Lazer Hair Removal Advantages

Is it the Right Choice for Me?

If you want to rid yourself of unwanted hair and are willing to put up with a little temporary pain, lazer hair removal may be right for you. Many people describe the sensation as the snap of a rubber band against their skin. In exchange, you can get rid of the hair for a long time. Many people grow tired of the routines of shaving, tweezing, or waxing. They are time consuming, and last for just a few days. Lazer hair removal can be a great option because the results are typically long-lasting , and following treatment your skin will just be slightly red in the treated area which should go away in about a day.

Besides removing embarrassing or unwanted hair, lazer hair removal can also be used to stop ingrown hairs. However, by far the most common reason lazer hair removal is performed is to rid the patient of unwanted hair . Nearly every area of the body can be treated, from legs and bikini lines to hair on the chest, arms, or face.

While early versions of lazer hair removal, which was first performed in 1998, could only be used for coarse black hair on pale skin, today’s options include lazers suited for darker skin. However, lazer hair removal is not well suited to light blonde hair or very fine hair (”peach fuzz.”). Lazer hair removal is well suited to you if you have dark hair, because the lazer targets the dark pigment, or melanin, in your hair. The closer your skin tone is to the color of your hair, the less likely you will be a good candidate for lazer hair removal. This includes people who have tanned.

Before undergoing lazer hair removal treatments, make sure there is no underlying reason if you have excessive hair. There could be something triggering the hair growth, and lazer treatments might seem ineffective because the body will keep developing new hair. These reasons could include several medical causes or hormonal imbalances, and you’ll need to consult with a doctor before deciding if lazer hair removal would be effective. Medical conditions which will disqualify you from lazer hair removal include diabetes, lupus, ovarian or thyroid disease, or a history of herpes simplex outbreaks in the treatment area. Moles or tattoos in the treatment area will complicate treatment or remove the possibility of lazer hair removal in the area. However, for the most part any unwanted hair can be removed using lazer hair removal.

If you are tired of your unwanted body hair, lazer hair removal is an excellent option to consider . It takes just a few hours per treatment for even the largest areas, and is not exceedingly painful. Many patients experience long-lasting reductions in the amount of hair left after lazer hair treatments.

Is Lazer Hair Removal Permanent?

One of the first questions people usually ask when considering lazer hair removal is whether it is permanent. While only electrolysis has been officially certified as permanent hair removal by the FDA, lazer hair removal does offer long-lasting effects. Many patients find that the hair stays away for several years after lazer hair removal. However, since the hair follicle is disabled but not completely destroyed during the lazer hair removal process, it is possible for some regrowth to occur.

Generally, lazers are more effective on areas with thin skin, like the bikini area and armpits, than on areas with thick skin, such as the back and chin. However, so long as the lazer is correctly calibrated, hair in areas with thick skin can be effectively removed. This is one reason why finding an experienced doctor to perform the lazer hair removal procedure is so important. Most patients find that the hair removed during the lazer hair removal process stays away for several years. The hair that re-grows after lazer hair removal treatment tends to be lighter and finer. If the wrong types of lazers are used, especially with blonde or white hair, complete regrowth is possible.

For an extended hair-free period, you’ll need to undergo 6-8 initial treatments, usually about a month apart. This enables the lazer to catch the hairs as they enter the active growth process, where the lazer will effectively disable them. The percentage of hair removed after each session will vary from person to person. However, you should not expect lazer hair removal to remove every single hair from the treated area, because very fine hairs are not affected by the lazer.

The amount of time that lazer hair removal will last varies from person to person, as some people respond better to treatment as others do. Many people undergo touch-up treatments once the hair has regrown, with the majority of these occurring between 6 months and a year after the initial set of treatments. These usually occur at longer and longer intervals, although the frequency of maintenance treatments varies considerably from person to person.

Before undergoing lazer hair removal, be sure to discuss your specific situation with your doctor. This is especially important if you have undergone 6-8 sessions of lazer hair removal and it does not seem to be working. It is possible that an underlying medical condition is causing this hair growth. If this is the case, lazer hair removal will appear to be ineffective because your body will continually produce new hairs. Your results also depend on the doctor’s skill, the type of lazer used, and how the settings are adjusted for your individual situation. Because of this, be sure to discuss the possible results with your doctor before undergoing lazer hair removal.

Choosing Your Hair Removal Clinic

As with most medical procedures, be sure you choose a reputable lazer hair removal clinic for your procedure. The doctor you choose should not only be board certified in dermatology, but also be fully trained in the specific type of lazer hair removal procedure you are undergoing. Lazer hair removal is often performed by technicians, but should be performed at least under the direct supervision of a dermatologist. Some spas or salons allow non-medical personnel to perform the procedure; avoid these and choose a doctor with technicians who are well trained in lazer hair removal. Choosing a doctor who knows what he’s doing is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risks when undergoing the procedure.

Choosing a clinic for your lazer hair removal treatment should be taken as seriously as if you were choosing a surgeon for a more serious procedure. Make sure that you feel comfortable in their office, that all assistants are fully trained and doctors are fully certified, and that the place appears clean and orderly.

Before choosing a clinic, meet with several doctors to determine the one that best meets your needs. Ensure that they understand your hair and skin type, and have chosen a lazer technology that is appropriate for your situation. Some lazer hair removal clinics do not employ the technology necessary to treat darker skin tones, so make sure you find one that does if this applies to you. Even if you have dark hair and light skin, find a lazer hair removal provider that invests in the newest technology and best lazers, to make sure you will receive the best results possible. If they have recently received new lazer technology, be sure to ask about you doctor’s training on that specific method.

Your doctor should help you fully understand what to expect, as well as the possible risks and side effects , before allowing you to commit to the procedure. Beware of any doctor who seems overly eager to proceed without explaining the details; lazer hair removal is not inexpensive, and a few unscrupulous doctors may be out for your money. If you feel pressured to sign up right away, do not choose that doctor. Your doctor should be more interested in showing you that he can provide you the best possible results for your personal situation than in getting you to pay. Although lazer hair removal is a very common cosmetic procedure, many clinics promise results that are just not realistic in order to convince you to pay.

For many patients, lazer hair removal cost will be a consideration when choosing a clinic. However, do not go with the lowest bidder; take care of your body by choosing a reputable clinic . Some offer discounts on lazer hair removal costs if you purchase several procedures at the same time. Since the majority of patients will need at least 3 treatments for long-lasting hair removal, this can be a way to save money without compromising on quality.

What are My Options?

Many people don’t realize that there are many options when you are considering lazer hair removal. First, of course, you’ll have to determine the area you wish to treat. Keep in mind that many providers of lazer hair removal treatments will give you discounts for treating a large area, making it more cost effective than treating several smaller areas.

Not only will you need to decide specifically which areas of your body will be treated, but you’ll also have to determine what technology will be used during your treatment. The dermatologist you choose will be able to walk you through the options available based on your skin and hair type. Luckily, new lazers have recently been developed to treat a wide variety of skin and hair colors. Previously, lazer hair removal was only effective for thick, dark hair on very pale skin. Now, however, you can obtain long-lasting results with lazer hair treatments on different hair and skin types.

The success of your lazer hair removal procedure depends on the type of lazer used by the professional you select. Particularly if you have dark skin or light hair, seek out a professional offering the right lazer options to treat your skin or hair type. You may even want to discuss the options with several different lazer hair removal providers to determine which one has the most options available to you.

Lazer beams used for lazer hair removal vary from the visible light spectrum to nearly infrared wavelengths. A few of the lazer types used for lazer hair removal include the ruby, alexandrite, and diode lazers, as well as the intense pulsed light, or IPL, system. These lazers are used by most lazer hair removal professionals, but they are not very effective on combinations other than light skin and dark hair. Ruby is no longer used by most professionals because it is effective only on very light skin. Alexandrite is the most effective on light skin, while pulsed diode array lazers can be effectively used on slightly darker skin.

Newer lazers, such as the Nd:YAG lazer, uses a longer wavelength to treat darker skin tones. This newly developed lazer is safe and effective even for even the darkest skin tones. However, it may not produce as long-lasting results for some patients.

Another variable affecting the success of your treatment is the size of the lazer beam. Larger sizes make treatment faster and more effective. Most range from 8 to 18 millimeters in diameter.

Finding a skilled professional to perform lazer hair removal is important because of the variables involved. The wavelength of the light, length of the lazer pulses, and size of the lazer beam can all be manipulated to change the results you will receive after undergoing a lazer hair removal procedure.

What are the Side Effects of Lazer Hair Removal?

Lazer hair removal is a very safe procedure, and it has been performed on thousands of patients successfully. However, as with any medical procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and side effects with your doctor so that you know what to expect. As long as you choose a qualified and experienced doctor , complications from lazer hair removal are very rare. These side effects are temporary, and not likely to have long term effects. Here are a few of the side effects you may experience:

Pain. During the procedure, you may experience slight pain as the lazer is used. Some patients compare it to a rubber band snapping against the skin. If you are having lazer hair removal in a sensitive area of the body, ask about numbing creams or pain relief options. Once the lazer process is done, the pain should subside. After the procedure, you can return to your normal activities immediately.

Redness and swelling. This is the most common side effect after you undergo lazer hair removal, and it usually lasts for a day or two. Ice packs, aloe cream, or pain medication can help provide relief. It should begin to subside as soon as your lazer hair removal procedure is over.

Blistering, burns, crusting or scabbing. Damage to the surrounding skin, including burns or blistering, rarely occurs. When this does happen it is usually due to an inexperienced doctor, the wrong settings on the lazer machine, or undergoing lazer hair removal while you have a tan. They also occur on patients with very dark skin, as the lazers needed to treat the hair on patients with dark skin penetrate deeper than those used to treat fair skin. Very rarely, these blisters or burns can develop into a scar. If this occurs, keep the area moist with Vaseline (petroleum jelly), and use an ointment on any open areas in the skin.

Pigment changes. Occasionally, the treated skin may become darker or lighter after the procedure. The affected area should return to your usual skin color within a few months. Permanent skin pigment changes are very rare, although loss of freckles or lightening of moles may occur. In addition, any tattoos you have in the treated area may become lighter or darker.

To avoid these side effects, do not tan before undergoing lazer hair removal. This can affect how the lazer is absorbed into your skin, and you must wait until the tan is gone to reduce the risk of side effects. Any side effects you experience should be gone within 3 days; be sure to contact your doctor if they persist or grow worse. Select an experienced doctor to perform your lazer hair removal treatment to minimize your risk.

Why Lazer Hair Removal?

If you are just starting to look into the possibilities of lazer hair removal, you may be wondering why people want it. Most people undergo lazer hair removal because they are tired of shaving, waxing, tweezing, or otherwise struggling to get rid of their unwanted hair. Lazer hair removal offers the possibility of long-term hair removal, so you can stop wasting your time and money on removing the hair. People are looking for an easier way to remove their unwanted hair ; for many, lazer hair removal is the solution to years of struggling against unwanted hair growth.

Most people remove unwanted body hair on their legs, armpits, upper lip, or bikini line. However, you can treat unwanted hair in almost any area of the body using lazer hair removal.

Many people want lazer hair removal because they want to be ready for a swimsuit or other revealing look at a moment’s notice. No longer will they have to consider the last time they shaved when a friend invites them to the pool. If you have a busy lifestyle, you can save the time and hassle associated with frequent removal of unwanted hair.

Others choose lazer hair removal because other methods, like shaving, can cause cuts, ingrown hairs, or irritation week after week. Some, like electrolysis or waxing, can be lengthy, messy, or painful. These routines have to be repeated often if you want to stay hair-free, while lazer hair removal offers a longer hair-free period, and is not any more painful than these methods. In fact, it has been described as a rubber band snapping against the skin, which is a small price to pay for hair removal, especially considering the other methods available.

While lazer hair removal does not guarantee permanent hair removal , it does provide a long hair-free phase, varying from a few months to many years. With repeat treatments, the goal of long-term hair removal is certainly possible. The only other treatment available for long-term hair removal is Electrolysis. Many people choose lazer hair removal over electrolysis because it is much less painful, and can be used to treat a larger area like the back or legs.

Lazer hair removal is actually the second most popular cosmetic treatment, behind Botox. Both men and women have turned to lazer hair removal because of its efficiency at removing unwanted hair. While it can be more costly than traditional methods like shaving or tweezing, think of the time and money you’ll save in the future, when you’re free from the hassle of constant upkeep.

Lazer hair removal is a versatile treatment, as it can effectively remove the hair on almost any part of the body. It’s relatively quick and not very painful, allowing many people to finally win the battle against unwanted hair.

Lazer Technologies

There are several different technologies used for lazer hair removal . Older lazers, first used in 1998 for lazer hair removal, were only effective when used against very pale skin. Newer lazers, however, can effectively remove hair on very dark skin.

Lazer hair removal works by sending a lazer pulse that can penetrate deep into the skin to reach the hair follicles, where the intense heat produced by the lazer disables the follicles that are in the active growth phase. All currently used lazer technologies target the melanin, or dark pigment, inside the hair follicles. Because melanin is the pigment also found in skin, these lazers must be developed to effectively reach through the skin to the hair follicles.

There are five lazers that have been commonly used for lazer hair removal:

1. Ruby lazers - Ruby lazers, which have a short 694nm wavelength, are not commonly used anymore. One of the first lazers used for lazer hair removal, the Ruby lazer is only effective on very pale skin, and often lightens or darkens the skin if used on even slightly darker skin.
2. Alexandrite lazers - With a 855nm wavelength, Alexandrite lazers are still not very effective on darker skin, and also tend to change the skin color of patients who do not have very pale skin.
3. Diode lazer s- 800nm Diode lazers are being promoted for use in the darkest skin colors. Although quite new, the results have been promising. This longer wavelength enables the light to penetrate deeper, avoiding the melanin pigment in dark skin to more effectively reach the melanin in the hair follicles under the skin.
4. Nd:Yag lazers - This newly-developed 1064nm wavelength lazer can treat even very dark skin. However, it may not have long-term affects when used on dark skin. However, because this is a very new development in lazer hair removal technology, its permanency is improving all of the time.
5. IPL- Intense Pulsed Light systems are usually effective for lazer hair removal on all skin types. The IPL system uses a variety of wavelengths, from 515nm to 1200nm. Although not technically a lazer, IPL systems are often used by lazer hair removal clinics, and marketed along with lazer hair removal. There are several different types of IPL systems which differ in their capabilities.

These five main lazer systems have been used under different names. They are used in essentially the same way when removing hair, but differ in the wavelength of the lazer beam. This affects the amount of light that will be absorbed by the skin as opposed to the hair follicles targeted. If you’re considering lazer hair removal, make sure the clinic you choose uses an up-to-date lazer system that is appropriate for your hair and skin type.

Background History

Lazer hair removal is a relatively new procedure, as it was first approved by the FDA in 1995. However, many years of history led up to its approval. The 20th century saw many advancements in the world of hair removal, involving the first electric razor in the 1920’s, the first depilatory creams in the 1940’s, and the popularity of hot wax hair removal in the 1970’s.

Of course, it’s impossible to discuss the history of lazer hair removal without the history of lazers. As lazers were being developed in the 1960’s, dermatologists almost immediately saw the possibilities. The first lazers emitted a continuous wave. These could not be controlled well enough to avoid skin damage, unlike today’s pulsed lazer systems.

During the 1980’s, the first lazers were tested specifically for hair removal. Early published data resulted in more interest in lazer hair removal. Early lazers, including an argon lazer, were marketed but soon pulled because they were ineffective. Other lazers were developed for tattoo removal and vein treatments. In some instances, doctors observed hair loss in the treated areas, leading to further development in the area of lazer hair removal. The process for lazer hair removal was finally perfected in 1995, when it gained FDA approval. In 1997, the current process of targeting the melanin in the hair follicles was approved.

Since the mid-1990’s, the procedure used for lazer hair removal has not been significantly altered, although the lazer types employed during this process have certainly changed. Because of these new lazers, lazer hair removal is safer and more effective on darker skin. The earliest lazers could only be used on very pale skin. The first FDA-approved lazers were ruby lazers, which could not be used on anything other than the lightest skin. While still not effective on blonde or gray hairs, newer lazers are also better able to target lighter hairs; early lazers could only be used to remove coarse, dark hairs.

While in the past, only light-skinned, dark-haired people were candidates for lazer hair removal, improving lazer technologies coupled with lowered costs have made lazer hair removal a viable option for many more people. Newer lazer technology includes Nd:YAG lazers as well as the slightly older Diode and Alexandrite lazers. These advanced lazers are also able to provide a longer hair-free period for many people.

Today, advanced lazer technology offers lazer hair removal that is safe, fast, and effective at removing unwanted hair . We can only imagine what new technological developments will bring to the hair removal world as the lazers continue to improve. There is currently research being done to find ways to remove lighter or finer hairs, which has been a difficulty in using lazer hair removal.

What are the Risks of Lazer Hair Removal?

Lazer hair removal is an excellent option for removing unwanted hair . However, like with any medical procedure, it is not without its risks. Be sure to discuss these with your doctor before deciding to undergo the procedure so that you know what to look out for and can weigh the risks against the rewards. Lazer hair removal has a very low incidence of complications. The risks you take with lazer hair removal include:

• Incomplete hair removal- The most commonly experienced risk you take when undergoing lazer hair removal is that the procedure simply won’t work as well as you’d hoped. Some of the hair may regrow after the treatment. It will usually take 6-8 procedures to get all of the hair in a treated area. After a number of treatments, a few patients will still find that the hair removal is incomplete. Although some people believe that lazer hair removal can cause MORE hair to grow, this is simply not true. There are no recorded incidents of increased hair growth after treatment.

• Darkening or lightening of the skin- While usually temporary, it may last for several months, or even be permanent. Lightening of the skin is an important risk to consider if you have dark skin, because the lazers used to treat patients with dark skin carry a higher risk of hypopigmentation.

• Changes in the skin texture- While possible, changes in the texture of the skin rarely occur.

• Bleeding- Very few patients bleed during lazer hair removal treatments, although it is possible.

• Infection- After lazer hair removal, infection is a remote possibility. If you do get blisters or burns, be sure to cover the skin with an ointment to prevent infection.

• Scarring- Rarely, blisters or burns occurring after lazer hair removal may turn into scars. Whether they turn into scars depends on your body’s ability to heal. Scars, although very rare, occur most commonly on darker skin tones, as well as those with tans. The type of lazer used also changes the lazer’s affects on your skin. Excessive pain during the procedure should be brought to the lazer technician’s attention immediately, because the lazer settings may need to be adjusted.

To minimize your risks, choose a reputable clinic . Many of the risks you take are affected by the lazer used, and the settings used on the lazer. Complications from lazer hair removal are rare if you go to a qualified doctor. Be sure to choose a doctor offering the latest lazer technology, which tends to be safer. Also make sure they understand your specific situation so they can choose the lazer settings that suit your hair and skin color. Overall, the risks associated with lazer hair removal are quite small, although complications can occur with any medical procedure.

What Is Lazer Hair Removal?

Lazer hair removal is a procedure that offers effective long term freedom from unwanted body hair. It is usually carried out in specialist clinics, though home lazer hair removal is now possible with new advancements in technologies enabling lazer hair removal systems to be targeted at the home user.

During the procedure a lazer produces a ray of very bright light that is all one color and gives off heat energy. The light is shone directly onto the skin and the heat produced is absorbed by dark hair follicles and damages them, causing the hair to fall out.

The Benefits Of Lazer Hair Removal

Other forms of hair removal such as waxing or plucking the hair does not damage the hair follicle, and so regrowth is relatively quick. While electrolysis does damage the hair follicle, it is a very slow procedure, only treating one follicle at a time.

One flash from a lazer will treat many hair follicles at once and only take a second. This means that larger areas can be treated in one go. While there is some discomfort with lazer hair removal, most people find it less so than electrolysis or waxing.

Lazer Hair Removal Treatments

Anywhere that hair grows on the body can be treated for both men and women wishing to remove unwanted body hair. Some of the most common treatment areas are:

• Facial hair removal - including eyebrows, sideburns, upper lip, cheeks and chin.
• Arm hair removal
• Leg hair removal
• Bikini line treament
• Back hair removal
• Chest hair removal

Is Lazer Hair Removal Permanent?

For some people who undergo lazer hair removal treatment the effects are permanent. However as the hair follicles are only damaged by the procedure hair growth may return. Top up lazer treatments may eventually be required to keep the area hair free. Compared to other hair removal techniques such as waxing, sugaring and electrolysis it offers the most effective form of long term hair removal.

What To Expect

A consultation will be given before treatment begins to asses how many sessions you will require, and also how long each session will take. The number of treatments you will require in order to achieve long term hair removal will depend on a number of factors including your skin tone and hair color. These will be explained to you at your initial consultation.

• Recent Updates

  • Is it the Right Choice for Me?
  • Is Lazer Hair Removal Permanent?
  • Lazer Hair Removal Advantages
  • Choosing Your Hair Removal Clinic
  • What are My Options?

• Categories

  • Lazer Hair Removal

Tags

• Pages

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

• Blogroll