LASER HAIR REMOVAL
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 is generally safe, but side effects can include burning, scarring, or permanent skin discoloration.
Procedure Details
Risks / Benefits
Recovery and Outlook
Additional Details
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure to remove unwanted hair from your body. It is non-invasive, which means that it does not require cuts in the skin. People can receive this treatment anywhere on the body, but the most common areas are:
Expensive.
armpits
Bikini area or any area where pubic hair grows.
Behind.
Legs.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis. The heat from a laser destroys cells that have a lot of pigment (color). Since dark hair has a lot of pigment, it absorbs most of the heat. The hair transfers heat to the hair follicles and destroys them, so the hair cannot 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, which is why most people need multiple laser treatments.
Who can do laser hair removal?
Anyone with extra body hair can undergo laser hair removal. It is usually a cosmetic procedure. You can improve your appearance or your own image. Many people also prefer not to have to shave regularly.
Laser hair removal sometimes treats excessive hair growth caused by:
Hirsutism, when women grow dark or coarse hair in areas where men usually grow hair.
Hypertrichosis, when men or women grow excess hair anywhere on the body.
These conditions may be the result of:
Certain medications, including anabolic steroids and birth control pills.
Hormonal imbalances, especially increased levels of testosterone or androgens.
Inherited disorders, conditions that are passed from parents to children through genes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hormone-producing tumors.
Laser hair removal is most effective for people with thick, dark hair and fair skin. The contrast between skin color and hair color makes it easier for the hair to absorb heat. It may not work as well for people with dark skin or blonde, gray, white, or red hair.
Who can do laser hair removalWho should not have laser hair removal?
Talk to your health care provider before undergoing laser hair removal. You may need to avoid the procedure if:
They are pregnant.
You are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
You have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
You 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 cause side effects.
Shave the area to be treated two to three days before a treatment. Laser hair removal treatments do not work on areas where the hair is longer than a grain of rice. After treatment begins, avoid waxing, tweezing, and plucking hair in treated areas.
What happens during laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal consists of several steps. Your health care provider:
Clean the area.
Provides you with safety glasses or goggles to wear during the procedure. Your healthcare also wears protective glasses.
Treat your skin with the laser. It may feel like a series of bites. Some people describe it as a rubber band that snaps against the skin.
Your procedure may take a few minutes or up to an hour. It depends on the size of the area to be treated. You may smell smoke and burning hair. This is normal and the hair is burned by the heat of the laser.
What happens after laser hair removal?
Your skin may be red, swollen, and a little sore after laser hair removal. You can use a cold compress on the treated area. Do not expose the treated area to natural or artificial sunlight. You should be able to return to your normal activities right away.
Risks / Benefits
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal is generally safe and effective for most people. Only an experienced health care 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?
Laser hair removal results last longer than shaving, waxing, tweezing, or waxing.
Some people prefer laser hair removal to electrolysis. Electrolysis uses a thin wire to destroy hair follicles with an electrical current. The 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 will likely need six to eight laser hair removal treatments. Sessions are usually six to eight weeks apart. This moment helps to capture more hairs in different phases of growth.
How long do the effects of laser hair removal last?
Most people see a 10% to 25% reduction in hair growth after the first treatment. After all of your treatments, you may not grow new hair for several months or years.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is not permanent. Treatments are unlikely to target all hairs in their growth phase. Some hair will grow back, but it is 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 the supervision of an experienced healthcare provider, the risk of misuse or injury increases. Be very careful and wear protective glasses if you do laser hair removal at home.
A note from the Cleveland Clinic
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted body hair. The heat from a laser removes hair and destroys hair follicles. It’s not permanent, but the results last longer than waxing, tweezing, or waxing. Most people need multiple treatments. Only an experienced health care provider should perform this procedure. Possible side effects include burns, scarring, and permanent skin discoloration.