Laser Hair Removal: A Controversial Cosmetic Procedure
The use of lasers for hair removal began as far back as the late 1960s. The first attempts at laser hair removal were not entirely successful and failed to fulfill their promises of painless, permanent hair removal. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, various lasers were tested for their hair removal capabilities. In 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first laser hair removal treatment system. However, controversy arose over claims from some practitioners that laser hair removal was permanent. The FDA intervened, banning the use of the phrase “permanent removal.” Instead, practitioners of laser hair removal may use the term “permanent reduction,” which indicates long-term reduction of hair, but not complete removal.
The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal works by targeting and damaging hair follicles. The laser’s bright light is absorbed by the dark root of the hair in the follicle, heating the follicle and damaging it to the point that hair can no longer grow.
Melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, absorbs the light from the laser and converts it into heat that destroys the follicle. However, melanin also gives skin its pigment, which means the laser can affect the skin as it passes through to reach the hair follicle. In individuals with dark hair, the hair typically has a higher concentration of melanin than the skin, allowing the hair to absorb the light more efficiently. This causes the hair to heat faster than the skin, minimizing skin damage and leading to follicle destruction. To ensure extra safety for the skin, some laser treatments include the application of cold air or ice packs.
Due to the importance of the contrast between hair and skin pigment, laser hair removal is generally less effective for those with fair hair or very dark skin. People with a dark tan may also find that they are not ideal candidates for the procedure.
Safety and Side Effects
The main safety concerns when using lasers for any procedure are eye protection and proper training to ensure the practitioner uses the laser correctly. When these concerns are addressed, laser hair removal is generally considered safe. However, some healthcare professionals caution that there has not been enough long-term research into the practice.
As with any procedure, there are potential side effects, which may include:
- Burns, blisters, and pigmentation changes, which occur when the skin absorbs too much laser energy. These side effects are typically short-lived but may lead to scarring.
- Discomfort in the treated area, including redness that lasts for about an hour and possible goosebumps.
- Peeling or scabbing at the treated site.
- In rare cases, hair growth may be stimulated if the laser used is not strong enough.
- Although rare, there have been recorded side effects, such as permanent loss of skin pigment, loosening of dental veneers, and thrombosis of small veins.
Overall, the safety record of laser hair removal is very good, but its effectiveness remains a point of debate. Some doctors argue that lasers cannot penetrate the skin deeply enough to truly destroy the hair’s root system. Furthermore, studies have suggested that laser hair removal is only marginally more effective than other hair removal methods.
As with any medical procedure, consumers should conduct thorough research and consider all options before deciding which treatment is right for them.
