate is higher for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PC OS.  Women of Asian or African ancestry are affected less often than those of European descent. This condition can cause extreme emotional suffering for many women.

Female hirsutism is loosely described as increased and excessive hair growth. That growth takes place in areas of the body where there is usually very little, if any, normal hair growth. The  hair  generally grows in an adult, male, sexual,  hair growth pattern. For example, a woman with hirsutism may grow a beard, mustache, chest, or back hair.  Many women do have hair in these areas but it is usually pale in color, fine and almost invisible. In a case of a woman with hirsutism, the hair is thick, course and may be colored.

Before seeking laser hair removal treatment for hirsutism,  it is essential to see your primary care physician first. The cause of the illness  must be determined,  as it may be  the result of a different hormonal, or medical, problem, which has to be treated medically. Bodily hair growth is determined by genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Often, but not always,  hirsutism is caused by the androgenic hormone levels being extremely high.

Significant hair growth may be noticed on the chin, upper lip, or sideburn area of a woman with mild hirsutism. It could also grow on the lower abdomen and around the nipples and will be the same color as the hair that grows on the woman’s head. For women who suffer from more advanced cases of hirsutism, the excessive hair growth will also be on the upper abdomen, sternum, shoulders, and upper back.  In many cases, hirsutism begins with puberty.

The amount of hair on a woman’s body differs from person to person. What may seem normal to one woman may seem excessive to another. For example, a woman from Sweden with light hair and skin may perceive a dark haired woman from Italy as having a lot of hair.

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way for women with hirsutism to rid themselves of   excessive  unwanted hair. For facial hair it is a much better method of hair removal then waxing or shaving the skin. One treatment is usually all that is needed for facial hair removal and it is less painful, with much longer lasting results. However, more then one treatment may be needed for removal of excessive  unwanted hair on other parts of the body.

In today’s world, physical appearance is extremely important to many people and how they relate to each another. It can be very stressful and embarrassing for a woman to have an excessive amount of hair growing where it should not grow.  facial hair removal is a safe alternative to other methods of hair removal and a successful treatment option for women suffering from hirsutism.

Laser Hair Removal

There are people that should not have laser hair removal because of one or more specific reasons. These reasons are called contraindications, which mean, that it is inadvisable to have the treatment or procedure. The treatment could be dangerous or cause permanent side effects.  Other contraindications require special treatment or medication before laser hair removal can be started.

Women that are pregnant should not have laser hair removal. Although there is not significant information regarding laser usage and pregnancy, many physicians and health care providers recommend avoiding laser treatments because of the unknown effects on the on the unborn child.

Anyone that has herpes simplex virus I or II should tell the doctor that is preforming the laser hair removal before treatments have begun. It is necessary to take a prescription antiviral medication for several days both before and after the treatment. If the hair removal is in the area of previous outbreaks, it is possible that the heat from the laser will cause a flare up of the herpes virus. If a herpes outbreak is active, either on the face or genital area, it is important to reschedule the laser hair removal treatment.

An appointment should also be rescheduled if there is any cut, broken, irritated or inflamed skin in the area that is to be treated. Rescheduling is also necessary if there is an active infection anywhere within the body.

Anyone that has the condition of albinism, which is the absence of any color pigment in the hair or skin, should not have laser hair removal. Laser light is drawn to dark pigmentation so it will not work on anyone with this condition. The same holds true for people with very light blonde, red, grey, or white hair.

People that are sunburned or have recently tanned should postpone their treatment until their skin has returned to its normal color which could take several weeks. It is important that skin is its natural color when laser hair removal takes place.

Certain oral and topical medications can cause photosensitivity or photoallergic reactions if used before laser hair removal treatments take place. Accutane should be discontinued three months before treatment begins. Tetracycline and Retin A should be discontinued six weeks before the laser hair removal process.

Anyone that suffers from certain medical conditions, such as lupus, diabetes, or epilepsy, should not have laser hair removal. Any nervous disorders which are present,  need to be evaluated before laser treatment begins. If hirsutism is present, the cause should be diagnosed and treated before any laser treatment is started.

If there is a mole in the area to be treated, many people decide to have it removed before treatment. Because of the dark pigmentation of the mole, it may attract to much heat from the laser and cause burning. The same holds true for certain birthmarks and beauty marks.

If there is a history of keloid scarring, it is important to know that there is a higher danger of scarring from the treatments.

The importance of knowing the contraindications of  laser hair removal can protect you from a dangerous experience.

Laser Hair Removal

Are you looking into laser hair removal? Are you unsure of just what all is involved? If so, you found the right article. This article will answer some of the common questions involving laser hair removal.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is the process of using a laser to help reduce hair growth.

How Does It Work?
The laser produces a high amount of heat and when directed at the hair, finds the hair follicle and damages the root. This helps prevent the hair growing back.

Who Qualifies for Laser Hair Removal?
Unfortunately laser hair removal is not for everyone. It is better for people with dark hair and light skin. If your skin is darker you will want to discuss laser hair removal with your practitioner. Laser hair removal will not work on blonde, red, white or grey hair. People that tan will have to let their tan fade before doing laser hair removal.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Laser hair removal will only reduce the hair growth. Each patient will have a different laser hair removal experience.

What Is The Cost of Laser Hair Removal?
The cost of laser hair removal will vary depending on the clinic, your area and region. Contact a laser hair remover facility of your choice to find out more.

Are There Any Side Effects to Laser Hair Removal?
Unfortunately yes. Just like any other technique such as laser hair removal. A person could experience many different things such as:

• Temporary Rash

• Skin Discoloration

• Blistering

• Scarring

• Crusting

• Scabbing

• Skin texture change

What Parts of the Body Can Be Used for Laser Hair Removal?
There are actually quite a few areas you can do. Here are some of the many choices:

Face, Neck, Chin, Toes, Feet, Upper Lip, Bikini Line, Fingers, Between the Brow, Arms, Legs, Chest, Stomach, Ears, Hairline

What Kind of Results Can You Expect With Laser Hair Removal?
You can expect to see around fifty to eighty percent of hair reduction growth. It will depend on each individual having the treatment done. Some might experience better results than other with laser hair removal.

Before and After Laser Hair Removal
Before you can do this procedure there are things you should know. If you are tanning you must let your tan fade first before using laser hair removal. You also do not want to pluck, wax, sugar or tweeze before your treatment. This will leave no hair left to be treated!

Do not moisturize before your treatment. This means you cannot use any body lotions, moisturizers, perfumes or sunscreen. After your laser hair removal treatment you do not want to mess with your treated skin. Do not pick at it, etc. You also do not want to interfere with the treatments effectiveness by plucking or waxing. Try to avoid any direct sun exposure to your skin.

When your treatments are complete use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds. Try not to do anything that will cause you to sweat. This could cause irritation to the treated skin. Talk with your practitioner after your treatment to discuss any further details or instructions.

Laser Hair Removal Provider

Choosing the right laser hair removal provider is the second most important decision you will make concerning your treatment. The most important decision was deciding to have the hair removal treatment. It is best to choose someone, preferably a doctor, that does laser hair removal on a regular basis. Often the best doctors to perform the procedure specialize in plastic surgery order dermatology.  They usually have the latest laser devices and are more knowledgeable on the procedures.

A good way to find a list of practitioners in your area is to do an online search.  This will result in a list of  laser hair removal specialists for you to consider. Some may be doctors that perform the procedure themselves, and others may be doctors that oversee technicians that do the procedure. While searching online it is often possible to find reviews from previous clients concerning specific practitioners and treatments.

After you have narrowed down your list to several choices of laser hair removal specialists, the next step is to schedule a preliminary consultation.  The purpose of this consultation is for you to further assess your choices and the quality of each one.  Once you arrive at the office you will know right away if it is the type of  setting where you would want to have your laser hair removal treatment.  The office should meet with your specifications of cleanliness and orderliness.  The staff should seem helpful and friendly when you arrive.

When you have your meeting with the practitioner,  you should be prepared to ask several questions. You will want to find out the amount of experience  he has had with laser hair removal.  To do this,  you may want to ask him the number of laser hair removal procedures he has completed, how long he has been offering these services, and where he was trained in this specific technology.  It is acceptable to ask to see his medical certificates and credentials.  This way you will determine  his specialty, and whether or not he is board certified.  It is also good to find out if the practitioner owns his own lasers.

If you are  happy with how your preliminary consultation has progressed to this point, you may want to ask the practitioner the details concerning the specific laser hair removal procedure that you are interested in having done. You should ask him what kind of pain relief is available during the procedure, as most people do experience some degree of discomfort. If you have a low pain tolerance, this is especially important. Ask the practitioner how many treatments he feels will be necessary for your laser hair removal and determine whether his treatment schedule fits into your time from. It is also important to find out the cost of the laser hair removal treatments and the types of payments that this particular office accepts.

You should repeat the preliminary consultation with as many practitioners that you feel are necessary until you find one that makes you feel completely comfortable and fits your price range.  Taking the time needed to choose the right practitioner for you is the first step to having successful laser hair removal treatments.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works by the process of selective targeting of a specific area of the body and using a specific wavelength to absorb light into that area. It does not work on a hair by hair basis, instead it focuses a wide beam of light that treats many hairs at one time. The wavelength of light absorbed has to be sufficient enough to damage the targeted tissue area while leaving the surrounding area basically untouched. The principle behind this process is called selective photothermolysis.

Lasers are intense beams of monochromatic and coherent light. These light beams are produced by laser devices that contain either minerals or gases. The  four main types of lasers are solid state, semiconductor, gas and dye.

An electric current stimulates the gas or mineral properties which excites the atoms. The atoms then emit narrow, cohesive, parallel light beams which are all the same wavelength. The light beams are focused just for a fraction of a second  on the dark hair pigment at the matrix of the dermal papilla, which is the small, cone shaped indentation at the base of the hair follicle that the hair bulb fits into. The light beam is absorbed and heats the pigment which vaporizes the dermal papilla. The more intense the light beam the hotter it makes the pigment. This results in the dermal papilla being severely damaged or destroyed.

Most people believe that laser hair removal works best on hair that is in its anagen phase. This means that the hair is actively growing and is attached to the dermal papilla. The theory behind this belief  is that if  the dark  pigment in the hair shaft extends all the way down to the dermal papilla, it will be destroyed and vaporized by the coherent light beam that is focused upon the area. This happens because the  light beam will follow the dark pigment all the way down to the derma papilla.

Visible light has wavelengths that range from 390 to 770 nm, or nanometers. Lasers operating in this range allows for successful laser hair removal without causing any damage to the dermal tissue. Lasers with  a light source that operates between 700  to 1000 nm targets melanin in the hair shaft effectively. For example,  the wavelength of an alexandrite laser is 755  nm, which is red in the visible range of  the electromagnetic spectrum, making its target melanin. The stronger, or greater, the wavelength, the deeper it penetrates target selectively absorbing the wavelength.

Laser hair removal uses several varying  wavelengths of laser energy. These wavelengths range from near infrared radiation to visible light. The three most commonly used lasers for hair removal are Alexandrite, Pulsed diode array, and NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets, Also know as Nd:YAGs. The wavelengths of these lasers are 755nm, 810nm, and 1064nm respectively.

Laser hair removal utilizes a complex system of science and physics which are precisely balanced to work effectively and safely on the human body. As technology continues to advance in laser hair removal, this process continues to grow in popularity.