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Laser Hair Removal - Risks and Benefits
By Hanna Nilson
Laser Hair Removal or Laser
Hair Surgery can be a great solution for those looking to permanently
remove excess or undesirable hair from practically anywhere on the body.
Some of the benefits of a Laser
Hair Removal Surgery would obviously include an improved self image
and level of confidence as well as a long-term and cheaper alternative
to waxing. On the other hand, there are some risks which you may want
to consider.
Short-term side effects of
laser hair removal may include, but are not limited to swelling and redness,
which typically subside in a few days. And, in some rare circumstances,
or if the procedure is performed incorrectly, patients could suffer from
a number of dangers. Some of these side effects include burns and/or change
in skin tone.
One of the most common dangers
associated with improperly performed laser hair removal procedures are
burns, which may occur if the skin, rather than the hair follicle, absorbs
the laser energy. It is extremely important to determine if you are an
appropriate candidate for laser hair removal before undergoing treatment
in order to minimize the risk of burns as well as other possible side
effects.
Though rare, laser hair removal
burns occur more frequently on patients with darker skin, as skin with
darker pigment absorbs the laser more readily. While most instances of
laser hair removal burns are mild, there have been a number of severe
burn cases.
Secondly, there are also risks
of changing skin color, other wise known as Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation.
While these side effects might be less painful, it is no less upsetting.
In this case, Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of skin that may
occur after the laser hair removal treatment. The laser can oftentimes
stimulate melanin production, creating a reaction that is similar to getting
a suntan. Hypopigmentation, on the other hand, refers to the lightening
of skin that can occur after a laser hair removal treatment. The absorption
of laser light can, in some cases, inhibit melanin production, leading
to a loss of pigment. Like hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation occurs
more often in patients with darker skin. And, while hyperpigmentation
is typically reversible, hypopigmentation is not.
In order to prevent such damages,
check your local Laser
Hair Surgery Directory for a credible specialist and arrange a consultation.
During your laser hair removal consultation, be sure to ask about the
doctor's credentials and training. The doctor should also be willing to
thoroughly discuss the potential risks of laser hair removal with you
to ensure that all your questions are answered. Also, you may want to
do a little of your own research about Laser
Hair Removal FAQ's.
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