Laser hair removal is no longer a threatening treatment. Rather, it’s a non-invasive method of permanently removing unwanted hair. And for being a nonsurgical way, people show their love and prefer it more.
Research indicates that the global laser hair removal market is to inflate from $949.54 million in 2022 to $3,792.85 million by 2030. This statistic represents that the market is likely to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.9% between 2023 and 2030. The reason is, of course, the growing craze for aesthetic beauty. This trend started with the unfortunate phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, which gradually expanded. And now, the demand for laser devices is likely to skyrocket because the pandemic is over.
But there is another reason behind its popularity. This is related to its safety and long-term relief from unwanted hair. Let’s help you figure out how it works and how safe it is for anyone.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
This non-invasive cosmetic treatment indeed works. The whole responsibility goes to beams of light. Yes, it’s based on the concentrated beams, which are used to target and disturb the hair-growth cycle. Actually, follicles, which are also called hair roots, get damaged through the process. This is typically called selective phot thermolysis in medical terms.
Now comes how it works. Let’s simplify it. Facial hair comes out of follicles or roots, which are targeted by precise laser beams.
This procedure requires precision and experienced hands that can focus beams on the pigmented hair. Everyone knows that this ability is due to melanin, which gives hair its Colour. With focused beams, the roots are targeted, which absorb that light.
This is done by using a handheld device that emits a specific wavelength of laser light. As the melanin in the roots absorbs, it generates heat.
This heat damages those follicles. And the substantial point is its secure approach. It leaves the surrounding skin unharmed. But roots face thermal destruction, hampering their ability to produce new hair.
This unwanted hair removal treatment is effective, provided that the patient has contrasting hair and surrounding skin. Darker and coarser hair responds well and favorably to the treatment.
This is because of higher melanin absorption. But these days, a new machine has evolved, which is the Nd:YAG laser.
It has a longer wavelength if you compare it to other laser types. Because of this feature, its beam penetrates deeper into the skin. If the hair is lighter, it can use a shorter wavelength to target it more effectively. All in all, it is effective on both lighter and darker skin tones.
Typically, a series of sessions is followed to ensure long-lasting and sometimes permanent results. This series progressively reduces its growth, providing a practical and incredible solution to those who want to get rid of the fear of waxing, tweezing, and threading in a few days.
Safety of Laser Hair Removal
Laser treatment for unwanted hair removal is generally safe, given that it’s performed by a trained and qualified cosmetic practitioner. Besides, there should be FDA-approved devices in the cosmetic clinic for this procedure. However, it’s been decades since when it is performed with high safety.
There may be some common side effects, which can be identified as typical mild and temporary redness, swelling, and temporary discomfort at the site where it is done.
In order to enhance safety, it’s crucial to consider a reputable clinic and practitioner. You must ensure that the doctor is certified and utilizes clinically approved equipment. Furthermore, you can follow proper pre-treatment and post-treatment care along with skin specialists’ instructions to reduce or minimize risks.
This is a significant guideline for those who particularly have a history of skin disorders, infections, or certain medical conditions. In this, consultation plays an important part. So, consult with the healthcare practitioner before finally reaching out about getting this treatment.
Though it’s safe for most people, potential risks, such as skin pigmentation, scarring, and eye injury, can happen if the doctor or staff shows negligence.
Protective measures should be properly taken. The doctor has to select the best-fit laser type in accordance with one’s skin and hair texture. Thereafter, stringently following recommended safety precautions is compulsory.
This is likely to play a significant role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of this non-invasive hair removal treatment.
Short-Term Side Effects
This nonsurgical hair removal treatment may have short-term side effects. But it’s not that painful because they are generally mild and fade away in a few days.
However, a little discussion has already been done. These short-term effects can include redness and inflammation in the treated area. As the laser light targets hair follicles, the skin spontaneously responds through these signs. Fortunately, these signs do not persist for more than a few hours or a day.
Moreover, there may be a little discomfort or stinging-like sensation that can bother patients. Even a mild sunburn can emerge after it. This sensation can be managed and eliminated by introducing cool compresses. And sometimes, over-the-counter topical treatments outperform.
Another concern is skin irritation, which is not commonly observed. But it may happen to those who have sensitive skin. The best part is that it can also be treated and healed in a short span of time.
In a nutshell, these short-term effects are visible because of factors such as a particular skin type, sensitivity, and the treated area. Apart from that, post-treatment care is vital.
Following the guidelines is a must. They include sun shielding via sunscreen, avoiding sun exposure, and avoiding harsh skincare products.
Despite being mild, you should not take short-term side effects lightly. Persistence requires care from a professional doctor. Discuss it with him or her to ensure satisfactory hair removal through lasers.
Long-Term Effectiveness
There are certain considerations associated with this nonsurgical hair reduction treatment. These can be related to pigmentation on your skin, which is seen in a few cases.
It can happen to those who have darker skin tones. Because of this tone, temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can bother. But these changes can be addressed over time.
The next one is related to scarring. It’s rarely observed, but it can happen if the practitioner is new or does not perform it well. Some inexperienced doctors don’t have any idea about its adverse reaction. This is why selecting a qualified doctor who has hands-on experience is a must.
Now come the rare cases of blistering or crusting. This can be a side effect of ignoring post-treatment care or the doctor’s guidelines. With a qualified professional, these skin concerns can be resolved, provided that proper care is provided.
The next one is related to your eyes, which are a sensitive part of your body. Eye injuries can be observed if the doctor lacks adequate safety measures. Generally, appropriate eye shields can provide a safety layer from laser exposure.
The individual who is likely to go for this treatment should talk to the practitioner and understand all the risks and benefits integrated with this hair removal procedure.
Factors Influencing Long-Term Results
Multiple factors require your attention if you are considerate about the long-term or permanent results of this procedure.
Skin Type and Colour
However, this treatment works best on individuals with light and dark hair. A few years ago, it was effective on darker-toned hair. But now, such laser devices have evolved that help achieve desirable output by setting wavelengths. Though advanced technology has evolved to make it a safer experience, the results are different on various skins.
Hair Colour and Thickness
As aforementioned, this technology works on every hair type. But the most effective results are seen on dark and coarse hair. People with finer and lighter hair may not respond to it well. So, they may require more than usual sessions.
Hormonal Factors
This is particularly connected with hormonal changes. You can notice them during menopause and pregnancy. Even these changes affect the hair growth cycle. So, some follow-up sessions may be must-haves to hamper the growth of your facial hair.
Treatment Area
The location or area to be treated on the body can affect the results. You can see that some areas may develop less hair, whereas others have huge hair density and thickness. So, it’s all about the area to be addressed.
Number of Sessions
It is a must to complete the laser hair reduction treatment if you’re likely to see optimal results. Being consistent with sessions can help your doctor target hair follicles in different growth phases effectively.
Practitioner’s Expertise
Instead of visiting any salon or inexperienced practitioner, visit an experienced, certified, and skilled doctor. Only such professionals can tailor the treatment according to individual desires or requirements. In essence, he or she can help you achieve a hair-free look for the long term.
Device Technology
Considering the role of updated devices and laser technology, you should choose a clinic that represents the state-of-the-art setting where updated and FDA-approved laser devices are installed. With this type of arrangement, achieving long-term hair reduction is no longer a dream but a reality.
These factors are all important. For any individual who is curious to get rid of unwanted hair permanently, this treatment is excellent. But beforehand, you should consult with the doctor and expect something real to be achieved. Accordingly, he or she customises laser treatment plans, ensuring the longevity of the hair removal.
Precautions and Considerations
Professional Expertise
There are many cases where the laser treatment failed to deliver the expected results. The most obvious cause is not opting for certified and experienced practitioners.
People prefer inexpensive treatment in local salons or beauty clinics over failsafe treatment at the clinic of a certified doctor. It won’t help you unless a certified and experienced doctor helps you.
Skin Sensitivity Tests
This is a prior test that helps in discovering the sensitivity of your skin. It’s a precautionary step that helps in identifying if there is any potential adverse reaction.
Avoid Sun Exposure.
This is again a precautionary measure that is connected with the sun exposure. The more you go into the sun, the worse your skin could turn.
So, it’s advisable to limit sun exposure. Rather, avoid it if there is no urgency. This is a pre-treatment and post-treatment guideline so that the risk of pigmentation can be put at bay.
Maintenance Sessions
These sessions are concerned with the longevity of the treatment result. If you want to maintain it for a long time, do visit occasionally.
However, doctors guide you during consultation, explaining its pros and cons. Overall, these maintenance sessions would help you hamper new hair growth, and the result would be sustained for years and, in some cases, permanently.
Consultation
Individuals often come with a tonne of burning questions in their minds. The responsible doctor listens to them and confidently answers all of them so that the patient can make an informed decision to go with or abandon the idea of the laser hair removal treatment.
Many doctors are strictly professional and foresee what safety measures are going to be in place during the procedure so that the risk of injury is minimal. He or she also presents a detailed overview of pre- and post-treatment care to be provided so that the downtime could be minimal.
Also, the practitioner draws accurate ideas of how to customise laser parameters on the basis of different factors, which are aforementioned. All in all, the main objective is to deliver satisfaction through optimal results.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is thought to be safe and secure, but the result can be different in every case. Every individual is born with a different anatomy, which includes sensitive and normal skin types. Besides, a few more factors, like hormonal imbalance, hair type, location of hair, etc., are vital to deciding which laser treatment will be safe and help in achieving realistic goals. However, it can help in reducing facial hair for a long time and, in some cases, permanently.
But the sustainability of the result depends on the guidelines followed pre-treatment and post-treatment. Follow-up sessions are also required to maintain the consistency of the result. This is how people achieve hair-free skin. The craze for this aesthetic treatment is no longer restricted to A-list celebrities. Rather, laymen are also inclined towards it.