Is laser hair removal safe?
When performed by a dermatologist, laser hair removal is safe and effective. When done by inexperienced practitioners, laser hair removal can be dangerous. Burns, permanent changes to skin color and scars can result.
Advances in laser medicine in recent years have made it possible for people who were considered poor candidates in the past to have effective treatment today. However, laser hair removal must be performed very carefully. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that anyone considering laser hair removal consult a board- certified dermatologist.
Who chooses laser hair removal?
People who no longer are willing to shave, pluck or wax body parts, people who have uncomfortable skin reactions from removing unwanted hair and people with excessive hair growth are choosing laser techniques.
What can lasers remove?
Lasers designed for hair removal can be used on most parts of the body and are effective in treating large areas of the body. Common laser hair removal requests include the face, especially the upper lip and chin, back, bikini area, chest, neck, shoulders and legs.
What is the process?
For the procedure, the area to be treated is cleansed and, depending on the location, sometimes a topical anesthetic is needed.
The laser removes hair by vaporizing it, causing heating to the bulb of the hair follicle and destruction of the hair. Patients describe the laser pulses as a feeling of warm pinpricks or a rubber band being gently snapped against the skin. The length of treatment depends on the size of the area: an upper lip takes minutes while the entire back can take more than an hour. You can expect a 40 to 50 percent reduction in hair after the first treatment, and you will see the results immediately.
Successive treatments will increase the hair reduction. Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When it regrows, patients have noticeably less hair, which is finer and lighter in color. Laser hair removal can be repeated when growth reappears.
How long is recuperation?
Following treatment, you will need to prevent exposure of the treated area from direct sunlight, tanning beds, sun lamps or other tanning equipment. You may have some redness and swelling. Most people return to their everyday activities immediately after treatment.
Does insurance cover it?
Insurance generally does not cover laser hair removal as a cosmetic procedure, but may cover it if there is medical reason for it. Insurance coverage varies widely, so check with your provider.
When performed by a dermatologist, laser hair removal is safe and effective. When done by inexperienced practitioners, laser hair removal can be dangerous. Burns, permanent changes to skin color and scars can result.
Advances in laser medicine in recent years have made it possible for people who were considered poor candidates in the past to have effective treatment today. However, laser hair removal must be performed very carefully. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that anyone considering laser hair removal consult a board- certified dermatologist.
Who chooses laser hair removal?
People who no longer are willing to shave, pluck or wax body parts, people who have uncomfortable skin reactions from removing unwanted hair and people with excessive hair growth are choosing laser techniques.
What can lasers remove?
Lasers designed for hair removal can be used on most parts of the body and are effective in treating large areas of the body. Common laser hair removal requests include the face, especially the upper lip and chin, back, bikini area, chest, neck, shoulders and legs.
What is the process?
For the procedure, the area to be treated is cleansed and, depending on the location, sometimes a topical anesthetic is needed.
The laser removes hair by vaporizing it, causing heating to the bulb of the hair follicle and destruction of the hair. Patients describe the laser pulses as a feeling of warm pinpricks or a rubber band being gently snapped against the skin. The length of treatment depends on the size of the area: an upper lip takes minutes while the entire back can take more than an hour. You can expect a 40 to 50 percent reduction in hair after the first treatment, and you will see the results immediately.
Successive treatments will increase the hair reduction. Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When it regrows, patients have noticeably less hair, which is finer and lighter in color. Laser hair removal can be repeated when growth reappears.
How long is recuperation?
Following treatment, you will need to prevent exposure of the treated area from direct sunlight, tanning beds, sun lamps or other tanning equipment. You may have some redness and swelling. Most people return to their everyday activities immediately after treatment.
Does insurance cover it?
Insurance generally does not cover laser hair removal as a cosmetic procedure, but may cover it if there is medical reason for it. Insurance coverage varies widely, so check with your provider.
Jeffrey Smith is a dermatologist at Sanford Dermatology, located at the Sanford North Clinic in Bismarck. Smith received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and then a master’s degree in public health from the University of Utah at Salt Lake City. He earned a medical degree at Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubboc, completed an internship at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, and a residency in dermatology at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, N.Y.
