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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffLaser hair removal is used to remove unwanted hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and bikini line. However, it's possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area.
Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. For example, laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair because the laser beam targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair. People who have darker skin can also attempt laser hair removal, but the laser beam may also affect the melanin in the skin. Laser hair removal isn't generally effective for white, blond or gray hair — although treatment options for lighter hair continue to be investigated.
- 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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