Laser Hair Removal

Find out if laser hair removal is right for you

Laser hair removal is a procedure for removing body hair permanently. This treatment isn’t for everyone, so learn about how it is done and the risks involved.

This form of hair removal is a new method for permanently removing unwanted body hair. You can have unwanted hair removed from any area of your body, except the eye area. Facial hair, underarms, bikini lines and legs are the most common laser hair removal treatments. Men are becoming more willing to use this method and requests for areas like the back, chest and abdomen are becoming more common. Although these treatments can be expensive, people love the idea of getting rid of hair permanently with no more shaving or waxing.

There are some requirements to qualify for laser hair removal. The rule of thumb for this procedure is the hair on your body must be darker than your skin. Dark skinned people don’t do well with this method of hair removal because the pigment in the skin absorbs too much of the laser energy. Similarly, if you have a dark tan, you will need to wait until it fades to qualify for this treatment.

The lighter the skin, the easier the hair can be removed with the laser. This means you will need fewer sessions of laser hair removal. Hair color can play a role in how well this treatment will work for you. The darker your hair color, the easier for it to be removed with the laser. Like skin, the pigment in your hair absorbs the laser’s energy. Since dark hair absorbs more energy, it takes less time for the hair to be removed.

There are several different lasers used in laser hair removal. Newer systems have been and are being developed for use in people of all skin colors. The ND Yag laser is a newer laser that is effective for darker skinned people and even people with tans. The ruby laser is best used in lighter skinned people. Its compact size makes it good for small areas. Alexandrite lasers are the most versatile and can be used on a wide range of skin colors and hair textures. These lasers are also among the fastest used in hair removal. Diode lasers are among the newest and are being used for most skin types. The practitioner will choose a laser based on what will work best for you. Factors such as hair color, skin color, hair type and area of the body to be treated are considered when selecting a laser.

Keep in mind that laser hair removal is a medical procedure. As with any medical procedure there can be risk involved. Read as much as you can before committing to laser hair removal, so you can be sure to understand the risks. Most patients go through laser hair removal without incident, but there are occasional reactions. The most common temporary symptoms include redness, swelling, pain and blistering of the skin. Though rare, permanent complications can include skin discoloration and scarring.

Choose a laser hair removal clinic carefully. Discount centers can be found, but you will often end up with a less experienced practitioner. Qualifications vary by state. Most states only allow a doctor or nurse to perform these treatments, while other states have less stringent requirements. Ask the qualifications of the center’s director and staff members. You want to find a doctor with quite a bit of experience with this procedure. Look for a professional, medical atmosphere in the center and among the staff. Time in business is another indication. A practitioner with a track record of satisfied patients is probably a good bet.

Read this article as a death prompts drug scrutiny. This laser hair removal article is a must read if you are considering this process of hair removal. This is not to alarm you, but rather to inform you of the potential risks.