The hair follicles often sit just a few millimeters below the skin’s surface. They share a close relationship. Laser hair removal treatments are ideal for them since the follicles can be targeted and destroyed with precision without damaging deeper tissues. This is why their treatments are customized specifically for them. This makes them seem like a natural fit for laser hair removal.
So, it stands to reason that laser hair removal would work wonderfully for them. This limits the laser’s ability to reach the lymph nodes and sweat glands. On the other hand, lymph nodes and sweat glands are located far deeper in the dermis. This suggests that laser hair removal techniques probably won’t have any impact on these structures. This has made it possible to safely and effectively remove hair without compromising the body’s natural processes.
Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes
Over the years, there have been countless patients with concerns over the safety of laser hair removal. Some patients hear the word “laser” and immediately wonder, “does it increase risk of cancer?” or “can it cause damage to my organs?” The short answer is, no, laser hair removal does not cause cancer, nor does it cause any damage to organs.
According to the National Laser Institute, in 2018 over 1.1 million laser hair removal procedures were performed in America, landing this treatment in the top five among all minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. While laser hair removal is widely considered a safe procedure, there are some risks of side effects that can vary given a patient’s skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre- and post-treatment care1.
Potential Complications from Laser Hair Removal
Hyperpigmentation
The most common complication from laser hair removal is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the temporary darkening of the skin. This can occur in patients with lighter skin tones that have had sun exposure and their skin is tan.
Hyperpigmentation is less common in darker skin types. Hyperpigmentation is not a burn and it does not last. It usually resolves on its own over the course of several days. In rare instances it can last several months, but that is extremely rare.
We will not treat people whose immune systems are compromised due to use of various strong medications like those given post organ transplant or for cancer treatment. We take a medical history on each and every patient to look for any medications and/or past medical issues that may affect the laser hair removal process.
Expunging Myths of Laser Hair Removal Safety
It Doesn’t Damage Underarm Sweat Glands/Lymph Nodes
A common question that gets asked regarding laser hair removal for the underarm area is whether or not damage can be done to the sweat glands or lymph nodes. Hair follicles are located very superficially under the skin, just a few millimeters under the skin. Lymph nodes and sweat glands, however, are located much deeper and the lasers depth of penetration is too short to reach them.
No Studies Have Shown Laser Hair Removal Causes Cancer
Patients have also inquired if laser hair removal causes cancer. To date, there are no studies showing a cause and effect relationship between laser hair removal and skin cancer. There are Radiation Physics Societies that have websites indicating that laser hair removal is a perfectly safe procedure.
Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Damage Reproductive Organs
Women have asked if having laser hair removal on the bikini area can damage reproductive organs. Again, the answer is no. While we prefer not to treat pregnant women; The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a paper indicating it is safe to have laser hair removal during pregnancy and that it will have no effect on the baby.
Experience & Training Matters
There is no shortage of facilities offering laser hair removal. When deciding where to go for laser hair removal treatments, always know who will be performing the procedure, their experience and in the event there is an issue, who would be able to provide support.
A qualified medical professional with a cosmetic laser license from the Georgia Medical Board should treat patients. These practitioners know what type of laser and settings to use on certain skin types, so that it is both safe and effective.
At WIFH, all of our medical professionals are licensed laser practitioners. Dr. Cox oversees each and every patient’s treatment and monitors his or her progress. He makes himself available to every patient in case there is ever a question or concern.
When researching laser hair removal services, it’s important that patients make sure to:
- work with a laser operator who is a licensed laser practitioner, medically trained, fully qualified, and has extensive laser hair removal experience.
- know who will be available to provide support if needed, in the event that the patient experiences an issue,
- understand what laser device is being used and that it is safe for the patient’s skin type.
- read reviews.
Can Laser Hair Removal Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes After
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair.
A laser emits light that the pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs during laser hair removal. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.
Why it’s done
Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line. However, it’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except the eyelid or surrounding area. Skin with tattoos should not be treated either.
Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin color — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.
The risk of damage to skin is greater when there is little contrast between hair and skin color, but advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don’t absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.
Risks
Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
- Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
Laser hair removal isn’t recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.
How to Relieve Swollen Lymph Nodes Armpit
How You Prepare
If you’re interested in laser hair removal, choose a doctor who’s board certified in a specialty such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery and has experience with laser hair removal on your skin type. If a physician assistant or licensed nurse will do the procedure, make sure a doctor supervises and is available on-site during the treatments. Be cautious about spas, salons or other facilities that allow nonmedical personnel to do laser hair removal.
Before laser hair removal, schedule a consultation with the doctor to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option for you. Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Review your medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures
- Discuss risks, benefits and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and can’t do for you
- Take photos to be used for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews
At the consultation, discuss a treatment plan and related costs. Laser hair removal is usually an out-of-pocket expense.
The doctor will also offer specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal. These might include:
- Staying out of the sun. Follow your doctor’s advice for avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen.
- Lightening your skin. Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin. Your doctor might also prescribe a skin bleaching cream if you have a recent tan or darker skin.
- Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.
- Avoiding blood-thinning medications. Ask your doctor about what medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, to avoid before the procedure.
- Shaving treatment area. Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.
What You Can Expect
Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.
For each treatment you’ll wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam. An assistant might shave the site again if necessary. The doctor might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment.
During the procedure
The doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip of the instrument or a cool gel might be used to protect your skin and lessen the risk of side effects.
When the doctor activates the laser, the laser beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. You might feel discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and you’ll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel.
Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, might take more than an hour.
After the procedure
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal.
To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don’t use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your doctor. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.
Results
Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.
Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it’s usually finer and lighter in color.
You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.
What about home lasers?
Lasers that can be used at home for hair removal are available. These devices might cause modest hair reduction. But there are no large studies comparing how effective these devices are compared with laser hair removal done at a doctor’s office.
Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers these home laser hair removal devices to be cosmetic, not medical, which means they don’t get the same level of scrutiny as other medical devices. Currently, there haven’t been large, long-term studies on how safe and effective the home machines are.
If you choose to use a home laser hair removal device, follow the instructions that come with the device to help reduce the risk of injury, especially eye injuries.