Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser to remove unwanted hair by damaging the hair follicles. Laser hair removal can slow hair growth for a long time, but it's not permanent. You'll usually need multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart, and you may need to get touch-up treatments every 6 to 12 months.

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How it works:

• A laser emits a concentrated beam of light that's absorbed by the hair's pigment, converting the light energy into heat. This heat damages the hair follicles, which can delay or inhibit future hair growth.

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Where it can be used:

• Laser hair removal can be used on almost any area of the body, but is most commonly used on the back, chest, legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini line. 

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Side Effects:

• After treatment, you might experience some redness, swelling, and warmth around the hair follicles. This often looks like a mild sunburn. You can apply a cool compress to help reduce discomfort.

 

Contraindications:

• Keloid scarring: keloid scars can be especially hazardous for laser hair removal because the raised skin can make it vulnerable during the procedure. 

• Photosensitizing drugs: some medications, such as diuretics, anxiolytics, and cough syrups, can cause photosensitivity, which is a side effect that makes laser hair removal unsafe. 

• Sun tanning: tans from the sun, spray tans, or tanning moisturizers can interfere with laser hair removal treatments and increase the risk of burning. 

• Accutane: recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane) can increase the risk of abnormal scarring and other complications during laser treatments. 

• Pregnancy: while laser hair removal is generally safe, there isn't enough research to know if it's safe for an unborn baby. 

• Breastfeeding: laser hair removal is generally safe while breastfeeding, but should not be done on the areola or breast tissue. 

• Herpes: the heat from the laser can cause flare-ups in areas that have previously had herpes outbreaks. Patients should take their prescription herpes medication about four to five days before treatment. 

 

Other contraindications include: 

• A history of melanoma, raised moles, suspicious lesions, healing problems, active infections, open lesions, hives, cold sores, tattoos, or permanent make-up in the treatment area.