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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffLaser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser — an intense, pulsating beam of light — to remove unwanted hair. During laser hair removal, a laser beam passes through the skin to an individual hair follicle. The intense heat of the laser damages the hair follicle, which inhibits future hair growth.
Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair. Although laser hair removal effectively slows hair growth, it doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. It typically takes several laser hair removal treatments to provide an extended hair-free period. Periodic maintenance treatments may be needed as well.
- Shenenberger DW. Removal of unwanted hair. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
- Vano-Galvan S, et al. Complications of nonphysician-supervised laser hair removal: Case report and literature review. Canadian Family Physician. 2009;55:50.
- Wanitphakdeedecha R, et al. Physical means of treating unwanted hair. Dermatologic Therapy. 2008;21:392.
- Tierney EP, et al. Laser hair removal pearls. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2008;10:17.
- Gold MH. Lasers and light sources for the removal of unwanted hair. Clinics in Dermatology. 2007;25:443.
- Do's and don'ts for laser hair removal. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/DosAndDontsLaserHairRemoval.aspx. Accessed Dec. 3, 2009.
- Laser hair removal information. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/LaserHairRemovalInformation.aspx. Accessed Dec. 3, 2009.
- Casey AS, et al. Guidelines for laser hair removal. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2008;10:24.
- Life-threatening side effects with the use of skin products containing numbing ingredients for cosmetic procedures. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PublicHealthAdvisories/ucm054718.htm. Accessed Dec. 8, 2009.
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