Laser Hair Removal: Reasons for Caution
Experts estimate that 90 percent of laser hair removal is being done by non-physicians. However, there are no statistics on how many of these are nurses working under the supervision of licensed dermatologists. There is a clear lack of regulation in this business. Experts advise patients to get referrals from other patients who are satisfied with the treatment in terms of comfort and safety.
The process of laser hair removal requires multiple sessions. The degree of pain and discomfort depends on the amount of absorption of laser beam by melanin in the epidermis or the hair follicle. Pain increases with increasing laser fluence, big follicle size, high hair density, and high melanin content in the epidermis.
Some of the patients feel a tingling sensation. Side effects may include swelling and sometimes, blistering. To avoid these after-effects, most laser treatment clinics conduct certain precautionary tests on a patch of skin before going ahead with the treatment. 
The feeling of pain and discomfort can be reduced by pre-cooling with ice packs and anesthetic creams.
Patients prone to skin discoloration or patients on Accutane come under high risk category for laser hair removal treatment. Patients using Accutane or Retin-A are always advised to discontinue these medications before laser treatment.
Dark skinned people can be treated but the results are not very encouraging. Blond and red hair is very complicated to treat with laser. Blond hair contains pheomelanin pigment, a poor laser energy absorber.
Patients should not pluck or wax before a laser hair treatment since this removes majority of the melanin chromophore present in the hair follicle. Always avoid lotions and other cosmetics on the day of treatment. Sun exposure should also be avoided.
After treatment, for a few weeks, damaged hair follicles may shed. This should not be interpreted as early re-growth of hair.
The increasing use of misleading advertisements is also a major concern. Ads for laser hair removal treatment often include lines such as "Goodbye to your razor," or "No need to shave or wax again." These all are misleading promises with no guaranteed results.
Some tips for you if you are going ahead for laser hair removal:
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Take advice from friends, colleagues and your family doctor |
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Find out the historical data about your dermatologist or plastic surgeon |
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See what complications other patients had during or after treatment |
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See photos of patients before and after the treatment |
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