10 Laser Hair Removal Myths Busted

Since ages women have been searching for painless and permanent hair removal solutions. They tried almost everything from shaving razors to plucking, threading and waxing, but none of them offered a permanent solution. If you are also not happy with these traditional hair removal techniques, laser hair removal may be worth considering. A latest study has shown that Laser treatment is one of the most commonly sought cosmetic procedures all over the world.

Despite continuous increase in popularity of laser hair removal, there are several myths encompassing the procedure that still prevent a whole lot of candidates from opting for laser treatment. If you are also confused whether you should opt for the procedure or not, just because your friend says it is not safe, or the friend or your friend has had a burnt skin, or a relative of yours has told you it is a very expensive procedure and you can’t afford it, continue reading and you may end up changing your mind about Laser treatment.

Here are some common myths and ultimate facts about Laser Hair Removal:

Myth # 1: The Lasers Can Damage Your Internal Organs

Fact: It is nothing more than propaganda! The laser beam can’t move pass a set limit, let alone heat from the laser. Lasers used for hair removal purpose can penetrate up to a quarter mm only into your skin, then how can it reach the internal organs. Laser Hair Removal is an extremely safe procedure that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Any side effects experienced are temporary and subside at their own within a couple of days.

Myth # 2: The Procedure Is Extremely Painful

Fact: Most patients experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort as the laser beams are made incident on the skin, but the discomfort is very much bearable. Burning sensations at the treated areas have also been reported by the patients but again it is also bearable and not out of patients’ pain threshold. Most people compare these sensations with snapping of a rubber band on the skin. If you have been into waxing and tweezing, believe me you will find laser treatment a virtually painless procedure. Still, if you have a low pain threshold, your surgeon may perform the procedure after numbing the treatment area with topical anesthetic.

Myth # 3: Lasers Don’t Work On Dark Skin and Light Hair

Fact: Initially lasers were not recommended to people with dark skin, because they were at a risk of skin burns. But with advancements in technology, now we have lasers that work really well on people with dark skin and light hair. Some newer lasers also treat people with light skin and light hair. Thus, there are no constraints in Laser Hair Removal anymore. People with dark skin light hair can also benefit from the outstanding results of lasers.

Myth # 4: The Procedure Only Works On Face

Fact: Lasers can be used on almost any part of the body, from face to chest and back to arms and legs. Most commonly treated facial areas include chin and upper lips. On body, you can effectively use lasers to get rid of unwanted hair from neck, hands, feet, arms, legs, chest, back, abdomen and thighs. Under arms and bikini areas are among the most commonly treated areas. The only limitation about lasers is that they are not recommended for treatments around the eyes, as it can be dangerous.

Myth # 5: Everybody Gets the Same Results

Fact: Again a myth or propaganda of providers. Results of laser hair removal vary greatly from one person to another depending upon the skin color and the color, type and texture of the hair you want to get removed. Light colored hairs respond the least to laser beams. On the other hand, thick and coarse dark hairs are best treated with lasers as they absorb maximum heat energy transmitted by laser beams. A person with dark hair and light skin is considered as an ideal candidate for laser hair removal.

Myth # 6: Laser Hair Removal Is Recommended During Pregnancy

Fact: During pregnancy estrogen levels rise in women’s body and they experience increased hair growth. This leaves them wondering if they can undergo laser hair removal or not. While there is no proven evidence that laser hair removal is not good for pregnant women, effects of lasers on baby are still unknown. This is why doctors recommend pregnant women to wait until childbirth.

Myth# 7: Lasers Can Cause Skin Cancer

Fact: This is another baseless, overrated myth about lasers. As stated above, lasers are extremely safe and have got FDA’s approval. There is no study that could link laser hair removal with skin cancer.

Myth # 8: Only a Single Laser Session Is Enough

Fact: Like all other non-invasive cosmetic procedures, laser hair removal also needs multiple sessions to get desired results. On average 4 to 6 sessions are required for permanent hair removal. But this may vary significantly from person to person depending upon the color and texture of hair. Dark, coarse hair needs fewer sessions than light colored, fine hair.

Myth # 9: Results of Laser Hair Removal Are Permanent

Fact: This is perhaps the biggest myth surrounding the treatment. Lasers do not remove hair permanently; in fact they reduce hair growth. But there is possibility that hair may grow after the treatment, but they will be fine and thin. Most patients also need treatments to maintain results but they are not very frequent. Two sessions in a year are enough to maintain the results.

Myth # 10: It Is an Expensive Procedure

Fact: Laser Hair Removal is a little expensive but not to the extent that an average person cannot afford it. Furthermore, price of treatment varies significantly from one person to person and from one provider to another. With advances in technology, the treatment has become more affordable and accessible. In fact the procedure helps you save time and money, since it is not a lifetime procedure like waxing and threading.