Unwanted hair can grow on various parts of the body due to genetics, diseases or side effects of medication. While shaving, tweezing and waxing are effective hair removal methods, these methods provide only temporary results. Laser hair removal provides long-term or permanent results, although in some cases you may need follow-up treatments.
Identification
Laser treatment involves aiming a low energy laser beam at the hairs to be removed. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin and hair its color, absorbs the beam. When the laser beam reaches the hair follicle, it disrupts the normal growth pattern of the hair, and the hair no longer grows.
Laser Treatment Candidates
Laser hair removal is most effective in people who have dark hair and lighter skin because there is a contrast between the hair and the surrounding skin. Laser hair removal is less effective in people who have white, gray or red hair, or who have dark skin and dark hair, although using a laser with a longer wavelength may increase treatment effectiveness in people with dark skin and hair. Your doctor will choose the appropriate laser for your skin and hair type.
Preparation
During a pre-treatment consultation, your doctor will evaluate your skin type and the thickness, location and color of your hair. The consultation includes a discussion of your medical history, previous hair removal methods and your expectations for treatment. You may need three or more treatments to achieve permanent hair growth reduction, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Before your treatment, you may be asked to use a sunscreen and avoid getting a sunburn or tan. You can shave the treatment area one or two days before treatment, but you should not use waxing, plucking or electrolysis to remove hair.
Treatment
A topical anesthetic is applied to clean skin before laser treatment begins. You will be given special glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam. When the laser is aimed at your skin, you may feel as if someone is snapping a rubber band against your skin and your skin may feel warm. The skin may appear slightly red and swollen as the laser is aimed at the hair follicles. Each treatment session may take one or more hours, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.
Recovery
Applying ice to your skin may help relieve any swelling or redness following treatment. Your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever if you experience pain or discomfort. He may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment if blisters form on your skin. Use of sunscreen is recommended following laser treatment, as skin may be more sensitive to the effects of the sun.
Results
Areas of thin skin, including the armpits and bikini area, generally show a better response to treatment than areas of thick skin, such as the chin and back, according to the AAD. Because not all of your hair will be at the same stage in the growth treatment, you will need more than one treatment to completely remove hair in the treatment area. You may need periodic maintenance treatments to remove any hairs that eventually grow back.
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