Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
By Neel Kanase | Published on October 6, 2010 | 0 Comments
Laser hair removal offers the opportunity to achieve smooth, sleek skin for life, with no need to wax, tweeze or shave ever again. But are you a good candidate? According to Neel Kanase, MD of Albuquerque laser hair removal center Albuquerque Laser Clinic, today’s laser hair removal is safe and comfortable for almost anyone. There are, however, certain individuals who may experience less than perfect results, or for whom the procedure may not be appropriate at all.
Hair and Skin Color Considerations
When laser hair removal is performed, Dr. Kanase explains, a laser is used to selectively target a hair follicle, destroying it while leaving the surrounding skin completely unharmed. Once the hair follicle has been destroyed, he says, it can never again produce hair. In order for the laser to target only the hair follicle, however, it must be able to distinguish between the color of the hair and the color of the surrounding skin. For this reason, individuals with very light skin and dark hair present the simplest laser hair removal scenario.
Until recently, Dr. Kanase says, other groups of people – redheads, for example, and individuals with very dark skin – were considered very difficult, if not impossible, to treat effectively with laser hair removal techniques. Today’s lasers, on the other hand, are much better able to safely, effectively and comfortably treat individuals of nearly all skin types. It’s important, however, to ensure that the laser hair removal clinic you choose is using up-to-date lasers and that the technicians are adequately trained. “It’s a good idea to ask what kind of equipment they use specifically for your skin and hair coloring,” Dr. Kanase says. “As a general rule, I’d say to avoid clinics that use lasers that are more than four years old – the technology just changes too fast.”
Medical Considerations
“Your medical history and your current medications, along with several other factors,” Dr. Kanase says, “can affect how you will respond to laser hair removal.” Certain skin conditions and general metabolic conditions, he says, could impact the effectiveness of the treatment. Polycystic ovary syndrome, scleroderma, or lupus, for example, affect the skin’s collagen and can make it more difficult to achieve the desired results.
Individuals with certain other conditions, Dr. Kanase says, should not undergo laser hair removal at all. Any condition that causes seizures, for example, is a contraindication. “When the laser fires, there is a flash of light,” he explains. “That flashing light could trigger a seizure in someone who is prone to them.”
Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or diabetic neuropathy, for example, are also contraindicated. “These conditions lower sensitivity,” Dr. Kanase explains, “and may make it difficult for someone to recognize pain should minor burning occur.”
Is It Right for You?
Barring any medical complications, Dr. Kanase says, laser hair removal is ideal for almost anyone who wants to be free of unwanted hair permanently. “Once you’ve completed your treatment sessions,” he says, “you’ll have no need to shave, wax or tweeze the treated area again ever. No need to spend money or time on hair removal anymore – that’s the primary benefit of laser hair removal.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.