At one time or another many of us have experienced unwanted hair growth, and we go to great lengths to have an edge on these rogue hairs. Until now, the weapons in our fight against unwanted hair growth have been less than ideal -burning wax, pinching tweezers, and sharp blades- but fortunately, with recent technology, the tide is turning in our favor.
For those tired of dealing with the tedious, short-lived act of shaving, or going through the brusque pain of plucking and waxing, there is another option.
Since the mid-1990s, laser hair removal has been a long-term, non-invasive procedure that targets unwanted hair by using highly concentrated beams of light to permanently remove melanin, the dark matter found in hair follicles. Through this process, the laser effectively eradicates the melanin in hair without causing damage to the surrounding skin, and does so in a fantastically efficient way.
Not surprisingly, the benefits of laser hair removal are being recognized by users and dermatologists around the world. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, an estimated 1 million people received laser hair removal treatments in 2010 alone, and the numbers were expected to grow. An estimated 90-percent of patients have acknowledged permanent hair loss after 3 to 5 sessions. The procedure has been approved by the FDA since 1997 for public practice, and even do-it-yourself treatments have come into the market.
Dermatologists are careful to emphasize that laser hair removal does not eradicate all hair from the treated area, but rather should be considered a hair reduction process. Doctors also stress that most procedures should be done by a professional to avoid accidental skin damage, such as burning of the skin, scab formation, infection, and white spots.
Here is what you need to know about laser hair removal treatment to decide if it is right for you.
Pre-Hair Removal Preparation
After thoroughly examining the credentials of your doctor of choice, set up an appointment and begin the pre-procedure process. Most patients are limited from waxing or plucking for 6 weeks prior to treatment, which allows the hair follicles time to develop and become easy targets for the laser. Patients are also asked to avoid direct sunlight 6 weeks before and after the procedure since it has been known to cause complications and counteract the laser treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Procedure
When the day arrives the hair around your treated area will be shaved and the professional will adjust the laser based on your skin tone, location, and hair to provide the best possible result with the least damage to the surrounding skin. A layer of gel will typically be applied to the targeted area so the laser is able to more easily penetrate the melanin. The process itself can be done in a couple hours to a matter of minutes, depending on the targeted area, and is generally quite painless. On average, most patients liken the experience to the discomfort of a small rubber-band popping against your skin, and a topical anesthetic can be applied to alleviate the minor tenderness. The laser concentrates a beam of light on an area of skin the size of a quarter, and after the professional tests a small sample of skin for adverse reactions, the rest of the targeted area is treated.
Post-Laser Hair Removal Procedure Care (Topical Products)
After the procedure, the treated skin will look and feel sunburned, so patients commonly use anti-inflammatory lotions and ice-packs to apply to any affected areas. The treated hair will begin to fall out in the month following the laser hair removal, and sunscreen is recommended to patients in order to avoid fluctuations in skin tone and protect the tender skin. For the best possible results, several laser treatments are recommended to thoroughly remove the unwanted hair.
Possible Risks
Since laser hair removal is non-invasive and relatively painless, there are few side effects. Occasionally, people with darker complexions experience blisters, but permanent scarring from the procedure are rare. Typically, patients only experience some minor discomfort, redness, and swelling.
Price
The cost of laser hair removal varies widely depending on factors such as the size of the treated area, number of sessions required, professional level of the doctor, and location, but the American Society of Plastic Surgeons averages the current cost of one session to be around $235. The best way to figure out the price of your specific desired procedure is a consultation with a professional.
Dermatologists and users everywhere are beginning to take a closer look at laser hair removal. After all, why spend hours of painful plucking, waxing, and shaving for the rest of your life when a few sessions of laser treatment could provide the permanent answer?
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