Spring is the perfect time to start laser hair removal. The treatment usually takes a series of appointments spaced out over a few weeks, so if you start the procedure now you will be done in time for bikini season! While people might like the sound of laser hair removal, there are always questions, like is it safe? Is it effective? Well address some of those questions here.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Yes, laser hair removal is safe. Like any medical cosmetic procedure, there are risks. Those with lighter colored hair on darker colored skin are at a higher risk of discoloration or hyperpigmentation developing. Every patient risks some redness or irritation after the treatment. But the procedure is generally very safe and the risks are decreased when you select an experienced, trained esthetician or plastic surgeon to perform the procedure for you.
There have been some reports of complications with the numbing cream some surgeons prescribe before the treatment. However, the complications were due to patient error (not reading the instructions, overdosing, etc.), and most patients will not require the numbing cream anyway. The discomfort from laser hair removal is minimal.
Is Laser Hair Removal Effective?
Laser hair removal is effective at greatly reducing the number of coarse, dark hairs in the treatment area. It targets the follicle of the hair, and if the follicle is destroyed, the hair will not grow back. Lasers are a very precise instrument, so it is common (and expected) that the esthetician wont get every single hair in the treatment area. You can come back for touch-ups to remove any hairs that are missed.
The average amount of hairs permanently removed from an area is around 70 percent. Any hairs that remain will be finer and lighter than those that are removed. Be wary of clinics that promise total and permanent hair removal with laser hair treatments- total and permanent removal is really only possible with electrolysis.