Experts Speak Up On Whether Laser Hair Removal Causes Cancer

Laser hair removal treatment is a fad among women. Whether it's for their legs, underarms and bikini area, women are resorting to laser hair removal despite the hefty price tag because the procedure is painless and more effective.

Some people, however, are hesitant to undergo laser hair removal treatment because of fears that it might cause cancer. Experts weighed in on the matter and explained the difference between laser hair removal treatment and radiations that cause cancer.

Ionizing Radiation

High-frequency ionizing radiation, or X-rays and gamma rays, are cancer risks because it can directly damage and alter a person's cell DNA, Fox News reported. High-frequency ionizing radiation originates from natural sources like radon gas, though it can be manmade as well like in medical imaging tests. Nuclear power plants also make high-frequency ionizing radiation for nuclear energy.

The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, said laser hair removal treatments use non-ionizing radiation, which is harmless to a person's DNA and doesn't cause cancer. Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, told Fox News that the light energy from lasers only has a shallow reach and "remains at the level of the skin."

Fox News reported from Dr. Konstantin Zakashansky, a gynecologic oncologist at the Mount Sinai Hospital, said the light from lasers "does not penetrate beyond the depths of the hair follicle" and the internal organs and fertility levels aren't affected. Though laser hair treatments don't cause cancer, the procedure can give redness, discoloration and scarring on the patch of skin it was administered to.

How Laser Hair Treatment Works

Many patients say they permanently lose hair after an average of three to seven laser hair treatment sessions, WebMD wrote. Some patients, however, require touch-ups every two years when persistent strands of hair grow back after some time.

Kristen Rogers, a specialist at NYC-based beauty facility Spruce & Bond, said dark body hair works well with laser hair treatments. People with blonde, red or gray hair usually don't get positive results from laser hair removal, according to a report from the Huffington Post.

Cutting Edge Laser Hair Removal In Melbourne

In Melbourne, Australia, a new method of laser hair removal is touted to be a cutting edge hybridized process. Super Hair Removal is a hybrid between Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, and targeted fixed-frequency laser hair removal, per Free Press Release Center.

Super Hair Removal, or SHR, is said to be three times faster than standard IPL treatment. The procedure also requires less sessions because of the thorough job done every period.