"Laser can be very dangerous...the most critical threat is pre-cancerous lesions."
Mark Nestor, M.D. Dermatologist, Ventura, Florida
"...Young man dies of an allergic reaction after outpatient Laser Hair Removal in Plastic Surgeons office in McLean, Virginia..."
Washington Post. Tom Jackman. Staff Writer. January 31, 2001
A family has spent the last few years in the courts and congress getting this idea mandated. That a numbing agent for to decrease pain must be administered with a full usage disclosure. Their daughter put it on and died on the way to her appointment. There was too much on her skin.
"...Laser is not considered permanent. It can be costly and there is the risk for complications, such as scarring and pigmentation changes."
Richard Wagner, M.D. & Attorney, University of Texas, Medical BranchA man of Afro-American decent came to me with severe scars across his head from laser hair removal. He didn't want to shave it and now the only option is numerous expensive and painful chemical peels over many years. He is badly scarred for life.
"...lasers and intense pulsed light sources use thermal energy to kill the hair follicle thus producing hair removal. Since thermal energy is being used there is always a risk of burns, redness, swelling, pain, scarring, and changes to skin color. There is no one device that is uniquely better than another device. Successful and safe hair removal can be accomplished but this requires treatment from a skilled and knowledgeable person who understands how different skin types and skin colors will interact with the specific light based system being used.
Consumer Staff
Division of Small Manufacturers,
International and Consumer Assistance
Center for Devices and Radiological Health U.S. Food and Drug Administration
"...The terms permanent, painless or long term effect are not acceptable terms when describing these devices."
Visit www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/laserfacts.html"Laser hair removal is pricey and popular but not permanent."
The Wall Street Journal, "Health Journal", Marilyn ChaseDr. David Friedman says, "Dermatologists shouldn't promise patients Permanent Hair Removal, by using Laser or their money back. You'll probably find yourself out of business."
American Academy of Dermatology, Medscape Inc.,
CBS Health Watch, Eric Sobo"...Laser generates a lot of money from women who expect more than the device can deliver. Be suspicious of any claim to have the best and only laser. If not performed correctly by a highly qualified professional, the procedure can be dangerous."
Abel Torres, M.D., Brigham & Women's Hospital, Newsletter,
(Harvard Teaching Hospital)
Lasers cannot remove hairs which are within a tattoo
Electrolysis permanently removes your hair.
Compared to other methods of
hair removal it is cheaper and faster with the IB Probe.Post-menopausal women gain faster results with electrolysis.
Specific equipment and eye shields are not normally available by laser technicians. Research the proper professional, however you can count on electrolysis as it's a safe treatment method.
How Long Does Your Unwanted Hair Stay Away?
- Shaving: 1 Day
- Depilatories: 8 Days
- Tweezing & Waxing: 4 weeks
- Laser: 2-3 months
- Electrolysis: Permanent
Warning: Home use electrolysis devices are unsafe for use by anyone who is not trained.
There are no permanent side effects. Slight reddening of the skin can occur during or immediately after treatment, but this only lasts for a short time. Electrolysis is safe when done by a professional. No harsh chemicals are used.
Myths- Electrolysis is painful.
- I use the IB probe. This insulated probe and my technique allows for painless results.
- A topical anesthetic can be used in some cases.
- The electric tweezers method, home kits, and laser is also permanent.
- LASER ISN'T APPROVED FOR PERMANENCE
- The truth is the Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association recognize only electrolysis as a permanent method of removing hair while many forms of hair removal are claimed as permanent.
- Temporary methods of hair removal are better.
- Some methods may also discolor the skin.
- With waxing, the hair is stripped off when the wax is removed and can be painful and costly.