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Laser Hair Removal

Introduction to Laser Hair Removal Problems
  About Hair Removal
What Is Laser Hair Removal And How Does It Work?
  Information about Laser Hair Removal
How Can You Be Sure You Are In Safe Hands?
  Regulations for Laser Hair Removal Clinics
Contraindications for Laser Hair Removal
  Conditions which make Laser Hair Removal inadvisable
What Are The Known Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
  Risks of Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal Compensation Claims
  Starting a claim for Laser Hair Removal Compensation

Introduction to Laser Hair Removal

About Hair Removal

There are a number of ways to temporarily remove unwanted body and facial hair, however, none of the usual hair removal methods practiced today such as shaving, waxing or epilating provides complete or permanent hair removal and they are often time consuming and need to be carried out on a regular basis. Body hair may be undesirable for cultural, social, cosmetic, or psychological reasons and unwanted hair can result in feelings of embarrassment or emotional burden that may affect people’s relationships or daily activities. In today’s society where lifestyles are much busier and people are more self-conscious, both men and women alike seek a more long-term or permanent solution to hair removal. Laser hair removal has become well established as an effective form of treatment for unwanted body hair.

If you have been injured as a result of laser hair removal, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.  For more information, contact us on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

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What Is Laser Hair Removal And How Does It Work?

Information about Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a treatment used to reduce the growth of unwanted hair on the face or body. Laser hair removal works when light energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the pigment colour in the hair and converts into heat during penetration. This causes thermal injury to the hair follicle. The high temperature reaches and disables the follicle, effectively reducing further re-growth. This process can be accomplished only during the growth stage of hair. As hair grows in cycles and not all follicles are at the same stage at the same time, laser hair removal is carried out over a number of sessions in order to achieve the best results.

The quantity and type of laser treatments required will depend upon the colour, hair density, skin type and treatment area, together with ethnic background and hormones. The laser will be set to each individual specification.

People with fair skin and dark hair usually see the best results. The use of hair removal lasers on darker complexions should be carried out with care.

If you have been injured as a result of laser hair removal treatment, you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.  To find out how Thompsons Solicitors may be able to help you, call us on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms. 

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How Can You Be Sure You Are In Safe Hands?

Regulations for Laser Hair Removal Clinics

Practices offering laser hair removal procedures which are not run by the NHS, e.g. private practices and beauty salons, are required by law to register with and be monitored by the Care Quality Commission. A licence is needed to carry out laser hair removal treatments.

A record should be kept of the patient’s name, date of treatment, length of treatment and who carried out the procedure. A health questionnaire should be completed during the consultation and any contraindications identified.

A patient must provide written consent prior to treatment.

The practitioner carrying out the treatment should have a minimum of an NVQ 3 or equivalent.

They should also be trained in the use of the laser equipment for the particular treatment required. The minimum requirements for the person in charge are that they are registered, have training on the laser equipment, and have attended a laser safety course. The minimum training they should have received on the laser equipment should cover the hazards of using a particular machine, risk assessments, a certificate of competency and proof of their training. It is also strongly advised that they have training in basic CPR and first aid, and general health and safety awareness.

It is also required by law that practitioners who carry out laser hair removal procedures are insured. There are two different types of insurance needed: public liability / employer liability and professional indemnity insurance. They must also have current membership of an appropriate professional organisation.

If you have been injured as the result of laser hair removal, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation.  To discuss your case in more detail, call us on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

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Contraindications for Laser Hair Removal

Conditions which make Laser Hair Removal inadvisable

A "contraindication" is a condition which makes a type of treatment or medication inadvisable as it is likely to cause problems to occur.

Hirsutism (excessive body hair) can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Such conditions are generally hormone related, e.g. polycystic ovarian syndrome. This should be discussed with a GP prior to treatment.

Medical Conditions

• Laser hair removal treatment can cause problems for those with active or chronic herpes simplex viral infections. The practitioner must know before treatment if a person suffers from such an infection.
• Care should also be taken if a person suffers from hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation. The practitioner should use their own judgement and advise carefully as there may be problems with skin healing if the skin is damaged during laser treatment.
• Other conditions which should be approached with caution include psoriasis, bleeding disorders, vitiligo and severe histamine reactions.
• Laser hair removal treatment should not be carried out on skin which is sunburnt, or had surgeries such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels.

Medications

• If a person is taking isotretinoin (formerly known as Accutane), they should be advised to stop taking this 6 months before undergoing laser hair removal treatment. This drug can cause skin sensitivity and this is not beneficial in laser hair removal treatment.
• Photosensitising drugs that are activated by ultraviolet A light wavelengths may also contraindicate some laser hair removal treatments. If such medication is being taken, it is safer to use laser treatments, which work within the visible and infrared parts of the light spectrum.
• There are a number of common drugs, which can also interfere with treatment. Steroids, antibiotics such as tetracyclines and analgesics like ibuprofen are just some such drugs.

Tattoos

• Laser hair removal treatments can alter the appearance of tattoos. If a person has a tattoo on the area they want to have treated, they should consider their decision carefully. The laser can cause changes in the pigments of the ink used in tattoos and this will change the way it looks. The pigments can be lightened or darkened by the laser. Not all pigments will react with the laser though; so changes may not occur, but there is a risk.

If you have been injured as a result of a Laser Hair Removal procedure, you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.  To find out more, call us on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claims.

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What Are The Known Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?

Risks of Laser Hair Removal

It is known for some normal side effects to occur after laser hair removal and these include: itching, redness, blistering and swelling around the treatment area. These side effects should not last more than three days. Some level of pain can also be expected during treatments. More serious side effects are: scarring, hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the skin), burns, eye injuries and infection.

Scarring is usually one of the worst side effects to get, as scars can be unsightly, especially to the face. The main cause of scarring is the laser itself. An infection after treatment can also cause the formation of scar tissue. Pulsed laser hair removal systems can minimise the risk of getting scars after treatment. These risks can usually be avoided when being treated with an appropriate laser type and at appropriate settings for the individual's skin type.

If you have suffered an injury as a result of laser hair removal treatment, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.  For more information, contact us on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

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Laser Hair Removal Compensation Claims

Starting a claim for Laser Hair Removal Compensation

Occasionally injuries can be caused by laser hair removal which could have been prevented and are deemed to be negligent. There are different types of injuries that can result in temporary or permanent damage that may have a severe impact on a person’s life. If laser hair removal treatment is not carried out correctly by a skilled technician, or the equipment used is defective, patients can suffer serious consequences as a result. It is important to distinguish between an injury which is a non-negligent risk and an injury caused by negligence.

An undesired outcome does not always amount to negligence. In order to be successful in a claim for compensation, you must ensure that you take legal action within three years of knowledge of the alleged negligence / treatment – the sooner the better. We have to be able to prove that the technician breached their duty of care in the standard of treatment provided and that our client suffered damage as a direct result of that breach. Some of the aspects of the treatment which should be considered are:-

• Whether the practitioner was licensed and fully qualified to carry out the procedure
• Whether the machinery used was in good working order or defective
• Whether a patch test was carried out first as not everyone is suitable for laser hair removal
• Whether the right settings and times were used in accordance to skin colour / hair type as set out in the practice guidelines
• Whether the technician complied with heath and safety and used protective equipment
• The type of laser used and how long particular equipment had been used

Thompsons are representing a number of people who have suffered damage arising from negligent laser hair removal. Our cases involve patients not being given patch tests prior to receiving treatment or when using new or different types of machines, cases where areas of the skin have been over-lasered, and cases where technicians have been using poor techniques - using excessive temperatures or failing to change the settings between individuals.

If you feel that you have suffered injury as a result of laser hair removal which goes beyond the normal non-negligent risks of the procedure, Thompsons Solicitors can provide you with legal advice and representation. Evidence is important to pursue these types of claims, therefore any documentation relating to the treatment should be retained and photographs of any damage sustained should be taken at regular intervals.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all matters relating to personal injury and will be able to advise you as to whether or not you have a valid claim. Our specialist lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a compensation claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. To discuss your case in more details, call us on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

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