Laser Hair Removal - Who Is a Good Candidate?

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed on an outpatient basis in many clinics and spas across North America. A pulsating beam of intense light is targeted at the individual hair follicle, removing unwanted hair and helping prevent future hair growth. Not designed to provide 100% permanent removal, the follicle is damaged, but hair may still grow back after the first treatment. Typically, four to six treatments are required over a period of several months in order to achieve long-lasting effects.

Men and women that are good candidates for laser hair removal include people with dark hair and light skin pigmentation. Clients with more melanin in their skin (darker color) may experience temporary or permanent skin lightening in the treated area. This is because the pulsating beam of light specifically targets melanin. If it can’t tell the difference between melanin in the skin and melanin in the hair, it will damage both at the same time. As such, patients with light colored hair on light or dark skin are not usually successful candidates for this procedure. The most successful areas of the body to treat include bikini line, upper lip, armpit, leg and chin.

While laser hair removal is very popular and generally safe, there are a few risk factors to be aware of. Risks and side effects are highly dependent on the level of skill and expertise of the aesthetician or doctor performing the procedure. Skin irritation, changes in skin color, hair re-growth, scabbing, crusting, and skin peeling are all possible side effects. Most are temporary and will disappear or reduce significantly within a few days.

The actual procedure of laser hair removal involves placing a small hand-held instrument against the skin in the area where hair removal is desired. The pulsating beam of light targets melanin in hair follicles and the intense heat damages the follicle from the inside. Clients often claim they feel a stinging or slight tingling sensation when the laser is applied. The laser may be fitted with a special tip that cools the skin as it touches it or the aesthetician or doctor may use a cooling gel to help protect the skin. The procedure length can vary from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of area being treated.

Be sure to schedule a detailed and in-depth initial consultation with your doctor or aesthetician. At that time, they can review all of your current medications and health history. They will also be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure and outcome. Be candid and open when discussing your expectations. This will help ensure you receive the most appropriate and ideal treatment regimen. Your doctor or aesthetician will also outline post-procedure plans and guidelines such as avoiding the sun, waxing, electrolysis and plucking. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid scrubbing the area with harsh soaps. Never forget to apply sunscreen before leaving the house, even for short periods of time.