Some men may find facial hair growth annoying, but because hair growth is hereditary you will be as hairy as your father. Having to shave on a daily basis can be time-consuming and costly throughout your lifetime. Some men may not like hair growth on certain areas of the face. If you want to remove unwanted facial hair on a semi-permanent basis, laser hair removal is one method you can consider.
Assesment Prior To Laser Hair Removal
Prior to treatment, the dermatologist will need to complete an evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for laser hair removal. Skin type, presence of a tan and hair color are very important in assessing the outcome of the treatment, and determining if you will have skin discoloration as a side effect. The location and thickness of the hair determines the number of treatments that may be necessary to effectively reduce the hair growth. Prior treatment methods for hair removal, including your medical history, will also be reviewed.
Procedure of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal involves a laser beam that is scanned across the body in the desired hair removal area. The laser emits a heat that damages the hair follicles and prevents hair regeneration. This method is semi-permanent. The reason is that the hair follicle is damaged, but the hair cells are still active. Hair grows in cycles and the hair growth may come back, but the hair that does re-grow is known to be lighter and much thinner in texture, according to American Academy Of Dermatology.
Number of Treatments
Generally, at each hair removal site, three or more treatments may be needed. Treatment sessions can vary between 30 minutes to an hour, with four to six weeks being the average time between treatments. Best results occur for men who have dark hair and light skin, according to Askmen.com. The amount of hair removed per session is also determined by the thickness of the skin. Thin skin, as in the armpit, is much more responsive than areas such as the chin, which has thicker skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Side Effects of Treatment
Common side effects resulting from treatment can include, redness, swelling, itching and tingling from the recent treated area lasting one to three days after treatment, according to Hair Removal Forum. During the procedure, patients have described the laser hair removal procedure as feeling like a rubber band lightly snapping against the skin. More serious side effects can include blistering, scabbing and infection.
Costs of Treatment
Annual U.S. spending in 2009 for laser hair removal treatment totaled $361 million, according to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The average cost per treatment was $405. Getting laser hair removal treatment done by a professional who specializes in laser hair removal, may cost less than going to a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon to get the treatment done.
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