Laser hair removal is becoming more and more popular, and especially with bikini season approaching fast, even more people are thinking of getting unwanted hair zapped. While it used to be a procedure available only to rich and famous, it is now possible to find a laser hair removal salon in almost any local phone book.
Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the FDA approved it for "permanent hair reduction." Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Keep reading to find out how much it's going to hurt - your body AND your wallet, what are the chances the hair would grow back, where to have it done, and whether this procedure is for you.
How does laser hair removal work?
Lasers stop growth of hair from its roots by selectively targeting and heating dark target matter - melanin - in the area that causes hair growth - the follicle - while not damaging the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin: it gives skin and hair its color. There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color).
Is everyone a good candidate?
People who have very light colored skin and those with very dark colored skin are generally not qualified for this type of treatment. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark hair in people with dark skin, and even light hair in people with dark skin.
What areas can be treated?
Lasers and pulsed light target several follicles at once, so you can treat large areas of skin. While it may take years to perform electrolysis on the back or legs, a typical laser hair removal session on both legs usually takes under two hours. For upper lip and chin, lasers work but only on dark hair.
Keep in mind that for upper lip and chin, lasers work only on dark hair. If you want to ensure the blonde hairs are zapped, your better bet may be electrolysis for permanent hair removal in these areas.
Is it effective?
It's impossible to predict how successful lasers will work on everyone. Results depend on the quality of the laser, the type of hair you have and the number of procedures you have done.
Due to the variables involved it is impossible to predict exactly what the results will be for any individual. Many reputable clinics avoid giving guarantees for this reason.
Is it truly permanent?
Laser hair removal is permanent, but usually not the first time you have it done. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of 3-8 treatments.
Is it safe?
Yes. The laser uses a wavelength of light which passes through the skin. Unlike x-rays, there is no residual left in the body. Skin may appear pink or red after treatment. This disappears - in some cases after some minutes, in other cases after a few hours, or in still other cases, a few days. Use of cold packs will speed up the recovery time.
What is the price?
The costs of laser hair removal vary by body section and size. A clinic or practitioner may charge based on time, number of laser pulses or a package fee. It is important to trust the practitioner and/or clinic so you feel confident in their fee schedule.
Most insurance companies do not cover the procedure because it is cosmetic in nature. The price depends on clinic being used, the size of the area being treated, and the number of sessions required to get clean and smooth skin. Check with the clinic you will use to get an accurate price.
Will you feel any pain?
This varies from person to person depending on their sensitivity. Some have described the sensation to a slight sting on the skin. Others say it feels like a pinch on the skin. If you can take plucking, you can handle a laser, it's like a pinch or rubber band snap. Sometimes it feel like a cool burn it just depends on how sensitive you are. If you don't do well during the test, ask for a mild pain reliever.
Pick the right facility
Do your homework before selecting and signing up for services. Many clinics advertise cheap and discounted procedures, but the best places don't have to resort to discounts. Book only with a dermatologist or licensed technician. - 15252
Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the FDA approved it for "permanent hair reduction." Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Keep reading to find out how much it's going to hurt - your body AND your wallet, what are the chances the hair would grow back, where to have it done, and whether this procedure is for you.
How does laser hair removal work?
Lasers stop growth of hair from its roots by selectively targeting and heating dark target matter - melanin - in the area that causes hair growth - the follicle - while not damaging the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin: it gives skin and hair its color. There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color).
Is everyone a good candidate?
People who have very light colored skin and those with very dark colored skin are generally not qualified for this type of treatment. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark hair in people with dark skin, and even light hair in people with dark skin.
What areas can be treated?
Lasers and pulsed light target several follicles at once, so you can treat large areas of skin. While it may take years to perform electrolysis on the back or legs, a typical laser hair removal session on both legs usually takes under two hours. For upper lip and chin, lasers work but only on dark hair.
Keep in mind that for upper lip and chin, lasers work only on dark hair. If you want to ensure the blonde hairs are zapped, your better bet may be electrolysis for permanent hair removal in these areas.
Is it effective?
It's impossible to predict how successful lasers will work on everyone. Results depend on the quality of the laser, the type of hair you have and the number of procedures you have done.
Due to the variables involved it is impossible to predict exactly what the results will be for any individual. Many reputable clinics avoid giving guarantees for this reason.
Is it truly permanent?
Laser hair removal is permanent, but usually not the first time you have it done. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of 3-8 treatments.
Is it safe?
Yes. The laser uses a wavelength of light which passes through the skin. Unlike x-rays, there is no residual left in the body. Skin may appear pink or red after treatment. This disappears - in some cases after some minutes, in other cases after a few hours, or in still other cases, a few days. Use of cold packs will speed up the recovery time.
What is the price?
The costs of laser hair removal vary by body section and size. A clinic or practitioner may charge based on time, number of laser pulses or a package fee. It is important to trust the practitioner and/or clinic so you feel confident in their fee schedule.
Most insurance companies do not cover the procedure because it is cosmetic in nature. The price depends on clinic being used, the size of the area being treated, and the number of sessions required to get clean and smooth skin. Check with the clinic you will use to get an accurate price.
Will you feel any pain?
This varies from person to person depending on their sensitivity. Some have described the sensation to a slight sting on the skin. Others say it feels like a pinch on the skin. If you can take plucking, you can handle a laser, it's like a pinch or rubber band snap. Sometimes it feel like a cool burn it just depends on how sensitive you are. If you don't do well during the test, ask for a mild pain reliever.
Pick the right facility
Do your homework before selecting and signing up for services. Many clinics advertise cheap and discounted procedures, but the best places don't have to resort to discounts. Book only with a dermatologist or licensed technician. - 15252
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