What are the results of laser hair removal?

Posted by admin on November 7th, 2007 at 07:17am

Studies show that for suitable candidates, hair removal lasers can reduce hair counts by 40 percent to 80 percent. Results vary from person to person, however, and some people respond better to treatment than others.

Multiple treatments can prolong the duration of hair loss, but hair regrowth is possible. Also as you age, unwanted hair growth inevitably continues, and you may need repeat treatments in the future.

What are the risks of laser hair removal?

Complications from laser hair removal are rare. Bleeding during the laser treatment is extremely rare, as is the possibility of infection resulting from treatment.

Side effects from laser hair removal include, but are not limited to:

• Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation). This is usually a temporary condition, but in rare instances, is long lasting or permanent.
• Lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation). This is of special concern with people who have darker skin. Laser hair treatment is more successful on fair skin, but darker skin can also be treated.
• Blistering and scarring. These rarely occur.
• Changes in the skin texture. These rarely occur.
• Crusting or scabbing. If this occurs, it’s temporary.
• Hair changes. New hair growth may be finer and lighter in color. In some cases, new hair may grow in areas adjacent to the treated areas. This can be successfully treated with additional laser treatments.

Talk to your doctor about how these risks apply to you. Understanding what’s involved in laser hair removal and weighing the benefits and risks can help you decide if this procedure is your best option for long-term hair removal.

Under Laser Hair Removal