If you are endlessly engaged in a battle to eliminate unwanted hair from your body, laser hair removal can provide you with lasting relief from the discomfort and tedium associated with plucking, shaving and waxing. Laser removal is an outpatient procedure that utilizes a fine beam of heated light to remove unwanted hair. Sessions typically lasts from one to several hours, depending on the extent of treatment, and results usually last up to several weeks.





How Does it Work?



Immediately prior to treatment, a special lotion is used to numb the targeted area of the skin. The physician then uses a laser to dispense a beam of heated light that effectively removes the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. Unlike electrolysis, which involves the tedious removal of individual hair follicles, the laser targets a relatively wide area of skin, making the procedure faster and more efficient. After treatment, patients may immediately return home and resume normal activities; however, sun tanning, Jacuzzi use and exercise should be avoided for a minimum of 24 hours.

 

 

The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal Treatment



Laser hair removal is superior to shaving, waxing, tweezing and depilatory creams, which only remove unwanted hair for about three to seven days. On average, laser treatment will eliminate hair from the upper-body for seven to 11 weeks, and mid-body and leg treatments can last up to four months. Laser treatments are also quicker and easier than electrolysis and safer than oral medications, which may come with unpleasant or dangerous side effects.



Is Laser Treatment Right for Me?



Laser treatment isn’t right for everyone; to find out if you are an ideal candidate, consider the following:

• Patients with light skin and dark, coarse hair is typically the easiest to treat and tend to see the best results in the fewest amounts of treatment sessions.

• Dark-skinned patients are sometimes not ideal candidates; however, some may still benefit from laser treatment.

• Gray, red and blond hair is more difficult to treat.

• If you have tanned skin, you'll have to wait for the color to fade prior to treatment.

• Patients affected by skin disorders, such as dermatitis, cystic acne and psoriasis, aren't good candidates for laser treatment.

• Treatment is not suited for those who are pregnant have pacemakers or metal screws near the treatment area.