How safe are laser beauty treatments?
abu dhabi — Laser hair removal services offered in medi-spas and beauty salons across the UAE have put safety into question, with doctors warning that improper treatment can lead to major side effects, including first degree burns.
Even though technicians may be licensed, Dr Eyas Abdulsattar Awad, Consultant Dermatologist at Burjeel Hospital, told Khaleej
Times that a doctor must be close by in case “things go wrong”.
Warning that different skin types can react differently to high-powered laser lights, Awad said the incorrect use of equipment can lead to major side effects including skin damage, discolouration, irritation, blisters, or even first degree burns.
“Some people look for cheaper prices and discounts on treatments and they end up getting fooled by these salons,” he said, pointing out that the phenomena is present across the country.
Urging residents to do thorough research when deciding where to go for treatment, he stressed that laser hair removal involves high-powered laser lights that kill hair follicles at the root, thus requiring a powerful and dangerous machine.
Those operating with the heavy equipment without a licence by authorities are putting a patient’s health at risk.
“Due to the side effects that the machines can cause, the sessions need to be supervised, so if anything does occur, (a doctor) can immediately intervene.”
Some people look for cheaper prices and discounts on treatments and they end up getting fooled by these salons
Dr Eyas Abdulsattar Awad,
Consultant dermatologist
abu dhabi — Doctors in the UAE are urging people against undergoing laser hair removal treatments at beauty salons, warning that even if the technician is licensed, a doctor must be close by to assist “if things go wrong”.
“Many unskilled people are not even aware of the dangers of the parameter for each skin type and this can cause major side effects and burns,” said Dr Eyas Abdulsattar Awad, consultant dermatologist at Burjeel Hospital.
He pointed out that patients must be cautious when choosing a doctor, adding that all specialists must be either authorised doctors or licensed technicians in the field.
“Laser hair removal involves high-powered laser lights that kill hair follicles at the root, thus require a powerful and dangerous machine. Those operating the heavy equipment without a licence by authorities are putting patients’ health at risk. Due to the side effects that the machines can cause, the sessions need to be guided under the supervision of a doctor, so that if anything does occur, he can immediately interfere.”
Dr Awad stressed that practitioners must thus be cautious with the parameter of the machine when using it on the patient, as it may damage their skin, cause discolouration, irritation, blisters, or even first degree burns, which he said have been too common due to people’s blind trust with beauty salons.
“Some people look for cheaper prices and discounts on treatments and they end up getting fooled by these salons.”
He pointed out that the phenomena is present across the country. “This is a major problem, authorities are trying to solve the issue, but it is still occurring.”
He also advised patients to do their research before putting their health in the hands of practitioners. “Laser machines may only reduce the body hair by 70-80
Laser hair removal involves high-powered laser lights that kill hair follicles at the root, thus require a powerful and dangerous machine.”
Dr Eyas Abdulsattar Awad, consultant dermatologist, Burjeel Hospital
Patients should research and choose a reputable medical facility that has licensed and well-experienced dermatologists and technicians.”
Dr Maram Abutaha, dermatology specialist, Bareen International Hospital
per cent, which require at least six to eight sessions. I urge patients to check the machines, they should use a laser machine for hair removal, instead of IPL, which is trending all over the market unfortunately, but will not benefit the patient.”
He also advised patients to not expose the treated areas to sunlight directly after treatment and avoid applying chemicals after each session, which can also cause a strong reaction.
Dr Maram Abutaha, dermatology specialist at Bareen International Hospital, said although laser hair removal treatment is relatively safe, it can be also dangerous when mishandled.
“Patients should research and choose a reputable medical facility that has licensed and wellexperienced dermatologists and technicians. Cases where there are negative effects usually occur when patients do not follow the medical instructions.
“In the beauty industry, it is not just laser hair removal machines that are causing harm when used incorrectly by unlicensed practitioners. There are several beauty machines like fractional laser, deep chemical peels and radio-frequency machines that can cause burns or result in side effects if they are not used properly.
“It is very important to look out for licensed and well-experienced practitioners and medical facilities before undergoing any procedure,” added Dr Maram Abutaha.