13 Common Laser Hair Removal Myths Finally Answered By The Experts

Having laser hair removal at home or in office can be a bit daunting.

The information that you find online is confusing.….…

And your girlfriends don’t help by telling you horror stories they have read in some magazine.

It’s a big investment so you want to make sure that you make the right decision.

Well, today we are here to help and give you peace of mind.

We’ve gathered information from the experts who have put to bed 13 of the most common laser hair removal myths.

Enjoy.

1. Can Laser Therapy Stimulate Hair Growth?

“Well, it has been reported that some of the laser technologies used to remove hair, have indeed induced hair growth at lower settings.

First of all, if you feel your condition is getting worst during this treatment regimen, then stop the regimen. Second, I would review the issue with your dermatologist, and make sure nothing else, like a hormonal imbalance, is being missed.”

Omeed Memar, MD, PhD

Chicago Dermatologist 

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/can-laser-stimulate-hair-growth

2. Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Pregnant Women?

“Most of us would strongly recommend that no one receive a laser or energy based cosmetic treatment on anyone that is pregnant.

While we suspect that nothing bad would happen as a result of a laser treatment during pregnancy, the one in a million chance risk is just not worth it – this is a cosmetic procedure and it can wait until you are not pregnant.”

Michael Gold, MD

Nashville Dermatological Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/Side-effects-laser-hair-removal-pregnancy

3. Can Laser Hair Removal On Your Bikini Area Effect your Sex Drive?

“There is no medical reason for loss of libido after laser hair removal in the bikini area. There can be a psychological component where the new look affects the woman in some stressful way.

The best thing is to shave the area that you want to get treated and ask yourself if you like that look or not.”

Tanveer Janjua, MD

Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/Laser-hair-removal-sex-drive-loss

4. When Is It Safe To Get Sun Exposure After Laser Hair Removal?

“After laser hair removal, it is usually recommended to avoid sun exposure for at least 7-10 days. This will reduce the chance of complications.

Sun avoidance and sunblock use are recommended in general while doing laser hair removal treatments to minimize the risk of side effects such as burns and pigment changes because tanned skin can be more prone to complications with laser hair removal.”

Steven H. Williams, MD

San Fransisco Plastic Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/long-stay-sun-after-laser-hair-removal

5. How to reduce Pain During Laser Hair Removal?

“There are many techniques to lessen pain :

1) Topical numbing cream – we utilize several with great patient satisfaction

2) Ice

3) Other variants of cold- cold roller, Zimmer cool air blower

4) Oral sedatives

5) Oral analgesics

6) Other distraction techniques

7) Although I have never used for hair removal- local anesthesia or nerve blocks – are effective in lessening pain.

When we lessen the pain , the patient is happy- and will desire to have the procedure again.”

Joshua L. Fox, MD

Long Island Dermatological Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/what-should-doctor-do-minimize-pain-during-laser-treatment

6. Does Shaving Make Your Hair Grow Back Thicker and Faster?

“Shaving has earned this mythical reputation because natural hair left alone has a soft tip and has been exposed to light for a while, making it potentially lighter in color.

Newly grown shaving stubble has a blunt end from the previous shave, and is just emerging into the light of day so it is as dark as it will ever be. Do not be afraid to shave.”

Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH

New York Dermatological Surgeon

​Source: https://www.realself.com/question/does-shaving-make-your-hair-grow-back-thicker-and-faster

7. Is laser hair removal safe for ovaries?

“Energy from lasers for hair removal do not penetrate through the deep subcutaneous tissues and especially not as deep as the muscle layer of the abdomen which protects the underlying abdominal cavity so that the ovaries will not be affected.”

Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatological Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/laer-hair-removal-sterility

8. Does Laser Hair Removal Prevent Sweating?

You may notice less odor, however. The apocrine glands in the armpit and pubic areas are closely associated with the hair follicles, and are probably partially disabled by the laser treatment. Same with the sebaceous (oil) glands.

So patients with skin breakouts in hair-bearing areas generally experience healthier skin. Hair is designed to disperse the odor from sweat glands, it’s a pheromone -evolutionary thing. So less or no hair may have a beneficial effect in that regard.

Botox or surgery targets the actual sweat glands, and can limit the amount of sweating.

John LoMonaco, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/laser-hair-removal-sweating

 

9. Am I Too Young For Laser Hair Removal?

“Laser hair removal targets active hairs so it doesn’t matter the age of the person receiving treatment.

The reason we don’t recommend treatment on those who are young doesn’t have to do with hormones or anything like that. It has to do with fear and pain.”

F. Victor Rueckl, MD

Las Vagas Dermatologist

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/in-age-my-daughter-start-laser-hair-removal

10. Does IPL or Laser Hair Removal Work On Dark Skin?

A wide variety of medical lasers and light systems are used to remove unwanted hair, however most lasers are not effective for all skin types and hair colors.

The Elos laser hair removal system is designed for permanent hair reduction by combining both optical and radio-frequency energy to deliver satisfying, longer lasting results with less discomfort than previous laser systems.

All skin and all hair colors including gray and blonde hair are effectively treated. Faces, backs, arms, legs, faces, and bikini lines can be treated including those individuals with darkly pigmented skin.

Daniel Sharpiro, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/what-results-should-expect-laser-hair-removal-if-have-dark-skin

​11. Can You Wax Or Pluck After Laser Hair Removal

“It is safe to use any type of hair removal, waxing plucking etc. any time 5 days or more after the laser treatment. The worry is any redness or irritation directly related to the laser treatment itself.

Remember if you plan on having more laser treatments do not pluck or wax for several weeks before the treatment as you want the hair in the follicle to be treated. Shaving or cutting with a scissors is fine.”

Janet M. Neigel, MD

West Orange Oculoplastic Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/person-waxing-after-laser-hair-remover

12. Will Laser Hair Removal On My Vagina Area Cause Redness, Swelling, Bumps and Itching?

“Yes you can have itchiness and swelling the first few treatments, It is very common to have redness as a side effect. It should last a couple days, you can use aloe vera to soothe it and take down the inflammation Shaving will irritate the area. With continued laser treatments you get. you will have less ingrown hairs. if this persist i would follow up with your dr. it could be a underling issue.”

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD

Fayetteville Facial Plastic Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/vaginal-laser-hair-removal-cause-rednessswellingbumps-and-itching

13. Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?

“Permanent hair removal depends on hair color, skin color, and the strength of the laser treatment as tolerated by the patient. Up to 15-30% permanent hair loss may be observed with each treatment when optimal parameters are used.”

Mitchell-Scwhartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

Source: https://www.realself.com/question/please-link-the-main-studyif-anythat-proves-laser-hair-removal-permanent