Laser hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses high-energy laser light to destroy hair follicles. It is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures around the world. In 2007 alone, over 1.5 million Americans underwent laser hair removal, most of them with satisfactory results.
Of course, like any new procedure, laser hair removal is not without its problems. Cost, access, and possible side effects are some of the common drawbacks. If you're considering laser hair removal, here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand this procedure.
How does it work?
Hair grows from sac-like structures under your skin known as follicles. Follicles also contain melanin, the natural pigment that defines your hair color. Laser hair removal targets these follicles by passing a high-energy beam of light over the area, which is absorbed by the melanin and simultaneously converted to heat. The heat quickly destroys the follicle, effectively slowing hair growth.
Does it hurt?
Laser light is naturally drawn to dark areas, so the melanin-filled follicles attract the beam as it penetrates your skin. This way, the intense heat is confined to the follicles and is hardly felt on the surrounding areas. Some people have reported slight burning and swelling on the treated skin, but the process is generally considered safe. Many clinics now use cooling agents to minimize the discomfort.
A laser treatment can last a few minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of hair and the size of the area being treated. After the first treatment, hair growth is visibly slowed down, but not completely stopped. You need around four to five sessions, three to 12 weeks apart, to get long-term effects.
Where can I get it done?
Laser hair removal is safe on most body parts, except those that are close to the eye. The most commonly treated areas are the arms, legs, chin, upper lips, neck, and bikini line.
Will it work on everyone?
Not everyone is a good candidate for laser hair removal. The most important requirement is that the hair is darker than the surrounding skin. Otherwise, the skin will absorb some of the light and risk getting burned. The greater the contrast between hair and skin, the more effective the treatment will be. Therefore, laser will work best on people with fair skin and dark, coarse hair. If you have a tan, you will be asked to let the tan fade completely before undergoing laser hair removal.
How much does it cost?
A typical laser treatment costs around $1,000 for most anatomical areas. Several treatments are needed to get long-lasting results, so be prepared to spend $4,000 to $5,000 or more on the entire process.
What are the alternatives to laser hair removal?
People who don't qualify for laser hair removal usually go for electrolysis, a more invasive and more expensive process. In electrolysis, a small needle is inserted under the skin to destroy the follicles one by one. There is some risk of scarring and infection, and it may take months to completely remove unwanted hair. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider more conventional procedures such as waxing, shaving, or threading.
Barbara Rader is co-owner and CEO of Evanesque, spa in Uptown offering many services including evanesque.com laser hair removal in Dallas and specialized skin care therapies. For all your Dallas laser hair removal needs, check out Evanesque.com Evanesque.com
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