Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Laser hair removal is nowadays one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The promise of no more nicks, cuts and bumps and long-lasting hair-free results is pretty tempting. While most publicity surrounding the treatment is good, it is prudent for those considering it to carefully evaluate the risks associated with laser hair removal treatment, as it is a serious medical procedure with potentially serious side-effects.

Because it is a serious procedure, the American Society for Dermatological Surgery has put together a list of dos and don't for those considering it. They recommend that a qualified physician be consulted; that consumers ask questions about the type of lasers used, the training the laser technician has received and any other question on their mind; that they undergo a skin test prior to treatment to determine any contraindications to the procedure; and that the consumer check the physician's experience with different skin types.

On the don't side of the equation, consumers should not arrive for treatment with suntanned or burnt skin, as this increases the risk of damage during the procedure and decreases the efficacy of the treatment; consumers should not look at laser treatment as an option for white, grey or blonde hairs, as these contain insufficient melanin for the procedure to bring results; and consumers should not undergo treatment if they have taken any light-sensitive medication, as this may render the skin susceptible to burning and scarring.

A 24 month study observed the side effects of laser hair removal treatment to be:

* treatment pain;
* oedema;
* erythema;
* hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation (skin discolouration);
* blistering;
* crusting;
* erosions;
* purpura; and
* folliculitus.

Most of these side effects were generated from the use of Ruby and Alexandrite lasers, where the contributing effects of seasonal variation, anatomic treatment location and sun exposure were marked. It must be noted that none of the reported effects were serious or long-term in nature, and no infections or scarring occurred in the trial.

The study found that laser hair removal treatments were safe when, during configuration of laser parameters, consideration is made of the patient characteristics of skin type and degree of exposure to the sun prior to treatment, along with the anatomic location of the treatment area. When treating patients with dark skin or tanned skin, lasers with high melanin absorption capabilities should be used conservatively.

Laser treatment can be an effective means by which to remove unwanted hair from almost any area of the body, but as with any medical procedure, there is some inherent risk involved. Candidates for treatment are advised to follow the "Dos and Don'ts" published by the American Society for Dermatological Surgery.

Laser Hair Removal Information

Laser hair removal with a laser light involves a focused beam being absorbed by the melanin in dark hair, which damages or disables the hair root in the follicle to at least slow down the growth of the hair without harming the surrounding skin.

Laser hair removal with a laser light works best on dark, coarse hair because the dark pigment, melanin, attracts the laser light and more laser energy is absorbed. Hair of a lighter color is harder to treat. Even with multiple treatments, results are not promising for people with true blonde, grey, white or red hair.

One side effect with laser hair removal is that the hot laser light will also affect the melanin in skin. Which means people with suntans, or dark skin types will risk skin discoloration.

The technical term for the laser hair removal process using a laser light is "selective photothermolysis". 'Photo' means light, and 'thermolysis' means, "destroying with heat".

The laser hair removal method using laser light is 'selective' because it targets only the hair and not the surrounding skin, which, depending on the particular machine being used, is usually cooled with either a cooling tip, a gel or a spray.

The laser hair removal laser light can only destroy hair in its active growth phase when the hair has an abundance of melanin. Up to eighty five percent of your hair is in that phase at any given time.

Laser hair removal by laser light is capable of affecting hundreds of hair follicles at one time, making it a much quicker process than electrolysis. Usually, only 2 to 4 treatments are needed to effectively remove hair, but it depends on the size of the area and color of hair.

Laser hair removal with a laser light is suitable for any part of the body.

While laser hair removal using laser light is not as painful as electrolysis, you may want to speak with your physician about using a topical anesthetic.

You may believe that laser hair removal is permanent. It's not.

While there are reports of laser treatments eliminating thirty to forty percent of hair for as long as a year - Here in the United States, it is illegal to claim laser hair removal is permanent.

Laser hair removal is a process that should be performed in a physician's office or in select salons that are licensed to operate the Class II medical device.

Although in some states, it is legal for a nonmedical person to be trained to use a laser, you'd do well to find a physician who's a certified laser hair removal specialist. Especially since not all lasers can be used on every body.

Laser hair removal with a laser light is the most costly hair removal procedure. Prices range from $150 to $500 per treatment. Call around to your local clinics to get some idea of how many treatments you'll need, which will determine your total cost.

While laser hair removal is a rapidly growing business, the cost alone keeps it from being any where near the most popular, not to mention all the negatives that seem to be associated with this form of hair removal.

Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

Hair Removal Journal is brought to you by American Medical Media, in conjunction with our Advisory Board, and our medical affiliates. The purpose of Hair Removal Journal is to provide patients interested in hair removal, specifically with laser hair removal, a credible resource to research laser hair removal, including costs associated with the procedure, the number of treatments that will be needed, and other frequently asked questions.
Doctor Supervised Laser Hair Removal Providers

In addition to providing a centralized resource to research laser hair removal, we are also the nation's leading network of laser hair removal providers. Each Hair Removal Journal Member is prequalified for membership and must meet our strict guidelines for admission into the group. All members of the Hair Removal Journal are doctor-supervised facilities in good standing in their home states and provide each patient with the highest quality treatments available.

Laser Hair Removal

For many, constantly having to deal with unwanted hair becomes increasingly annoying. Shaving, waxing and tweezing become time-consuming efforts that quickly become in-tolerable. For both men and women alike, Permanent Laser Hair Removal is a safe, effective procedure that provides a more permanent solution for unwanted hair.

Unwanted body and facial hair can be easily removed for all patients with Permanent Laser Hair Removal. The procedure involves laser-focused beams of light that penetrate through the outer layers of skin directly into the hair follicles. The laser light works to destroy the pigment, effectively destroying the follicle. Once the hair follicle is disabled, Permanent Laser Hair Removal will significantly impede hair growth.

At first, Permanent Laser Hair Removal was only able to treat patients with fair skin and dark hair. Through significant technological advances, there are several lasers that now allow for treatment on almost any skin type. Hair removal clinics that offer this advanced technology are now able to fulfill the needs of most consumers.

While Permanent Laser Hair Removal is fast and effective, one individual treatment will not stop hair growth for good. A series of treatments will always be needed in order to reduce any and all unwanted hair in the treatment area. Laser hair removal continues to be the number one laser procedure performed in the United States and Canada; therefore, potential patients can feel confident that their Permanent Laser Hair Removal treatments will be a safe, fast and effective way to significantly reduce unwanted hair.