Sick of the way your dark hair stands out? How about wasting time shaving every single day just to keep up with new growth? You might be surprised how easy it is to permanently reduce or remove unwanted body or facial hair.
The laser hair removal process involves sending a gentle beam of laser energy through the skin to the hair follicle, where the energy is absorbed by the hair and transformed into heat. This process destroys the hair follicle, preventing new hair from growing.
Because the laser energy is naturally attracted to dark colors, the best candidates for permanent laser hair removal are those with very light skin and dark hair. Those with darker skin will benefit less because the darker pigment in the skin will absorb some of the laser light energy. To avoid burning or ineffectiveness, patients with darker skin may choose a different method of removal such as electrolysis. Laser hair removal usually does not work for those with light colored or red hair.
The lasers on the market today vary greatly and may or may not use a cooling device. A cooling device will increase the comfort level of the procedure by preventing the upper layers of skin from getting too hot while effectively treating the follicle below.
Most patients require a cycle of 3-8 treatments from over 10-24 months. Even following a treatment cycle, it is possible to experience some scattered regrowth. Because every person's growth pattern is unique, the amount of treatments will vary. The remaining hair may be removed by electrolysis or can be maintained conventionally with waxing or shaving.
Laser hair removal is an extremely safe and fast process and involves little or no recovery time. Some redness may occur following the treatment, but will disappear quickly. Compared to other hair removal options, laser treatment is much more comfortable and effective.
More Facts about Laser Hair Removal
According to the American Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, about 1.4 million people received laser removal in 2004, making it the second only to Botox as the most requested nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. Laser hair removal has probably become so popular because more recently developed lasers are extremely precise and can be adjusted to the most exacting ranges to destroy only the hair follicle and leave the surrounding skin unmarred.
How does the Laser work?
Laser light and radio frequency energy permanently destroy hair producing follicles under the skin. Radio frequency laser light machines remove about 25 percent more hair than older lasers, experts say.
How has the technology changed in recent years?
Lasers used in hair removal have come a long way since the late 1980's. Early models were slow and painful, and only effective on fair-skinned people with very dark hair. Those lasers shot out a light that was attracted to the pigment (melanin) in hair follicles. But melanin is also contained in dark skin. So a major side effect in older laser technology was changing the color of your skin, particularly darker skin.
The laser does its work because the light turns into heat in the melanin, destroying the follicle and its ability to grow hair. The newer Diode, Alexandrite and YAG lasers can treat all skin types and remove about 80 to 90 percent of unwanted hair. These new lasers are also able to cool the patient's skin as they work.
Do men have Laser Hair Removal treatment?
Many men can have back and chest hair permanently controlled using the laser method. Since the treatment is much faster now, a back can be treated in about 20 minutes.
How long is the hair growth cycle?
Normal hair growth has three cycles. Not all follicles are growing at the same time or pace, so the patient must return for additional treatments to ensure that all of the hair is receiving treatment during growth.
Are there any types of hair or skin that can't benefit from laser hair removal?
If you're a blond or a redhead, it may not be very effective for you since the laser seeks the dark color of the hair against the lightness of the skin. If you have a very dark tan or a sunburn, you cannot undergo laser hair removal treatment.
What is the cost?
Each doctor will have a separate range of price for treatment, but lately the prices have been lower since the amount of time it takes for treatment is much shorter.
Laser Hair Removal is a form of Permanent Hair Reduction. The treatment often lasts for years at a time, however some of the hair (30% or more) will regrow over time.
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