Laser hair removal can be the ultimate fix for women--and even men--with the time and available finances to devote to getting the number of treatments required to obtain the best results. However, laser hair removal has its pros and cons, one being that it is simply not effective on everyone. As laser hair removal is quite costly, be it through services performed in a doctor's office or purchase of a home device approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), it is important to know both the benefits and risks associated with this treatment.
Considerations
According to the FDA, laser hair removal personal systems and those professionals market may claim that the treatment results in "permanent reduction" in hair regrowth--but not "permanent removal." The definition of laser hair removal used by the FDA is a treatment that results in "stable, long-term or permanent (hair) reduction" after a series of several treatments. While some people may get good results using laser hair removal (according to the Mayo Clinic, up to 90 percent hair reduction is possible after a series of treatments), results can be extremely arbitrary. To manage regrowth, maintenance sessions must be undertaken as well. The Mayo Clinic notes that a meager 20 percent hair reduction may be noted in those who are good candidates; in some cases, laser hair removal might not work at all.
Who Makes Good Candidates
Laser hair removal works by directing a low-energy beam that passes through the skin and is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle without causing damage to the skin. Therefore, those with dark body hair and fair skin frequently achieve the best benefits from this treatment. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery indicates that those with darker skin may not get the best benefits of laser hair removal, as the color of the skin and hair is too similar. Nor do those with fair or gray/white hair typically get good results, as there is less (or no) pigment in the hair follicle to absorb light.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal can cause discomfort that has been described as rubber bands snapping against the surface of the skin. After the treatment, swelling, redness and blistering can occur, requiring the use of ice packs, antibiotic ointments and over-the-counter pain relievers, warns the American Academy of Dermatology. In some cases, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation of the skin may occur. Usually, hyperpigmentation is only temporary, but the Mayo Clinic cautions that it could also be a permanent side effect of laser hair removal.
Associated Costs
Laser hair removal is considerably expensive, regardless if performed in a doctor's office or by using a FDA-approved home system. With between four and seven treatments recommended to get the best results from professional services (as well as maintenance treatments), cost of services can easily add up. According to the "Hair Loss Journal," a website maintained by doctors who perform laser hair removal services, the average cost of a single session in December 2009 was $351. Home laser hair removal devices are considerably less costly but still aren't within easy reach of many consumers, as these systems were priced between $500 and $600 in the same month. Although less costly, these systems purport to offer a maximum of between 50 and 70 percent hair reduction to those who are good candidates.
Overall Effectiveness
Laser hair removal has many positives in its "Pros" column--the method isn't invasive, can address large areas of skin, doesn't take as long as electrolysis (the only permanent form of hair removal), and replaces the need to wax or shave. But the Mayo Clinic points out that although certain factors may make certain people better candidates for laser hair removal, the effectiveness of this treatment depends on the individuals' response to it--which can make it an expensive gamble even for those devoted to completing a recommended course of treatment.
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