With the advancement of technology, the field of medicine has also enhanced and led to the onset of a non-invasive cosmetic procedure known as laser hair removal treatment. With this treatment, unwanted body hair in both men and women can be eliminated to a large extent, and it doesn’t require any upkeep as such. Here, we will discuss whether or not a laser hair removal treatment causes cancer and other relevant details.
Understanding Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that makes use of a concentrated beam of light, or laser, to remove unwanted hair from people’s bodies. During laser treatment for hair removal, a laser emits a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, i.e., melanin. The light energy emitted is then converted into heat energy, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that are responsible for the production of hair. This damage further inhibits or delays future unwanted hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays unwanted hair growth for long periods, it typically doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are required for initial hair removal, and certain maintenance treatments might be necessary as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin tones and dark hair. However, it can be successfully carried out on every skin type.
Now, when the question arises of why it is done, the simple and straightforward answer is to eliminate or at least reduce unwanted hair in different areas of the body, especially the ones that are exposed and easily visible to others. Common treatment locations include armpits, upper lip, legs, chin, and the bikini line. However, it is important to note that unwanted hair growth in nearly every area of the body is treatable, except the eyelid or surrounding area. Skin with tattoos shouldn’t be treated under any circumstance.
The success of a laser hair removal treatment is largely influenced by the hair color and skin type of a particular individual. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should be the one to absorb light from the laser beam. The laser beam emitted should only damage the unwanted hair follicles and not the underlying skin. Hence, a contrast between hair and skin color, such as dark hair and light skin, results in the best outcome.
The risk of damage to the skin is greater when there is very little or no prominent contrast between hair and skin color. However, advances in laser technology have indeed made laser hair removal an option for people with darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don’t absorb light well, for instance, grey, blonde, red, and white, yet laser hair removal treatment options continue to develop and advance for light-colored hair.
Before your laser hair removal takes place, you’ll be required to schedule a consultation with a healthcare professional to determine whether this is an appropriate and viable treatment option for you or not. Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Review your medical history, including the medicines you’re currently taking or have taken in the past; know about your history of scarring or skin disorders and also about any previous hair removal treatments.
- Discuss the risks, benefits, and realistic expectations, including what a laser hair removal treatment can and cannot do for you.
- Take relevant photos to be used for before and after assessments and long-term reviews.
During the consultation, you’ll be educated about the suitable treatment plan for you and related costs. Laser hair removal in Hyderabad is generally an out-of-pocket expense for most. Your doctor will also offer specific instructions so that you can efficiently prepare yourself for this treatment.
Facts About Laser Hair Removal Causing Cancer
In case you’re concerned about whether laser hair removal can cause cancer, the quick and scientifically approved answer is no. Laser hair removal doesn’t increase the risk of cancer in any way. This method makes use of specific light wavelengths that target the hair follicles without emitting harmful UV radiations that are typically associated with the risk of skin cancer.
Laser hair removal is a very popular cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair follicles, which, in turn, inhibits their unwanted growth in the future. The core of laser hair removal technology is the usage of a laser beam, which is a concentrated light source. This beam of light gets absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, thereby getting converted to heat energy that damages the hair follicles. This damage delays or inhibits future unwanted hair growth without causing damage to the surrounding tissue.
Laser hair removal uses a kind of radiation that is known as non-ionizing radiation. This means the radiation does not possess enough energy to break apart DNA, which can lead to cellular alterations that can result in skin cancer. Unlike UV radiation from the sun, which can damage the DNA of the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer, the lasers employed in this procedure are designed to target the hair follicles safely without affecting the surrounding skin.
One key factor in the safety of laser hair removal is the absence of UV light in the lasers being used. Ultraviolet light, known for its harmful effects on skin cells, is not a component of the laser systems that are used in hair removal treatments. This absence is of utmost importance as it eliminates the risk associated with UV exposure, such as skin cancer.
Moreover, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies laser hair removal devices as safe for use when operated by trained healthcare professionals. This approval of the FDA is based on extensive research and evidence that shows that these devices do not pose a significant risk of skin cancer when used as intended.
In short, while it is essential to consider every aspect of a cosmetic procedure, the FDA clearly states that laser hair removal treatments causing skin cancer are nothing but a myth when used carefully and by trained healthcare providers. With no UV light involved and only non-ionizing radiation used, the FDA-approved procedures are safe and do not increase the risk of skin cancer. Anyways, you should always make sure that your treatment is performed by a qualified and certified professional to guarantee the safest and most effective outcomes.
Furthermore, research looking specifically into DNA damage, such as the formation of Thymine Dimers, a marker of DNA injury that’s linked to the risk of skin cancer, has shown no increase in these markers after repeated laser hair treatment sessions. This was also highlighted in studies wherein Intense Pulsed Light devices were used under regulated conditions, showing no prominent photothermal reaction with DNA disruption or melanomas.
Thus, to summarise it all, the laser beam emitted during the unwanted hair removal treatment has no significant link with skin cancer or other carcinogenic issues. The non-ionized beam of concentrated light doesn’t cause cancer the way UV radiation from the sun does, and this has been backed by scientific evidence. Furthermore, with the approval of the FDA, you can be worry-free when opting for laser hair removal in Hyderabad.
Expert Opinions
Laser hair removal is a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to remove unwanted body hair in both men and women. Laser hair removal treatment makes use of light energy at specific wavelengths to hit pigmented hair follicles and cause termination of those cells. This further leads to hair reduction in the specific area that has been treated. Basically, the laser emits a beam of concentrated non-ionized light that simply destroys the unwanted hair follicles without causing any damage to surrounding tissues or the underlying skin. This treatment can be carried out on most parts of the body and generally requires several treatments over a period of time to ensure there is significant hair reduction.
Although it is a costly affair, it does have several benefits that can make the price worth it for a large number of people. According to some of the most qualified healthcare professionals, a laser hair removal treatment is a more long-term solution to reducing unwanted body hair than other methods such as waxing, threading, and so on. It requires less upkeep than other options and can help with other skin issues as well, such as inflamed bumps and itching. Moreover, there’s no downtime with this treatment, and it may save you money over time, besides reducing the chance of certain skin diseases such as folliculitis barbae.
Healthcare professionals also advise everyone willing to opt for this non-invasive cosmetic procedure to do their research before selecting a place to get the treatment done.
Common Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
When it comes to laser treatment for hair removal, there are certain side effects that anyone willing to opt for this procedure needs to know about. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Skin irritation- Temporary discomfort, swelling, and redness are quite possible after laser hair removal. Any such signs or symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
- Pigment changes- Laser hair removal treatment can certainly lighten or darken the affected skin area. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening mainly affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after the treatment and those who have a darker complexion.
In very rare cases, a laser hair removal treatment can cause side effects such as scarring, blistering, crusting, or other changes in the texture of the skin. Other rare side effects include greying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around the treated area(s), especially on darker skin. And yes, skin cancer isn’t a side effect of laser hair removal. The non-ionized beam of light emitted by the laser is quite different from UV radiations, which are known to cause skin cancer.
Laser hair removal in Hyderabad isn’t recommended for eyelids, eyebrows, or surrounding areas, mainly owing to the fact that the laser beam and its intense, concentrated heat can lead to severe eye injuries.
If you’re looking for a laser hair removal treatment in Hyderabad, then Dermiq will be your one-stop solution. We at Dermiq believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and radiant in their own skin and hair. Recognized by the Times Health Survey as the best skin and hair clinic in Hyderabad, we are dedicated to offering exceptional care that will address the specific needs of every individual. From skin tag removal, body contouring, laser skin toning, anti-aging treatment, and PRP treatment to hair loss treatment, hifu treatment, chemical peel, hydra facial, and unwanted laser hair removal, we provide it all.
Whether you’re looking to achieve a clearer complexion, or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, or combat hair loss or unwanted hair growth, we have a variety of solutions that will be tailored to fit your needs and requirements. Our team of Hyderabad’s best dermatologists and cosmetologists combines their expertise with the best-in-class technologies to deliver effective results. Trust us to be your partner on your journey to amazing skin and hair.
Takeaway
Laser hair removal has gained a lot of popularity in recent times, with more and more people willing to opt for this treatment owing to its advantages over other conventional cosmetic procedures such as waxing and threading. There’s almost no downtime with this non-invasive treatment and very little upkeep. Moreover, according to a lot of doctors, laser treatment for hair removal has been found to combat skin diseases such as folliculitis barbae. However, just like every other treatment, there’s a slight risk of minor side effects that certainly disappear with time. Extremely rare side effects such as pigment changes, cold sore outbreaks, and skin infections are observed in very few people after the completion of the treatment, and yes, don’t worry, a laser hair treatment won’t lead to skin cancer in any way.
