Myths and Facts about Laser Hair Removal / Reduction

Just because image associated with word “laser” is negative, doesn’t mean that LHR (Laser Hair Removal) is not safe. In fact, laser hair removal procedure has benefited thousands of unhappy people till now.

According to Dr. Aman Dua, Chief Dermatologist at the renowned establishment,” There are a lot of myths associated with laser hair removal. That's why everyone expresses so many concerns when comes for a consultation.”

No doubt, most people are sick and tired of alternatives that they have to use every then and now. One can shave, wax or use depilatory creams to get rid of hairs but they re-grow as quickly. If one were to ask why don't they go for laser hair removal then? Most would say that they have heard lasers are not safe and cause side-effects. But the reality is far away than these myths. That’s why we are here to explain some of the most common myths that revolve around Laser Hair Removal.

Fact: Myth that says Laser Hair Removal can cause cancer is totally false and rubbish. No patient has been reported with cancer till now. In fact, Lasers are widely used by doctors for cancer treatment and skin treatment such as sun damage & pigmentation.

Laser hair removal machine undergoes various clinical trials and approval certifications before its operation. These approval agencies deeply examine the product and make sure that the machine is safe for use. Some of the top agencies involved in Laser machine approval include FDA, ISO, UKAS, RoHS, EMC or any other (depending on your country). After testing and examination, there is no possibility of having cancer with such laser machines. There are some minor side-effects (which are easily treatable and controllable) associated with Laser Treatment but cancer is impossible.

Fact: This myth arises from the fact that darker skin absorbs more light emitted by the laser in comparison to brown or white skin. As dark skin also have melanin in skin apart from hair follicles, so it becomes difficult for laser energy to destroy melanin in hair. Therefore won’t work well on dark skin. Yes, this was true about a decade before but not now. Modern Laser Machines are much more powerful and advanced than which were used before. By using suitable wavelength and pulse, it is not much difficult today to get results on dark skin also.

Fact: Laser Technique today is much more powerful as well as safer than earlier. If done by well-experienced doctors, a risk to the skin is minimal. You can experience some side effects for a short time (which are easily reversible) but there is no evidence that supports that laser hair removal has given any long-term skin damage. Some of the common side effects that may occur on sensitive skin include scaring, skin darkening or lightening, blistering, scab formation or crusting. It is advised that before going for laser removal always ask your doctor to first test a laser on a small patch of skin. In this way, a sensitivity of skin will be checked and you will be assured about the results.

Fact: If this so, then it would be an ideal treatment for people seeking a cure for their baldness. But it is not. This myth mainly arises from the fact that shaving makes the hair grow thicker and faster. In reality, there is no match between shaving and laser hair removal except for that both remove hairs.

It is true that some hairs may grow back when we go for laser hair removal for the first time. This happens because it is impossible to completely destroy all hair follicles in one go. Partially destroyed follicles may regrow and produce fine or thin hairs. That is why doctors recommend 2-4 maintenance sessions to get best possible results.

Fact: Myth that says that laser hair removal is for richer people is totally incorrect. It is correct that laser hair removal is not that cheap as its temporary alternatives like shaving, waxing or epilators. But, when we consider the time factor, laser hair removal is much cheaper as its results stay for years. Although the cost of laser hair removal varies person to person depending on the number of factors, you don't need to be very rich.

According to Dr. Aman Dua, Chief dermatologist at Ak Clinics,” While every patient needs are different but on-average laser hair removal cost 2000-3000 per session.”

Fact: This is just a well renowned but untrue myth. Laser Hair Removal is not a magic that it would completely remove hair for life in just one sitting. At any one moment, hairs on a body are at the different phase of life cycle. So, how can you get rid of hairs that are still to sprout?

Moreover, there is no guarantee that hair follicle damaged by the laser will not grow in future. Lasers can completely destroy hair follicle but it is untrue that all the hair can be completely damaged for a lifetime.

However if done by an expert, 3-5 sittings and occasional maintenance can help you get rid of 70-90 percent hairs depending on person to person.

Dr. Aman Dua, Chief Dermatologist & Laser hair removal specialist says, “Most of the times 3-5 sessions are enough to get noticeable results, but it is impossible that all could get same results for an equal time period.

Fact: Negative mental image and impression associated with word “laser” make this myth but in reality lasers used in hair removal are safe and reliable. It is true that exposure to powerful lasers and radiations can have various side-effects or can damage internal organs. But wavelength frequency used in most laser hair removal is much lower and can’t penetrate deeper than 4-5 mm in the skin. So, damage to any internal organ is not possible at all. For your satisfaction, you can also check or ask from doctor whether his laser equipment is approved by FDA or other accreditation bodies like ISO, UKAS, RoHS or any other (according to your country).

Fact: Everybody has different hair features and skin tone, thus the results. There are numerous factors that determine the results. Therefore. It is impossible to say that every person can get the same result. Factors that significantly vary the result include hair thickness, total hair follicles, hair color, hair to skin color contrast.

Generally, Laser hair removal works best on white skin and dark hairs. But it doesn’t mean, it won't work well on people having the same skin and hairs. Only white and grey hairs are not advised for laser hair removal because of melanin absence.

Laser Hair Removal is one of the most effective, reliable and advanced procedures for getting rid of unwanted & ingrown hairs. Most of the myths around Laser Hair Removal are just a figment of people's own imagination or conspiracy plotted by competitors. So, if you want to undergo laser hair removal, just go for it and consult an experienced & licensed Hair removal clinic. A doctor can advise you better by diagnosing your skin and hair.

If you still left with some concerns, as advised before, go for Laser Hair Removal on a small patch of skin first. This will make you sure that there is nothing harmful with Lasers.

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