Laser Hair Removal

Many people wish to remove body hair they consider troublesome or a cause of embarrassment. Advances in laser hair removal systems can permanently remove hair from the face, back, bikini line and virtually any other area of the body. By using the light energy of a laser to disable the hair follicle, troubled areas of hair can become a thing of the past.

Hair Removal Treatment

During the treatment, the light of the laser is absorbed by the melanin (the pigment in hair and skin follicles) in the skin. The light energy is then converted into heat, thereby removing the hair. Most times, the laser is used in combination with a carbon lotion that is spread on the skin, where it penetrates the hair follicle and is absorbed by the laser's wavelength. To be effective, there must be some hair stubble in the area where hair is to be removed by the laser.

Laser technology represents an advance over electrolysis in that the laser targets multiple hair follicles at once, requiring less time spent in the physician's office. In addition, it involves little discomfort and has proved extremely safe.

After the Treatment

Permanent hair removal takes roughly three treatments, due to the fact that hair grows in cycles. It can only be permanently removed during its growth phase. Hair that is in the resting cycle will not be affected by the treatment. Following the removal treatment, the hair separates from the follicle and falls out (this can take up to three weeks). Side effects may include temporary redness and swelling, although these can be covered up with makeup and typically do not last more than a few days.

Health Concerns

Although many hair removal patients do not experience any discomfort, some do opt for an over-the-counter painkiller prior to treatment. Laser hair removal is riskier for those individuals with dark skin color because the darker the skin, the more energy is absorbed into the skin. This may occasionally cause mild changes in skin color or pigmentation. Patients should therefore avoid tanning both before and after hair removal treatments. Many people return once a year in order to treat those follicles that continue to grow.