If you have unwanted hair on your face or body that you endlessly have to remove by shaving, waxing or plucking, then you may want to consider a laser hair removal. While it used to be a procedure available only to rich and famous at the most prestigious New York and Beverly Hills salons, it is now possible to find a laser hair removal clinic in almost any local phone book.
After years of shaving and waxing, many women and men decide to look into permanent hair removal options that offer a solution to the problem of unwanted hair. Keep reading to find out how much it’s going to hurt – your body AND your pocketbook, what are the chances of the hair growing back, what are the risks, and whether this procedure is for you.
How does laser hair removal work? Lasers stop growth of hair from its roots by selectively targeting and heating dark target matter – melanin – in the area that causes hair growth – the
follicle – while not damaging the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin.
Melanin occurs naturally in the skin: it gives skin and hair its color. There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color). Is it for everyone?
People who have very light colored skin and those with very dark colored skin are generally not qualified for this type of treatment. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark hair in people with dark skin, and even light hair in people with dark skin.
What areas can be treated?
Lasers and pulsed light target several follicles at once, so you can treat large areas of skin. While it may take years to perform electrolysis on the back or legs, a typical laser hair removal session on both legs usually takes under two hours. For upper lip and chin, lasers work but only on dark hair. For upper lip and chin, lasers work but only on dark hair. If you want to ensure the blonde hairs are zapped, your better bet may be electrolysis for
permanent hair removal in these areas.
Is it effective?
Laser hair removal has become extremely popular because of its speed and efficacy, although some of the efficacy is dependent upon the skill and experience of the laser operator, as well as the choice and availability of different laser technology at the clinic which is performing the procedure. Nobody knows for sure what the regrowth rates are, and don’t trust a clinic that guarantees hair complete hair removal. Some people notice regrowth
after several months or years, while others find they never have to shave again. The average experience is 70-80 percent reduction in hair growth if you do a full course of treatment.
Is it truly permanent?
Laser hair removal is permanent, but usually not the first time you have it done. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of 3-8 treatments.
Is it safe?
This procedure has been around for so long is that it has undergone a great deal of progress from where it first started out. As a result, you no longer have to be concerned about its safety. However if your complexion is dark, it may cause some scarring. That is why it is recommended having the doctor do a “test patch” in an area that can’t be seen and then determining if your skin reacts well.
How much will it cost?
It depends. Laser hair removal isn’t cheap at about $200-$600 per session depending on where you live and the areas being treated. Again, it takes about 3-6 sessions to get rid of 70% of hair permanently. Touch-ups are always an option at about $100-$150 a session.
Throughout the United States, the average cost for one laser treatment ranges between $400 and $450 per session. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of the procedure is $429.
Will you feel any pain?
The pulsed light in laser hair removal feels like a rubber band popping against your skin, although some machines perform differently. Not every zap will hurt and you may find that some areas may hurt more than others. You may want to consider taking a couple of ibuprofen tablets an hour before your session, or numbing your skin with desensitizing spray that contains Lidocaine about 20 minutes before your session.
Pick the right professional
Do your homework before selecting and signing up for services. Many clinics advertise cheap and discounted procedures, but the best places don’t have to resort to discounts. Book only with a dermatologist or licensed technician.