If bothered by hair growth in unattractive areas, laser hair removal may provide a permanent solution to improve your appearance and self esteem.

Who may need laser hair removal?

Some men are just born with the genetic tendency to grow tons of body hair. Unfortunately for many men with this problem, it can be considered extremely unattractive. While in some cultures,

hairiness is a sign of virility and masculinity, this is not necessarily so in the western world – including the United States for the most part. Men may desire to have laser hair removal if they have body hair growing on the back, shoulders, stomach or sides.

Women may consider hair removal with laser therapy for reasons such as hair growing outside the bikini area, hair growing on the face, chest, eyebrows, hands, toes or other locations of the body which are unattractive or embarrassing.

About laser hair removal

Laser hair removal works best with dark, coarse hair. The procedure uses specially focused light to penetrate and destroy the hair shaft and follicle. Because it focuses on the melanin, the chemical that makes color in hair, it does not work well in fine, light colored hair.

It has exceeded popularity over the previous method of electrolysis because of it’s speed and efficacy. Electrolysis requires an “electrocution” of each individual hair follicle which can be painful and time consuming though electrolysis may be the only choice to remove light colored hair.

The effectiveness and permanence of a procedure, whether it is face laser hair removal or laser hair removal on another part of the body, will be dependent upon the skill and experience of the person performing the procedure. Laser hair removal may be done by dermatologists, plastic surgeons as well as “astheticians” who are not actually physicians.

Determining the experience and skill level of the laser hair technician will often indicate the quality of the outcome. If the dermatology laser hair procedure regimen is not performed adequately, you may be required to go back for follow up treatments.

Most patients will require multiple sessions to completely remove hair as the procedure can only affect hair follicles that are in a “growing” phase. Hair follicles that are in a “resting” phase will not be affected and will require additional treatments but once completely removed, it should be permanent. The number of sessions may depend upon the size of the area and the hair type as well as the color of the skin, as hair on dark skin is harder to treat.

Types of laser hair removal equipment

There are several types of laser hair removal light systems which are used today, depending upon the operator but also the hair type. The most effective laser is the Alexandrite laser hair removal but it is safest on light skin with dark hair.

The pulsed diode array is useful on medium skin types and the Yag laser hair removal instrument is used mainly for dark skin. The Yag hair laser is not as effective as other types but it is the only one that is truly safe for dark persons as it will not burn the skin.

Recovery from laser hair removal

Most patients experience some irritation and swelling after laser hair removal. The effects can often be minimized by the application of cold compresses immediately after the procedure. The skin may look and feel like a minor sunburn but will likely return to normal within a few days. Application of non allergy producing moisturizers is often recommended.