Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal For many, constantly having to deal with unwanted hair becomes increasingly annoying. Shaving, waxing and tweezing become time-consuming efforts that quickly become in-tolerable. For both men and women alike, Permanent Laser Hair Removal is a safe, effective procedure that provides a more permanent solution for unwanted hair.

Unwanted body and facial hair can be easily removed for all patients with Permanent Laser Hair Removal. The procedure involves laser-focused beams of light that penetrate through the outer layers of skin directly into the hair follicles. The laser light works to destroy the pigment, effectively destroying the follicle. Once the hair follicle is disabled, Permanent Laser Hair Removal will significantly impede hair growth.

At first, Permanent Laser Hair Removal was only able to treat patients with fair skin and dark hair. Through significant technological advances, there are several lasers that now allow for treatment on almost any skin type. Hair removal clinics that offer this advanced technology are now able to fulfill the needs of most consumers.

While Permanent Laser Hair Removal is fast and effective, one individual treatment will not stop hair growth for good. A series of treatments will always be needed in order to reduce any and all unwanted hair in the treatment area. Laser hair removal continues to be the number one laser procedure performed in the United States and Canada; therefore, potential patients can feel confident that their Permanent Laser Hair Removal treatments will be a safe, fast and effective way to significantly reduce unwanted hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are laser hair removal systems and how do they work?
How long will the procedure take?
How many treatments?
Is it safe?
What does it feel like?

What are Laser Hair Removal Systems and How Do they Work?

The lasers on the market today come in all shapes and sizes. Different lasers use different wavelengths of light; some utilize a cooling device and some do not. All laser systems emit a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed by the hair. The laser energy is then transformed into heat which disables the follicle. Today, individuals with white or dark/tan skin can utilize lasers to remove their unwanted hair with positive results. Lasers that utilize a cooling device will help provide the patient with increased comfort and protection by cooling the upper layers of skin. This cooling selectivity helps to protect the skin while effectively treating the unwanted hair.

How long will the procedure take

The length of the procedure depends on the area being treated. An entire back can be done in 1 to 1 1/2 hours; underarms can be done in 1-2 minutes and an upper lip in less than 10 seconds. These are just a few examples. Here is a comparison of time between individual laser hair removal and electrolysis procedures:

Men	Laser	Electrolysis
Back	1 - 1 1/2 hours	100-250 hours
Shoulders	30 - 60-minutes	25-50 hours

Women	Laser	Electrolysis
Underarms	1-2 minutes	4-10 hours
Bikini	5 -10 minutes	5-10 hours
Upper Lip	10 seconds	30-60 minutes
Chin	2-3 minutes	1-3 hours
Legs	1 ½ -3 hours	75-200 hours

How many treatments?

Every individual will need at least 3-6 laser treatments, but some might need up to 8 in order to maximize results. Skin tone, hair coloring and coarseness of hair are all contributing factors to how many treatments will be needed.

Is it safe?

Yes, the procedure is completely safe. After the procedure, patients may experience slight pink or red skin in the treated area. The color will most likely fade within a few minutes to a few hours, and in rare cases, a few days. When cold packs are used, the skin will return to normal much more quickly. The lasers utilize energy wavelengths of light that pass directly through the skin into the hair follicles. Lasers that do not pass through the skin leave residuals. For example, X-rays taken at the hospital leave a residual in the body. If too many are taken in a certain time period, the residuals can become a health risk. The lasers used for laser hair removal are passive, they leave no residuals; therefore, they are completely safe.

What does it feel like?

The feel of the laser on the skin has been described in many different ways. Some say it feels like a pinch on the skin and others say it feels cool or it feels like a mild rubber band snap. For those who feel discomfort, most clinics do provide mild anesthetics.