Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Laser hair removal treatment is a procedure which makes use of a laser, a strong, focused beam of light, to remove unwanted hair. This hair removal, also known as Epilation, was first used commercially in the 1970’s, although it was experimentally used before that. During this procedure the laser beam goes through the skin into the hair follicle. This in turn heats the follicle and restricts its growth. Lasers are not for everyone, and anyone contemplating having hair removed this way should research it first.

One requirement for successful treatment is that the hair to be removed must be darker than the surrounding tissue. Those who have darkly pigmented skin are not good candidates, due to the fact that their skin may absorb too much of the laser energy, leading to possible injury to the skin. If one is tanned, they must wait until their tan has faded. Having light skin makes it easier to remove the hair, as well as lessening the number of treatments needed. In regards to the hair being removed, the darker the hair, the easier it is to remove. Blond, white, gray, and red hair does not absorb the laser energy as well as brown or black hair. However, even if one meets all the requirements for this treatment, it does not guarantee that the hair will be removed permanently. The hair growth is slowed, but may need occasional maintenance treatments.

Laser hair removal treatments can be used on most parts of the body, including the legs, face, underarms, chest, back, and bikini line. Other areas may be treated as well. However, it is not advisable to use the laser adjacent to the eye.

At the time of the procedure, the doctor will give the patient special goggles to wear to prevent any injury by the laser to the eyes. He/she may also make use of an anesthetic cream on the skin to prevent any discomfort. When the doctor uses the laser instrument, the beam will travel through the skin into the hair follicle where the hair growth starts. The heat from the laser will damage the follicle, thus disrupting the growth. One may feel a stinging when the laser is being used. The length of the treatment depends on the size of the area being treated. An area such as an upper lip may take only a few minutes, while a larger area such as the back takes much longer.

Cosmetic laser treatment for hair removal is a safe procedure, but it does come with some risk of side effects. As mentioned before, permanent hair removal is not guaranteed. The hair may be resistant to the laser beam, or may grow back after the treatment, although it may be finer and of a lighter color. After treatment, one may have some skin irritation and scabbing. In addition, the laser may cause the pigment of the skin to change, either darkening or lightening it, depending on one’s original skin color. Infrequently, the treatment may cause blistering or scarring.

After the treatment, one may have some redness and swelling, and possibly some stinging of the area. It is important to wash the skin gently with soap and water, rather than scrubbing it. Also, one must avoid sunlight and tanning beds for the first week, and use sunscreen whenever in the sun after that. Finally, one must remember that the results of laser hair removal treatment may differ from one person to another. In many cases, one may need to have maintenance treatments, for instance one every six to twelve months.

Laser hair removal treatment is a common option these days, but because it is so common, one must carefully choose who will perform the treatment and where it will be performed. Anyone who guarantees complete removal of the hair should be avoided, as well as any center which gives large discounts. If one practices caution, the procedure will be as safe and as effective as is possible.

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