Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful light to remove unwanted hair. It works well on most skin types and can eliminate hair on the chin, upper lip, chest, underarms and bikini line.
A hand piece placed gently over the targeted area delivers pulses of light that destroy the root of hair follicles and prevent regrowth. Sensitive skin may get red and swollen, so most professional clinics apply a gel or a calming product that helps protect the skin during treatment.
Best candidates
Laser hair removal is an excellent option for men and women looking to eliminate unwanted facial and body hair. Unlike previous methods, it can remove larger areas of hair with minimal discomfort and fewer complications.
Before, people had to endure a long series of electrolysis treatments, or use painful waxing and shaving. Now, a laser treatment can destroy hair follicles in just a few sessions.
The laser used in this treatment works by sending specific concentrated beams of light through the skin. The light is absorbed by dark pigment present in the hair follicle shafts.
The laser is available in a variety of wavelengths and pulse durations to safely and effectively treat different skin types. It is also available in a diode system that can be particularly effective for darker phototypes (up to phototype IV) while preserving the epidermis.
Procedure
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair on most parts of the body. This treatment uses targeted beams of light to disrupt hair growth cycles and permanently destroy follicles.
The procedure works by sending long-pulsed laser energy through the skin, which is absorbed by melanin pigments in hair follicles. This destroys hair follicles while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed.
Unlike electrolysis, where each follicle is treated individually, laser therapy can target hundreds of hair follicles at once, making it an effective and permanent method for eliminating unwanted hair.
The number of treatments needed depends on the area of the body that is being treated, and typically a series of six to nine sessions are required for optimal results. These sessions are spaced 4-8 weeks apart to follow your hair’s growth cycle and consistently reduce unwanted hair.
Recovery
Laser hair removal is a quick and effective way to reduce unwanted hair in most areas of the body. Unlike waxing, which is painful and requires frequent maintenance to maintain smooth skin, laser hair reduction destroys hair follicles in the root and causes them to stop producing hair.
Immediately following treatment, redness, swelling and itching may be present. This is similar to having a sunburn and should go away after a few days.
Acne can also be an issue after laser treatment, but it is generally controlled with good skin care and a mild OTC medication as needed. It’s important to avoid rubbing or scratching the treated area as this can increase redness and itching.
Ablative laser resurfacing is an effective option for improving skin texture, wrinkles, and acne scarring. However, it poses a slight risk of scarring due to the possibility of blistering of the skin after treatment.
Cost
Laser hair removal is one of the most effective and safest ways to remove unwanted body hair. It can be used to treat any area of the body, including the face and legs.
Treatment costs vary depending on the size of the area being treated. Most people will need a series of treatments to achieve optimal results.
During the procedure, your doctor will apply a hand-held device to the skin that delivers a beam of light that damages the hair follicles. A cool gel may also be applied to help protect your skin.
The laser heats the hair follicle to destroy it, and over time, new hair grows out finer and lighter. The treatment is usually repeated in a series of four to eight treatments that follow the growth cycle of your follicles.