Laser hair removal – is it safe?

How does laser remove hair?

Highly controlled flashes of laser beams are selectively absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair follicles lying below the surface of the skin. The absorbed light heats the hair which damages and destroys the regrowth potential of the follicle without damaging surrounding tissue. Hair follicles are usually in different growth cycles different times in relation to one another. Since the hair follicles must be in active growth in order to be affected by the laser, several treatments spread over several months are required to assure the destruction of all hair follicles.

The laser light is completely safe. However some cases there can be hyper pigmentation, hypo pigmentation or superficial burns which all are temporary and becomes normal at later date. 

Laser safety

The following steps should be adhered to:

EYE PROTECTION – All persons in operating room must wear safety euewear. Light from the laser can cause severe corneal and retinal damage to the unprotected eye. Eyewear must have side shields and be worn over prescription glasses.

REFLECTION – Laser light is easily reflected and care must be taken to ensure the beam is not directed toward shiny surfaces.

ELECTRICAL HAZARD – The interior of the laser machine contain high voltage and exposed invisible laser radiation. Only technicians trained in electrical and laser safety are authorized to perform internal maintenance.