Laser treatment for facial hair removal is a medical process that uses the hot, pulsing light from a laser to damage hair follicles on the face. The damage discourages but does not prevent future hair growth. In the December 2001 issue of Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Metin Gorgu of Ankara Numune Community Hospital in Turkey wrote that laser hair removal is 60 times faster than electrolysis, less painful and provides better long-term results. Laser hair removal can also be used on other parts of the body.
Choosing a Facility
Laser hair removal facilities are usually regulated by the state. Not every state requires that the procedure be done by a licensed physician. The onus is on the consumer to investigate the licensing of laser hair-removal facilities. Because of this and also because excessive facial hair may be related to an underlying medical condition, it is best to first consult a dermatologist.
Hair Removal Process
Laser treatment for facial hair removal can often be completed in minutes. First a nurse or clinician cleanses the patient's skin. An analgesic, a pain reliever, may be applied. The patient must wear goggles during the treatment. The doctor or clinician calibrates the machine, normally a handheld wand. Then the wand emits a clear beam of light directed at the targeted hair follicles. When the light heats up, it damages the follicle and hair.
Effectiveness
In an October 2005 article in Dermatologic Therapy, Dr. Molly Wanner of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston wrote that laser procedures achieve a 75 percent hair reduction. The procedure works best on patients with light skin and dark hair. Nearly all patients require four to six treatments at two- to three-month intervals. Maintenance treatments, once or twice per year, may also be required.
Side Effects
Most patients report mild to moderate levels of discomfort during the procedure. There may be some skin irritation or even scabbing after the procedure. Some patients, especially those with darker skin, may notice a change in pigmentation. In extreme cases, the laser removal process may cause blistering or scarring. The most severe side effects are often caused by an incorrect setting on the laser machine. After treatment, patients should limit sun exposure.
Cost
The cost of laser treatment for facial hair removal varies greatly, based on geographic region, the size of the treated area, the number of treatments and the qualifications of the clinician or physician. In 2009 the average cost of a laser hair removal treatment in the United States was $405, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That same year, Americans spent more than $361 million on the procedure.
References
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; Comparison of Alexandrite Laser and Electrolysis for Hair Removal; Metin Görgü, M.D.; December 2001
- "Dermatologic Therapy"; Laser Hair Removal; Molly Wanner, M.D.; October 2005
- Hair Facts: Laser Regulation by State
- Mayo Clinic: Laser Hair Removal
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Average Surgeon Fees
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