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BoardCertifiedPlasticSurgeon.com (sm)
Laser Hair Removal & Laser Skin Resurfacing Listing only top surgeons who pledge to be the best! Be Careful, Be Beautiful tm |
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BoardCertifiedPlasticSurgeon.com (sm)
Laser Hair Removal & Laser Skin Resurfacing Listing only top surgeons who pledge to be the best! Be Careful, Be Beautiful tm |
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Cosmetic Laser Surgery Information Page
Cosmetic Laser Surgery
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Laser Hair Removal
In this method, a laser destroys hair follicles with heat. Lasers are prescription devices that should be used only under the direction of a licensed practitioner. If a topical anesthetic product is recommended before a laser hair removal procedure to minimize pain, FDA recommends that consumers discuss with a medical professional the circumstances under which the cream should be used, and whether the use is appropriate.
Those who decide to use a skin-numbing product should follow the directions of a health care provider and consider using a product that contains the lowest amount of anesthetic drugs possible. FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has received reports of serious and life-threatening side effects after use of large amounts of skin-numbing products for laser hair removal.
Side effects of laser hair removal can include blistering, discoloration after treatment, swelling, redness, and scarring. Sunlight should be avoided during healing after the procedure.
SOURCE: FDA.gov
Additional Information on Removing Hair Safely
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Lasers are also being used to treat wrinkles. Several manufacturers have received FDA clearance to claim treatment of wrinkles, while others may claim skin resurfacing. Patients have reported reddening of the skin, which lasted from one to four months. Pain was mild and could be treated with over-the-counter analgesics. Consumers should bear in mind that skin abrasion, whether achieved by lasers, chemicals or abrasive materials, means removing one or more layers of skin, which can be painful and could cause redness, swelling or scarring, depending on how each person heals.
People considering this procedure should consult a dermatologist or the manufacturer to determine whether or not they would be good candidates. Be sure to ask your dermatologist for a copy of the patient labeling for the specific laser device used to understand the risks.
Additional Laser Surgery information may be found at the FDA site:
FDA Information on Laser Surgery
PLEASE NOTE:
The popularity of laser hair removal has
increasingly grown, prompting many laser manufacturers to conduct research
and seek FDA clearance for their lasers for this indication. The market
is growing so quickly that FDA cannot maintain an up-to-date list of all
laser manufacturers whose devices have been cleared for hair removal,
as this list continues to change. To learn if a specific manufacturer
has received FDA clearance, you can check FDA's Website at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/databases.html
under the 510(k) database. You will need to know the manufacturer or device
name of the laser. You can also call FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological
Health, Consumer Staff, at 240-276-3103. Or fax your request
to 240-276-3151 or send an e-mail to: DSMICA@cdrh.fda.gov
