Laser hair removal
June 25, 2009 by Jo
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the best options to permanently reduce unwanted or superfluous hair on a woman’s and man’s toes, hands, legs, arms, chest, cleavage, neck, face, thighs, bikini area, pubic area, buttocks, abdomen, underarms, back, shoulders, ear lobes, chin and lip areas. However, success is only as good as the skills of the laser machine operator and the type of laser used. Note: not everyone benefits from laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal treatments target melanin (pheomelanin – red or blond hair color; eumelanin – black or brown hair color), a dark pigment that is found in skin and the hair follicle, which allows the laser light to be better absorbed with greater intensity and speed. The highest rate of success is found with coarse, darker hair, but those with light or fair colored hair are better choosing electrolysis, which is the only permanent hair removal method for all hair colors.
Three laser types are currently used, including Nd:YAG (dark skin), Pulsed Diode (light to medium skin) and Alexandrite (light skin). Success is based on many factors, including the pulse width (shorter waves offer better hair removal), spot size (larger spaces covered offer more effective and faster hair removal), fluence (higher levels of energy best for killing and damaging hair follicles) and laser light pulse rate repetitions (correct pulses with delays in between to allow the hair follicle to be properly heated to damage or kill them).
Cooling the skin is vital to prevent side effects and lower the pain, especially for darker skinned people. Four varieties of laser hair removal cooling can be used, including chilled gel, cryogen spraying of the skin before and after pulses, forced cooling of the air and cooling water on the skin.
The number of laser hair removal sessions varies according to the skin and hair color combination, sex of the patient, hair coarseness, stage of hair growth and area being treated. Treatments are given every four to six weeks, but usually require from five to twelve sessions. Coarser, darker hair on lighter skin has the highest success rate, but fine hair on dark skin takes longer to treat. Facial hair takes longer to remove, but laser hair removal is ineffective on peach fuzz, extremely fine or light hair.
Laser hair removal treatments can have disadvantages over electrolysis. Patients can suffer side effects, some of which are permanent, including purpura (bleeding rash just under the skin’s surface), scabbing, swelling, acne, white skin patches, skin discoloration, burning, discomfort and scarring. Though cheaper in comparison to electrolysis per session and less painful, in the long-term, laser hair removal treatment may require far more treatments than electrolysis and far out way it cost-wise.
Laser hair removal is not for everyone and is better if you have coarse, darker hair and lighter skin. It can be uncomfortable, have side effects and may or may not work for you. However, before considering spending any money on laser hair removal, laser hair removal clinics do offer free consultations to see if laser hair removal is your best option. Getting advice in advance and finding a reputable clinic with trained practitioners and qualified doctors is your safest, most affordable and best first step.
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