Category: Cosmetic Health

An Overview of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is an excellent way of removing unwanted hair. This is accomplished by sending a light beam of a specific wavelength onto the skin from the laser. The beam of light is sent through a hand piece into the skin, where it attacks the darker pigmentation of the hair follicle. This causes damage and destruction of the hair follicle without damaging the skin tissues around it. Some people do experience permanent hair loss, while others do need to repeat the procedure. Sometimes when hair does grow back it is lighter in color and finer and texture.

There are four types of lasers that are used for hair removal. They are Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and NdYAG. Each of these four lasers are different in many ways and are used for different skin types. The ruby laser is able to focus in on small areas and can be used on both dark and light skin. However, this laser works best on light skin. The alexandrite laser is very versatile and can be used on many different types of hair. It is able to focus on large areas and is very easy to customize. The diode laser uses a much longer wavelength which makes it very effective on most types of skin. The NdYag laser works well on people with dark hair and dark skin.

Laser hair removal is not a good treatment option for everyone. It is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions or disorders. It also is not an effective treatment for people with white, gray or very light-colored hair. People that have hair of these colors do not have pigments in their hair to absorb the energy from the laser. Laser hair removal works about system on people with light skin and dark hair.

In some instances, such as the removal of facial hair, one treatment may be enough. In other areas of the body, often a series of treatments must be given to remove the unwanted hair. Many times, laser hair removal is the last resort for people after years of using other methods to rid themselves of the excess hair.

Although laser hair removal is considered safe, it is important to have your treatments done by an experienced, licensed professional. If the treatments are not done correctly, you run the risk of burns, blistering, skin discoloration, or a patchy uneven hair regrowth. Take the time to meet with several specialists in your area, and then decide which one is right for you. For the best results follow all the guidelines that your doctor gives you both before and after your laser hair removal treatments.

The cost of laser hair removal can be expensive, and since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. Generally, a payment plan can be arranged for treatments. The average cost per treatment for laser hair removal in the United States is between $425 and $500 and many people need three to four sessions.

Laser hair removal is an excellent alternative to other types of hair removal and should seriously be considered by those who are troubled by excessive hair growth.

All about Laser Hair Removal

Are you tired of constantly shaving and dealing with unwanted hair on your body? If so, laser hair removal just might be the thing for you! Of course, there might be a better option for you. Some of those options might be shaving, bleaching, tweezing or waxing. Each of these has their ups and downs but might be better for you.

Laser hair removals work by the beams of light they produce. They apply the laser device to your skin causing it to get hot. This heat damages the follicle and keeps it from growing in the future.

One of the requirements for laser hair removal is that your hair is darker than your skin. Laser hair removal is also not recommended for naturally dark people because too much laser energy is absorbed into their skin. If you tan it also recommended you do not have laser hair removal done. You can wait until your tan is gone and then proceed.

If you have light skin you can expect an easier laser hair removal procedure as well as fewer treatments with quicker results. If you are darker skinned it could take longer for results to show and you will have more treatments. Each person is different when being treated for something just the same as being treated for laser hair removal.

Most areas of the body can be treated with laser hair removal. The most popular areas:

Back
Neck
Legs
Chest
Bikini Line
Face
Underarms
Upper Lip
Abdomen

If you have a specific area you want done, talk to your local laser hair removal expert. If you are seriously considering laser hair removal you do not want to tan prior to having it done. The treatment will be less effective this way.

Laser hair removal is for women and men of all ages. Children can have it done granted they are old enough to cooperate. Laser hair removal is becoming more popular with men today. They are having their chests and backs done as well as their abdomen and sometimes face.

While laser hair removal is proven to be quite safe, there are still some cons to having the procedure. The main worry being who is giving you the treatment. If this person is not entirely qualified to perform this procedure, they could damage your skin. Be sure you know all about your professional performing this.

The cost of laser hair removal can be pricey but it really depends on your location. Every clinic is different so you want to contact a local clinic. Find out what their rates are and maybe even meet with a consultant to see if laser hair removal is right for you. You might think so just because you are tired of shaving. This may not be true though so it is better to consult a professional first.

As with any major procedure you might have done, do all your research on laser hair removal before making a final decision. If you do not get all the facts before committing to it, you might be disappointed in the end. You might not even be eligible for laser hair removal.

A Typical Laser Hair Removal Treatment

When the day arrives for you to have your first laser hair removal treatment, it is normal to feel nervous and possibly a bit anxious. This is because it is something you have never done before and you are not sure what to expect. Try to relax and think of this visit as any other doctor visit.

If there is a wait once you arrive at the office, try to keep your mind busy so you will not worry about the upcoming procedure. Perhaps a friend could accompany you to your appointment, or, if you are alone, read a book or magazine. Having your payment ready will also help you to relax as it will be one less thing you need to worry about.

When it is your turn to enter the treatment room, you will be instructed to remove all necessary clothing and a gown will be provided. If photographs of the area to be treated with laser hair removal were not taken during the consultation, the nurse or assistant will take them now.

The area to be treated will be washed to cleanse it of any lotions, cosmetics, perfumes or deodorants. It will then be prepped with alcohol. Depending on the procedure, the area may, or may not, be shaved. Your skin may be cooled before treatment to help reduce any side effects from occurring. You, and everyone else in the room, will be given safety goggles to wear during the procedure.

The doctor, or technician, who is doing the laser hair removal procedure will preform a patch test. This will give him a chance to gauge your tolerance of the treatment and also select the correct fluence levels. It will also give you the opportunity to experience how the laser feels and hopefully relieve some of your anxiety. A single pulse will be sent to the test area, which will be near the area to be treated. It will be examined for any sings of damage to the skin such as blistering or separation.

When the doctor is ready to start the procedure, he will aim the laser at the hair follicles of the area to be treated. Because the hair follicles have a dark pigmentation, they will absorb the energy from the laser’s light. The time that is needed for the procedure will depend on the amount of hair to be removed, the spot size of the beam, and the scanning pattern of the hand piece that the doctor is using. Laser hair removal treatments can take anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes, depending upon the area treated.

Many people say that the laser feels like a rubber band being snapped on your skin. Others describe it as more intense than that. If you are feeling discomfort or pain, you will be given a topical anesthesia or cooling remedies.

Once the laser hair removal treatment is completed, you will be ready to get dressed and discuss post treatment care. You may experience some temporary side effects such as redness and swelling, which usually disappear within a day or two.

Once you have experienced your first laser hair removal treatment you will be much more relaxed if you require additional treatments.

Who is Laser Hair Removal for?

Not everyone can enjoy laser hair removal and its benefits. There are two things that factor into just who can do it. Such as: Your hair color and your skin color.

These are the main two factors of laser hair removal. Blonde, red, white and grey hair is not recommended for laser hair removal. If you tan you must wait until your tan has faded only if you have dark hair. If you have tanned skin and light hair you do not qualify for laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is for those that qualify to have their unwanted hair gone. If you have hair on any of the following areas you want removed, laser hair removal is for you.

Neck
Upper Lip
Chest
Breasts
Toes
Back
Legs
Fingers
Abdomen
Bikini Area
Pubic Area
Chin
Arms
Face
Ears
Hairline
Shoulders
Between Brows

Your skin type and skin history will also have an affect on laser hair removal being right for you. Your practitioner will ask you questions about your skin and skin history. You want to be sure you do not lie in any instance. Doing so could result in your skin being damaged after treatment. Remember you are having something done to your body, why bend the truth? Just be honest even if you might be embarrassed for something.

People wanting to do laser hair removal that have light hair can now use Meladine. This is an enhancer for melanin that will give you better results if you have light hair. You apply this before and sometimes even after your laser hair removal session. This is not a drug so you need not to worry there! It is considered a cosmetic. There is no guarantee that comes with it, so you will use it using your own confidence.

If you are looking for a quick way to get rid of hair, laser hair removal is not for you. While this will reduce your hair growth and maybe completely remove it, it is not fast. Depending on the area you want it could take four to six sessions to remove the hair.

If you want a large area done it will take more time whereas a small area such as the chin could take only one to two sessions. The amount of hair will also play a part in how long it will take. Some people think of this as an easy way out, but it is not that simple.

You want to do your research on laser hair removal before you go into it, just like you would any other procedure performed on your body. Not taking the proper precautions could you leave you feeling very unhappy and unsatisfied with your results. Granted your practitioner will do everything they can to inform you about laser hair removal. After treatment you want to know how to take care of the treated area and for how long.

Some people neglect this thinking it will all be fine. This is not always the case and you will want to always follow your practitioner’s instructions. Ask any and all questions you can think of and also be sure you find a qualified laser hair removal practitioner.