Laser is a relatively new entrant compared to other means of hair removal and it became a popular  method by the late 1990’s. The popularity of laser hair removal is attributed to the speed and

efficacy of this method. This method can successfully remove hair in a larger area, in a very short time. Laser hair removal is often touted as a solution for permanent hair removal but the FDA has certified it as a mode of permanent hair reduction. While this method is totally effective for some people, others may require repeated sessions every year to prevent regrowth of hair.

Laser Hair Removal: Process

The principle behind laser hair removal is that the lasers used for this purpose selectively target only dark matter (hair follicles) in the area and generally do not affect the skin. Almost all hair removal lasers identify melanin as the dark target matter. Melanin is the coloring pigment in the skin and the hair. It can be of two types – eumelanin, which is responsible for the black or brown color and pheomelanin, which gives the red or blonde color. As the lasers can detect only the dark matter, removal of red or blonde-colored hair is not done through this method. Lasers are best capable of removing black or brown hair and the best suited combination for this method is light skin with dark hair. However, this created problems for dark-skinned people, whose skin also got affected with the laser, but this problem has now been solved by the new lasers introduced for this purpose.

Laser Hair Removal: Side-Effects

Laser hair removal, although considered as a safe option for removing unwanted hair, can cause side-effects too. Side-effects are caused mainly due to lack of skills on the part of the practitioner or due to the use of low-quality devices, which are not approved by the FDA. Side-effects can vary from person to person. Some people may not experience any side-effects, whereas others suffer a lot. The following is a list of common side-effects caused by laser hair removal.

• The most common among the side-effects of using laser for hair removal is swelling and redness of the skin, which is more likely to be experienced by people with a sensitive skin. This problem can get worse in areas of sensitive skin and sometimes may be accompanied by pain. You can ask for some topical application to treat the problem. Usually it subsides in two to three days.
• Another problem is skin discoloration, which can be either hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Lasers can block the production of melanin in the skin, resulting in a lighter skin tone called hypopigmentation. In some people, it can cause overproduction of melanin, termed as hyperpigmentation. Both conditions are more commonly found in people with darker skin. Most cases of hyperpigmentation are reversible, but in case of hypopigmentation it is not reversible.
• Laser hair removal can also cause burns, mostly in dark-skinned people, as laser is quickly absorbed by dark skin. Most of the burns caused by this method of hair removal are mild, but there have been reports of severe burns too.
• Some embarrassing conditions resulting from laser hair removal is the regrowth of hair in patches and blisters. Blisters may also cause pain, apart from the unpleasant appearance.
• There are rare cases of serious side-effects like reticulate erythema, which is characterized by a long lasting redness of the skin resembling a web-like pattern. This is caused as a result of repeated sessions of laser hair removal.
• Another serious side-effect is uveitis, caused by the use of laser for removal of hair in the eyebrows. This condition is caused when the lasers used are of longer wavelength. Uveitis is the inflammation of the uveal tract, which lines the inside of the eye behind the cornea.
• There are also chances of blindness, if the lasers are used in close proximity to the eyes.

Mostly, the side-effects caused by lasers are very mild, but always make sure to consult a licensed practitioner, who uses safe machines. Laser machines are approved by the FDA too. You can go for a device which has been approved by the FDA. Check for the credentials of the practitioner and ask him to make sure that you are suitable for this method of hair removal.

If you live in the metro Denver Boulder area please come see us for your laser hair removal needs at Bella Pelle Laser in Broomfield