Laser hair removal is done by aiming a beam of pulsating light on the dark pigment of a hair follicle. The intense heat created by the laser destroys the hair and stunts future growth. The Mayo Clinic indicates that although laser hair removal is not permanent, its effects can last several months and even years.
Changes in Pigmentation
Laser hair removal works best for people with brown and black hair and fair-colored skin. Though it is rare, those with light skin can experience hyperpigmentation---dark spots on the skin. Those with dark skin are at higher risk for developing hypopigmentation---lightening of the skin. Both conditions are temporary but can last several months.
Hair Color
Laser hair removal will not work for people with white, light red, light brown and blond hair. The reason this falls under risk is because some practitioners may not warn you if your hair falls on the borderline of this restriction. The promise of successful laser-hair removal for light hair could subject you to several painful, and expensive, treatments.
Less Common Risks
The Mayo Clinic reports that some people blister and scar after laser hair removal. Also rare are changes in skin texture. If crusting and scabbing occurs, it should only be temporary. The hair that regrows could come in finer in texture and lighter in color and, therefore, possibly not qualify for more laser treatments.
You could begin growing hair for the first time in areas adjacent to the portion of skin previously treated. New growth can be removed with laser therapy if you choose.
Laser therapy has come a long way in the past few years and is much more regulated now. But in 2005, two women lost their lives prior to laser therapy treatments due to the overuse of a numbing cream. Though no one has assigned fault to their treatment providers, if these women were warned of the potentially deadly side effects of the numbing compound they slathered on their legs, they might still be with us today.
Laser Therapy Providers
Laser hair removal is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Light-based cosmetic treatments, which include laser therapy, can only be performed by a licensed practitioner like a dermatologist. The Mayo Clinic warns that you should never have laser therapy in a salon, spa or at an aesthetician's office.
A registered nurse and physician's assistant can be licensed and approved to operate a laser device. If you do have treatments by someone other than your dermatologist or plastic surgeon, be sure your consultation is with the doctor and she is on-site when your procedure is scheduled.
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