Professional Laser Hair Removal

Enter today’s super, laser hair removal systems, and exit the hassles of frequent, sometimes painful, shaving, hot waxes, depilatories, and other methods to rid unwanted, or excessive, body hair. Although initially a welcome sign of adulthood, when boys and girls can shave, that quickly fades, turning an exciting personal hygiene activity into a boring, and all-too-frequent, chore. Like clockwork, relentless hairs sprout at intervals, that seemingly grow shorter, the busier life becomes, forcing many to seek alternatives to their frustration. What does professional laser hair removal have to offer?

Firstly, the use of lasers for permanent hair reduction is FDA approved and considered safe and effective. When treatment is performed by trained, experienced professionals, there is relatively little risk and minor, if any, side effects. While many are satisfied going to reputable, licensed, laser hair removal centers, others are more comfortable with the services of board certified, cosmetic dermatologists. Either way, professionalism and up to date laser equipment are important considerations, as lasers have been refined and improved, with some more effective than others regarding treatment areas.

What are the most common treatment sites and how do lasers work their magic? For, although, they provide the same longer lasting results as electrolysis, long a mainstay of those requiring something more permanent than ordinary hair removal methods, they do so minus the considerable time and varying degrees of pain.

Lasers appeal to men and women alike, as a solution to unwanted hair problems, although body sites chosen vary, not only by gender, but also, age and skin type. Women tend to become upset by the appearance of facial hair, especially coarse, dark growth above the upper lip, or other hair, where once smooth, on the face or neck and often influenced by hormonal changes. Laser treatment eliminates potential embarrassment, while not harming the skin’s delicate surface. Other popular regions for women include the bikini area and, also, arms and legs exhibiting unusually dark or thick hair, where the excess does not seem natural. Men, increasingly more interested in the shirtless look in warm weather, are often drawn to professional laser hair removal for the large areas of the back or chest. Naturally, among both sexes, are those who are simply tired of shaving, whether underarms, legs or face, and may choose laser treatment solely for convenience.

So how does it work so effectively? Laser hair removal differs from other systems because it targets the follicle, or pore, from which each hair grows. Unlike temporary removal of hair from the follicle, the laser destroys the follicle itself, so that growth is unable to occur. As the laser is passed over the skin, heat travels below the skin’s outer layer, down into the follicle, disabling it. While the older method of electrolysis took much longer, as each follicle was treated, one at a time, the laser beams its light over the entire treatment area quickly, but carefully, to ensure adequate follicle coverage. Although the follicles are destroyed, the skin is not burned or damaged, with only temporary redness or swelling as possible side effects.

Generally, most good candidates for laser hair removal, will enjoy at least an 80% permanent reduction in hair growth. Moreover, with the popular IPL laser (intense pulsed light), some claim to experience totally permanent hair removal, with any new growth being very sparse and finely textured. Regardless, at least three sessions or treatments are required, monthly or every other month, to achieve good results, with six, usually, maximum. The reason for multiple treatments stems from the fact that, in between sessions, some hair will grow due to the way hairs cycle. Hairs that were dormant during a prior session may enter into a growth phase, requiring multiple sessions to ensure that all hairs and their follicles have been subjected to treatment.

Costs for laser hair removal vary and may be less, annually, than expensive waxing. They’re dependent on such variables as body site, laser type, and genetics, factors which also contribute to the overall outcome. The best candidates are those with realistic expectations and who are educated about the procedure. Those with dark, coarse, hair and light skin are easiest to treat, usually achieving the best results with the fewest treatments. Medications, such a Retin-A or Accutane, prohibit treatment, and skin disorders, like psoriasis or dermatitis, are not ideal.

Although professional laser hair removal can’t guarantee that new growth will never occur, it does provide permanent hair reduction and relief from unwanted growth over an extended period. While results vary, most removal lasts several weeks, months or years. Repeated treatments, with annual maintenance once or twice a year, will enhance results, with longer lasting satisfaction. That’s a nice alternative to the tedium, frequency, and pain, not to mention the expense, of constantly fighting the battle of unwanted hair…and losing!