Thursday, June 16, 2011

Laser Hair Removal - Dangers and Side Effects

The laser is a relatively new compared with other methods of hair removal and became a popular method of late 1990. The popularity of laser hair removal is attributed to the speed and efficiency of this method. This method can successfully remove hair in a larger area in a very short time. Laser hair removal is often touted as a solution for permanent hair removal, but the FDA has certified as a way of permanent hair reduction. While this method is quite effective for some people, others may require repeated sessions each year to prevent hair growth.

Laser Hair Removal: Process

The principle behind laser hair removal is that the lasers used for this purpose selectively only dark matter (hair follicles) in the area and do not usually affect the skin. Almost all hair removal lasers melanin identify dark matter target. Melanin is the color pigment of the skin and hair. It can be of two types - eumelanin, which is responsible for the color black or brown and phaeomelanin, which gives the red or blond. As the laser can only detect dark matter, the elimination of red or blond hair color is not done through this method. Lasers are capable of removing black or brown hair and the best suitable combination of this method is light-skinned with dark hair. However, this creates problems for people with dark skin, whose skin is also affected by the laser, but this problem has been solved by the new lasers for this purpose.

Laser Hair Removal: Side Effects

Laser hair removal, although considered a safe option to remove unwanted hair, can cause side effects too. Side effects are mainly caused by lack of skill by the physician or the use of low quality devices that are not approved by the FDA. Side effects vary from person to person. Some people may not experience any side effects, while others suffer a lot. The following is a list of common side effects caused by laser hair removal.

The most common side effects of the use of lasers for hair removal is the swelling and redness of the skin, which is more likely to be experienced by people with sensitive skin. This problem may worsen in the areas of sensitive skin and can sometimes be accompanied by pain. You can ask for some topical application to treat the problem. It usually disappears in two or three days.
Another problem is the discoloration of the skin, which can be hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Lasers can block the production of melanin in the skin, resulting in a lighter skin tone called hypopigmentation. In some people, can cause an overproduction of melanin, known as hyperpigmentation. Both conditions are most commonly found in people with darker skin. Most cases of hyperpigmentation are reversible, but in the case of hypopigmentation is not reversible.
Laser hair removal can cause burns, especially in people with dark skin, like the laser is quickly absorbed by dark skin. Most burns caused by this method of hair removal are minor, but there have been reports of serious burns as well.
Some conditions shameful result of laser hair removal is hair growth in patches and blisters. The blisters may also cause pain, as well as unsightly.
There are few reports of serious side effects such as erythema lattice, characterized by redness of the skin long term looks like a web-like pattern. This is caused as a result of repeated sessions of laser hair removal.
Another serious side effect is uveitis caused by the use of lasers for hair removal on eyebrows. This condition occurs when the lasers used are of longer wavelength. Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, which lines the eye behind the cornea.
There are also chances of blindness, if the laser are very close to the eyes.

Above all, the side effects caused by laser beams are very soft, but always be sure to consult a licensed physician, which uses secure machines. Laser machines are approved by the FDA as well. You can go for a device that has been approved by the FDA. Check the credentials of the doctor and ask him to verify that they are suitable for this method of hair removal.

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