Laser Hair Removal

Most people would love having thick shiny hair, just not on their arms, backs and stomachs.   Unwanted hair can be embarrassing, and having to shave every day is a hassle that many wish they could do without. 

Laser hair removal offers a solution that is longer lasting and less painful than other options.

Laser hair removal is achieved by directing a concentrated beam of light at the unwanted hair.  The heat produced by the light damages the hair follicle thus preventing future growth.   While many find this procedure less painful than waxing, it is not without discomfort.  Some describe the sensation as the feeling of being pinched. Also, keep in mind that the treated area will be sensitive and the area may be red and swollen for a few days following the procedure.

For those determined to rid themselves of unwanted hair, the discomfort may seem a small price to pay for the possibility of having smooth hair-free skin.  Knowing the benefits, as well as the limitations, of laser hair removal will help you decide if it’s the right option for you.

Smaller areas, such as the upper lip or underarms, may take only one treatment.  Larger areas can require several visits.  Consult with your doctor before making a decision. After an evaluation, he should be able to tell you how many sessions will be required.  Keep in mind that since hair grows in cycles, it’s possible that even a small area may need to be treated again. 

The cost of laser hair removal has come down, making this treatment accessible to more consumers.  Some doctors will charge by the hour, while others will charge by the area.  If cost is a big concern, you may want to find a doctor who charges per area, so that you will know up front exactly what your costs will be.

You should ask who will be performing the procedure. Some states do not require laser hair removal be performed by a doctor.   Many technicians who perform the procedure are highly trained and the results will be just as good as if a doctor had done it. If you would feel more comfortable in the hands of a physician, let it be known.  Most clinics will be happy to accommodate your request.

This option does not necessarily result in permanent hair removal.  Some areas will require several treatments to achieve the best results but, should the hair grow back, it will often be lighter and finer.  Additional treatments may achieve longer lasting results.

Laser hair removal is not for women only. Many men want to get rid of unwanted back or chest hair. Some men have even had the procedure to eliminate the need to shave each morning. 

While requiring a commitment of time and money, laser hair removal is a good choice for those men and women who are ready to leave the razors behind.

If you've grown weary of regularly waxing, shaving or plucking unwanted hair from somewhere on your body, then you might be interested in learning about laser hair removal treatments. The use of lasers to remove unwanted hair is a professional alternative to home methods that provide only a short-term solution and can be both painful and irritating to your skin. However, don't throw away your razor just yet. Laser hair removal is not the miracle cure that some portray it to be. Let's take a closer look at this popular beauty technology.

Surprisingly, no one is completely sure how laser hair removal works. Here's what happens: a laser emitting pulses of light (each pulse lasts about a millisecond) is focused on the area of your skin with unwanted hair. The light passes through the surface of your skin and is absorbed by the pigment in your hair follicle. Experts believe that this generates heat and breaks down the hair follicle, disabling the follicle's ability to grow. After treatment, the unwanted hairs gradually fall out.

Laser hair removal methods are most successful on people with light skin and dark hair. People with dark skin have extra pigmentation in their skin. As it turns out, this extra pigmentation absorbs most of the laser's energy. So instead of reaching its targeted pigment in the hair follicle, the laser could end up damaging your skin. Laser hair removal is often not effective on individuals with light hair because their hair follicles don't contain much pigment in the first place.

To be truly effective, laser hair removal treatments must be repeated several times (with about six to eight weeks between each treatment). And you'll probably need to wait almost a full year before you'll know for sure how effective the treatments have been. There are no guarantees. Even if you have light skin and dark hair, the effectiveness of laser hair removal varies from person to person. If it works really well for you, hair counts could be reduced up to 80 percent. But it's possible that it won't help much at all.

There are some risks associated with laser hair removal, including darkening or lightening of the skin, blistering, and changes in skin texture. However, these side effects are rare. There is some pain associated with the process of laser hair removal. Most people describe it as similar to the feeling of being snapped with a rubber band. This minor pain can usually be avoided with topical anesthetics during the procedure.

Even the biggest supporters of laser hair removal will admit that it's not for everyone. For those with light skin and dark hair, it can be a relatively fast and less painful way to permanently remove hair. If it sounds like you're not a good candidate for laser hair removal, don't lose hope. Electrolysis is another method for permanent hair removal. Although it's slower and somewhat more painful than the use of lasers, the results are more predictable and certain.