What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure which aims to remove unwanted hair using a powerful laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Unwanted hair can be removed from any area of the body, but the common areas include:
- Face
- Legs
- Arms
- Underarms
- Bikini line
Statistics
The cost of laser hair removal can range from anywhere between £40.00 and £400.00 depending on the targeted area and the number of sessions, amongst other factors. Most treatments will consist of four to six sessions, and occur every four to six weeks, depending on your hair growth and convenience.
Once a full treatment plan has been completed, touch-up treatments may be required once every six to twelve months.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
The powerful laser (or IPL) used to remove unwanted hair works by destroying the hair follicles in the skin, effectively burning the root of the hair. The treatment causes significant damage and disrupts the growth process on a semi-permanent basis.
Who Should Conduct a Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
In the UK, hair removal treatments should be carried out by a qualified laser aesthetic technician who has achieved an NVQ/VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL). This course has been specially designed to help to educate and improve the standards of health and safety within the cosmetic industry.
However, due to a lack of regulation within the cosmetic industry, it is easy for individuals to carry out cosmetic procedures without the proper education.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like most cosmetic procedures, laser hair removal is associated with the risk of several side effects, the majority of which are thought to reduce significantly within a few weeks of the procedure. The side effects encountered will vary on a case by case basis, but may include:
- Blistering of the skin
- Lightening or darkening of the skin for several months afterwards
- Scarring
- Swelling
- Bruising
- A rare condition called livedo reticularis which causes mottled skin
- Eye injuries caused by the powerful lasers
Those who are pregnant are recommended not to undergo laser hair removal because of the unknown effects of the treatment on the health of the mother and child. It is further recommended that those who are trying to conceive a child seek advice from their doctor prior to the procedure.
Treatment
If any of the above symptoms are experienced after receiving laser hair removal, the practitioner and/or your doctor should be contacted to ensure that the symptoms are managed to help prevent any long-term effects.
For most, simple aftercare is important in helping to reduce an adverse effect. Aloe Vera gel is often recommended to help with the healing process due to its natural anti-inflammatory and cooling properties that reduce redness, swelling, and blistering of the skin.
Other treatments for minor side effects include those similar to the treatment of sunburn which require the skin to be well moisturised and shaded from direct sunlight, whilst antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor if an infection is suspected.
Long-term Complications Prognosis
In the long-term, the complications from laser hair removal can be both psychically and psychologically unpleasant. For instance, visible scarring from hair removal on an individual’s face may make them feel more self-conscious than before the procedure was carried out.
There are also long-term health risks associated with infections which can, in the very worst cases, result in paralysis or death.
How Do I Make a Claim?
If you have experienced any of the symptoms we have listed, you should first seek medical advice. If you wish to pursue a claim we will require details, where possible, of the practitioner or company who carried out the procedure, details of the dates this was undertaken and details of what symptoms you are experiencing.
We would also advise that you report the side effects to the practitioner or company who carried out the procedure. We can then assess the prospects of your claim and look to obtain compensation for the injury.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have been affected by a botched laser hair removal procedure, get in touch today for a free initial consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9787 to find out how we can help you.
