Laser hair removal

Overview

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a focused beam of light, called a laser, to reduce unwanted hair.

The laser gives off light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This pigment is called melanin. The heat from the light damages the hair follicles. Hair follicles are small pockets in the skin where hair grows. This damage slows future hair growth.

Laser hair removal can greatly reduce hair growth. Some hair may be removed permanently. But hair can grow back over time. Most people need several treatments to see clear results. Occasional follow-up treatments may be needed to maintain those results. Hair color and skin color may affect how well the treatment works.

Why it's done

Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair. Common treatment areas include the legs, underarms, upper lip, chin and bikini line. Most areas of the body can be treated. But it should not be used on the eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas or on skin with tattoos.

Laser hair removal can be used on people with Black and brown skin when performed by an experienced healthcare professional.

The treatment is most effective when there is a clear contrast between hair color and skin color, such as black hair and white skin. The laser targets pigment in the hair. Hair with more pigment, such as dark brown and black hair, usually responds best.

Blonde, white and gray hair have less pigment. So the treatment doesn't work as well. Laser treatment also is less effective on red hair. Red hair contains a different type of melanin that doesn't absorb enough laser energy to effectively damage the hair follicles.

Laser hair removal does not treat the cause of excess hair growth. For example, people with hormone-related conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, may continue to grow new hair. They may need ongoing treatment.

Risks

The risks of laser hair removal depend on your skin color, treatment plan and how closely you follow care instructions.

Black and brown skin contain more pigment. Because of this, the type of laser and the amount of energy used are important to reduce the risk of burns or lasting skin color changes. Choosing a healthcare professional who has experience treating different skin colors can help improve both safety and results.

Common side effects include:

• Skin irritation. Mild changes in skin color, swelling and discomfort are common after treatment. These symptoms usually go away within a few hours.
• Skin color changes. The treated skin may darken or lighten. These changes are usually temporary but can be lasting in rare cases. The risk is higher in people with Black or brown skin and in those who do not avoid sun exposure before or after treatment.

Uncommon side effects include blistering, crusting, scarring and changes in skin texture. Rarely, hair may grow thicker in the area around the treated skin.

Laser hair removal is not recommended for the eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas because of the risk of serious eye injury.

How you prepare

Choose a healthcare professional who is board certified in dermatology, cosmetic surgery or a related field. Make sure the person performing laser hair removal is properly trained or supervised. Be cautious about spas, salons or other places that allow non-medical staff to perform this procedure.

Before treatment, schedule a consultation to find out whether laser hair removal is right for you. During this visit, your healthcare professional may:

• Review your medical history.
• Ask about medicines you take.
• Discuss risks, benefits and expected results.
• Take photos of the treatment areas to compare results over time.

Laser hair removal usually is not covered by insurance if done for cosmetic reasons. It may be covered when unwanted hair is related to a medical condition or its treatment.

To prepare for treatment, your healthcare professional may ask you to:

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Avoid sunless tanning products.
• Stop waxing, plucking or electrolysis at least four weeks before treatment.
• Shave the treatment area the day before the appointment.

What you can expect

Most people need 4 to 8 treatments for best results. Treatments usually are scheduled several weeks apart.

During treatment, you wear protective eyewear to prevent laser injury to the eyes. The treatment area may be shaved again if needed. Your healthcare professional may apply a numbing cream to reduce discomfort.

During the procedure

Your healthcare professional places a hand-held laser device against your skin. Many lasers include built-in cooling, such as a chilled tip or a brief cooling spray, to help protect the skin and make the treatment more comfortable. A cooling gel also may be applied to your skin before treatment.

When the laser is turned on, the light passes through your skin to the hair follicles. The heat created by the laser damages the hair follicles, which slows future hair growth. You may feel a quick snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band against your skin. You also may notice a cool feeling from the cooling device or gel.

Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, may take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, can take an hour or longer.

After the procedure

You may notice changes in skin color and swelling for a few hours after laser hair removal. These effects are common and usually go away on their own.

To help with discomfort, apply ice packs to the treated area. If you have a stronger skin reaction right after the procedure, your healthcare professional may apply a steroid cream.

After treatment and between sessions, protect the treated areas from sun exposure for six weeks or as directed by your healthcare professional. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.

Results

Hair does not fall out right away. Treated hair usually sheds over several days to weeks.

Laser hair removal greatly reduces hair growth in the treated area. But it doesn't guarantee that hair will never grow back. For many people, results last for several months and sometimes for years. If hair grows back, it is often finer and a lighter color than before.

Some people may need follow-up treatments over time to keep hair growth under control.