Laser Hair Removal - General Information

Laser hair removal is becoming an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for people looking to get rid of unwanted hair. This type of treatment has been available since the mid-1990s, but it is more popular now than ever before. The procedure involves the use of lasers to damage the hair follicles, preventing hair growth. Typically, it works best on people with light skin and dark hair, but there have been advancements to make it safer for people with darker skin. This may be part of the reason for its increased popularity, because more and more people are able to successfully remove the hair they do not want.

Laser hair removal is practiced in dermatology clinics, spas and salons all over the country. The lasers and light sources used may vary from place to place, or patient to patient. The technician or doctor who will apply the laser treatment usually consults with the patient first. He or she will gather information about the patient's medical history, and then provide information about the risks and expectations for the procedure. The doctor should also give the patient an outline of the treatment plan before beginning any actual procedures. This type of hair removal does not occur in one visit, but rather requires several applications over a period of time.

The number of treatments required to successfully eliminate hair growth will vary depending on many factors. First, it is important to note that each person is different, and some people are not good candidates for laser hair removal at all. For some, the procedure just does not work. However, it is impossible to tell without trying the treatment whether someone is or is not a good candidate. A person's hair color and skin type are also influencing factors to consider. A well-qualified and experienced doctor or dermatologic specialist will be better able to identify the level of success each individual is likely to have.

During a laser hair removal treatment, a cooling gel or other cooling device is applied to the treatment area. The technician and patient will both wear protective goggles to prevent eye damage from the laser. The laser is applied to the target area, and the light passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The heat of the laser damages the follicle, causing the hair to stop growing. Typically, the hair growth does not stop after one treatment, and the patient will have another treatment in a few weeks. The process commonly takes a total of four to six treatments. Even after the full round of treatments, the hair may grow again eventually. Some people need regular maintenance treatments to prevent the re-growth of the hair.

Another reason for the popularity of laser hair removal may be that it has very few possible risks. The treated area is usually red and slightly swollen immediately after the procedure, but only for a few hours. Some patients feel a stinging sensation in the treated area for a couple days. The skin may blister or burn in rare cases, most commonly when the treated area is exposed to sunlight. Laser hair removal is an effective treatment to remove unwanted hair from areas, such as armpits, legs, or the upper lip. As long as the procedure is performed by a trusted and experienced professional, it will probably be successful.