Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

In the year 2009, revenues associated with the laser hair removal industry reached almost $250 million. The number of laser hair removal procedures has risen steadily from 2000 to 2014, with nearly 400,000 more laser hair removal procedures done in 2014 than in 2000.

Many more women than men undergo laser hair removal procedures—more than 80 percent of those who have laser hair removal procedures done are women. As far as pain goes, laser hair removal is not a painless procedure.

More than 50 percent of those who underwent laser hair removal said they experienced "mild" pain or acknowledged the pain they felt was at least "mild," while a little more than a third said the pain was "moderate," and about 6-8 percent said the pain they experienced during laser hair removal could be categorized as severe.

Despite the pain involved, almost 90 percent of those who experienced the procedure said they would do it again, and were happy with the results.

New Techniques Emerging for Laser Hair Removal

As more and more people are requesting laser hair removal procedures, manufacturers are all attempting to provide the most advanced laser hair removal technology. One of these technological advances is the Syneron eMax laser, which combines radio and optical lasers.

Each hair follicle is heated, using optical energy, then "zapped" with the radio frequency laser.

Unlike other laser hair removal techniques, the Syneron eMax laser destroys hair follicles so completely, they are unable to recover. Further, the risks of irregular pigmentation, burns and scars are significantly lower than with other laser techniques.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

While laser hair removal is actually quite safe, there are side effects associated with the procedure, especially when other types of laser procedures are implemented.

Swelling and redness are fairly typical short-term side effects of laser hair removal, however in rare instances other, more serious, side effects can occur, including:

• Serious burns
• Changes in skin color

Burns Resulting from Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal burns can occur when the procedure is not performed properly, perhaps when performed by an inexperienced or unqualified person. If the skin, rather than the hair follicle, absorbs the laser energy, burns can occur.

Laser hair removal burns are more common among patients with darker skin, as the laser is absorbed more readily in darker pigmented skin.

Unfortunately, there are no standards regarding the licensing of laser hair removal technicians, therefore it is important that you speak at length with your surgeon regarding your expectations, and always beware of the "one treatment fits all" approach.

Changes in Skin Tone and Color

Less painful—but more noticeable—potential side effects of laser hair removal are known as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when skin which has been treated by laser hair removal darkens. In this instance, it is believed the laser stimulates the production of melanin, creating a reaction similar to a suntan.

Lightening of the skin which occurs following laser hair removal is known as hypopigmentation. In this instance, melanin production is inhibited by the laser light.

Although hyperpigmentation can be reversible, hypopigmentation generally is not.

According to the American Academy for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, laser hair removal is the third most popular non-surgical aesthetic procedure, following Botox and hyaluronic acid and fillers.

It is important to remember that laser hair removal is a time-tested procedure with significant research which proves its effectiveness and safety. However, always do your research and have your procedure done by an experienced technician.

Contact Pasadena Plastic Surgery Specialists

There is a reason why so many Pasadena men and women continue to choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their laser hair removal and plastic surgeries.

His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure.

If you would like to learn more about laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, breast augmentation, or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.