Any form of hair removal that eliminates the need for continuous removal and upkeep is considered permanent. However, no form of hair removal permanently prevents all future growth from occurring in the treatment area. Many people notice fine, sparse growth in the treatment area after a prolonged amount of time has passed. Follow-up treatments are recommended to remove regrowth.
Types
Two types of hair-removal services are considered to be long-term or permanent: laser hair removal and electrolysis. While neither can truly be considered permanent, extended periods of nongrowth can be achieved with both procedures.
Procedures
Laser hair removal damages follicles by exposing them to intense heat generated by pulsating laser light. The technician holds a laser wand close to the skin in order to treat small sections of skin at a time.
A bit more invasive, electrolysis destroys follicles by directing volts of electric energy directly into the follicles through a metal probe. The probe or needle is inserted into individual hair follicles, making electrolysis the more tedious procedure of the two.
Cost
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average cost for one laser hair removal session in the United States is $429. Electrolysis averages $150 an hour, with several hours needed per session. Factors affecting cost include hair type, removal area, the office's fee schedule and miscellaneous costs. Complete removal requires several sessions.
Results
The results associated with laser hair removal depend primarily on the person, the thickness and type of hair growth, and the number of treatments performed. Basically, the more treatments you have, the less chance there is that the hair will grow back. However, regrowth after treatment can occur at any time. Most people experience long-term removal after four to six treatments. In the absence of maintenance treatments once or twice a year, some hair will grow back.
Plastic Surgery Advisor cautions people against expecting too much from electrolysis as well. The results are not immediate. Weeks to months after a treatment, one can expect to see less hair. Additional treatments enhance the effect, but the possibility for regrowth still exists. Hair tends to grow back after an extended period of nongrowth. On the bright side, the new hair usually appears lighter in color and finer in texture.
Complications
One of the complications arising from laser hair removal involves regrowth and the need for subsequent treatments. MayoClinic.com also lists skin irritation, crusting, scabbing, changes in skin color, blisters and scarring as possible complications arising from laser therapy. The complications associated with electrolysis include redness, scarring, changes in skin color, bacterial infection, reactivation of herpes simplex and scarring, according to DermNet NZ.
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