Electrolysis vs. Laser

Answers to your questions about Laser Hair Removal

• What is Laser Hair Removal?
The acronym “laser” represents Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is an electrical devise that produces light rays which are parallel to each other resulting in a concentration of energy. When in contact with human tissue, the heat that is generated attempts to destroy the hair follicles.

• Is it safe?
The long-term effects of laser hair removal have not been determined. Treatments have not been proven to be safe on some areas of the face, especially eyebrows, and on the breasts and abdomen of pregnant women. Laser removal could have the potential for harm to the consumer if not performed competently.

• Is it painful?
A clinical study conducted at Harvard Medical School (1997) revealed that ruby red laser hair removal treatment produces “bearable but significant pain.”

• What is the future of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser-assisted hair removal is in its infancy, a first generation technology that needs further
research and development. The American Electrolysis Association views any recommendations for laser hair removal with utmost caution and concern.

• Is Laser Hair Removal permanent?
A recent study published by Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Laser Center found that for 80 percent of the volunteers who underwent ruby laser treatment, results lasted just two to three months. The Food and Drug Administration has restricted laser hair removal equipment manufacturers from using the terms “painless”, “permanent” and “long-term” in advertisements describing laser treatment. Laser treatment may provide an alternative to other temporary hair removal methods, such as waxing and tweezing, but at a considerably higher cost.

• Important to note:
The Florida Board of Medicine has ruled that only Medical Doctors (MD), Osteopathic Doctors (DO), Physician Assistants (PA) and Electrologists may operate hair removal lasers. The Florida Board of Nursing may rule to allow only Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) to use lasers, but that decision has not been made. Since Feb. 2002, RN’s have been required to obtain an electrolysis license to operate hair removal lasers. The department of investigative services is aware of these recent decisions that will therefore be more actively pursuing ‘techs’ who are illegally operating lasers.