Will you be enhancing your beauty this Spring/Summer

Will you be enhancing your beauty this Spring/Summer?

The glossy magazines and adverts promise an easy, non-surgical solution to unwanted hair.
The problem is that, it is these very adverts that trivialise such treatments promising permanent hair removal. We all want to look our best and more so, during the Spring/Summer months. We store away our Winter coats, buy a new wardrobe of summer clothes and are ready to enjoy the sun. However you must be aware of the disastrous side effects that can potentially arise with hair removal treatment.

All premises offering Laser Skin Treatments, including Laser Hair Removal and Thread Vein Removal are required by law to be registered with the Care Quality Commission [CQC]. Part of the CQC’s role is to oversee all private medical establishments in the UK, and Laser Skin Treatments fall under their umbrella. The CQC are principally concerned with client safety due to the increasing number of complaints received by them.

Experts believe there are 4,000 unlicensed laser hair removal providers in Britain and only 850 clinics licensed and regulated by the CQC. However an increasing number of complaints are being received by unlicensed salons as well as highly regarded salons. Claim Today Solicitors has successfully dealt with several cases against licensed and unlicensed salons.

The Evolution of Laser Hair Removal

Today, more and more of us are concerned with the effects of unsightly hair growth on their overall appearance. Though such methods of hair removal as waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams can offer a temporary solution to the problem of unwanted hair, maintaining their results can be tedious and painful. Laser hair removal can treat virtually any area of the body targeting the legs, face, arms, back and other treatable areas can include the chest, hands, feet, stomach and pubic region.

Laser hair removal utilises beams of highly concentrated light (at a precise wavelength, power, and pulse duration) to be absorbed by the pigment or hair-producing areas within the follicle) at the proper time in the hair growth cycle to permanently destroy the hair. Since different hairs are at different phases of their growth cycle, multiple treatments are necessary for maximum removal. Most clients achieve 60-95 percent hair removal if they complete the recommended number of treatments. Some regrowth is seen by most clients, but regrowth may be finer or lighter in color.
Today, there are at least seven types of laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) technology utilised by over 24 manufacturers, with over 40 different machines, just for hair removal.

But here are less well known facts:
• Complete removal of unwanted hair is unrealistic
• Results vary with machine, operator, and client
• Not every salon with a laser is appropriately supervised, and the actual laser technician may have little or no medical training.

Dangers and Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
• There is a risk of side effects such as blisters, scars and skin irritation problems.
• Short-term side effects of laser hair removal may include swelling and redness, which typically subside in a few days.
• However if the procedure is performed incorrectly, [which can be common] injuries such as burns and change in skin colour can occur.
• One of the most common dangers associated with improperly performed laser hair removal procedures are burns, which may occur if the skin, rather than the hair follicle, absorbs the laser energy.
• The majority of burn cases are a result of laser hair removal performed by someone who is not qualified or experienced in the procedure. Receiving treatment from an inexperienced or unqualified technician can dramatically increase the risks of injury from laser hair removal.
• Two of the more noticeable, but less painful, side effects of laser hair removal are hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. This is one of the most common cause for complaints and compensation claims. Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of skin that may occur after the laser hair removal treatment. The laser can often at times stimulate melanin production, creating a reaction that is similar to getting a suntan. Hypopigmentation, on the other hand, refers to the lightening of skin that can occur after laser hair removal treatment. The absorption of laser light can, in some cases, inhibit melanin production, leading to a loss of pigment. Like hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation occurs more often in patients with darker skin. And, while hyperpigmentation is typically reversible, hypopigmentation is not.

Advice

(1) Research the salon you will be attending and be sure to ask about the therapist’s qualifications, experience and training.
(2) Prior to undergoing any treatment, ensure you request a patch test if this is not offered to you.
(3) Since laser hair removal is offered by so many spas and clinics, don't hesitate to ask what laser is used, who actually does the treatment, the training and safety measures used, and which therapist/beautician is responsible for supervision. Any reputable provider will be happy to share their information.
(4) Ask the salon of any previous problems with the treatment and side effects.
(5) If you have unfortunately suffered side effects from hair removal treatment whether through waxing or laser treatment, call Claim Today Solicitors in confidence for further advice.

Sam Zaffar is a Litigation Executive at Claim Today Solicitors with particular interest in injury arising from beauty treatments. Should you have any queries please email: sam@dbslaw.co.uk