Laser hair removal aims to permanently remove unwanted hair from any given area by focusing light energy into the hair follicle. This process, called photothermolysis, destroys the hair follicle, stopping its ability to grow hair. According to surgery.com, women tend to gravitate toward laser hair removal more than men. Several different types of lasers are currently utilized, so the number of sessions rvaries, too, as well as the likelihood of hair removal being permanent.
Types of Lasers
A website designed by Dr. Harvey H. Jay, a board certified dermatologist, has a comparison chart of the five main types of lasers used in hair removal: Pulsed light, or IPL; diode laser, Nd; Yag laser; Alexandrite laser; and ruby laser. The lasers are different, and some can only be used for specific skin types. In addition, certain types may also be less effective in keeping unwanted hair from growing back, so more sessions may be needed. Be sure to research your skin type, as well as the type of lasers offered at any establishment, to ensure the biggest return on your investment.
Facial Hair Removal
As with all laser hair removal, the amount of treatments necessary depends on the amount of hair to be removed and the skin and laser types. Surgery.com states that lasers typically remove one third of the hair from a given area. Three treatments are often the minimum, and as many as six can be necessary.
Bikini Area Hair Removal
Dr. Jerome Garden contributed information to The Hair Removal Journal website. He explains that skin and hair type, as well as hair color and strand density are all factors a physician should evaluate to determine the appropriate laser system and the number of treatments. As with the facial hair removal, three to six treatments may be needed. Many facilities will also offer free removal for a certain amount of time after the last session should some hair grow back.
Back Hair Removal
Dr. Garden recommends finding a facility that offers a variety of lasers to ensure that the best treatment is obtained for this specific area. Back hair can be sparse and fine or thick and coarse. Typically, four to six treatments are needed to remove the majority of back hair, but further treatments are often needed.
Leg Hair Removal
Because of the amount of surface area, leg hair removal can take up to an hour per session. Three to five sessions may be needed.
Risks
According to surgery.com, there are two main risks involved with laser hair removal. In order to minimize the risks, be sure to find a knowledgeable physician or practitioner with a few different laser types as well as a positive client satisfaction rate. The most serious risk of laser treatment can be to the retina of the eye. Protective eye wear is mandatory, and a stray beam can cause severe damage. The other potential risk involves skin scarring or burning. Patients who are susceptible to keloid formation, particularly those with dark pigmented skin, should use caution or try other hair removal procedures.
Member Comments