Waxing, plucking or shaving may create the smooth appearance you want, but the need to keep up with constant regrowth makes them all fairly high-maintenance methods of hair removal. For permanent or semi-permanent hair removal, you have to see a professional. Laser hair removal involves heating the hair with a focused pulse of light, damaging the follicle, and sending the hair into a long-term resting phase.
Basics
A doctor can use a laser to remove hair from nearly any area of your body, the legs, underarms, face and bikini line. It is not quite a permanent removal method, because the hair is likely to regrow eventually. But it can provide a long hair-free period, especially after repeated treatments. The procedure involves a health-care provider pressing a hand-held laser device against your skin.
Time Frame
Laser hair removal can take from about 5 minutes, in the case of a small area like the upper lip, to more than 2 hours in the case of a more expansive area such as the back. The results of laser hair removal can last from several months to many years, according to the Mayo Clinic. In order for the treatment to have maximum effectiveness--that is, good reduction of hair and a decrease in the rate of regrowth--you will probably need six to eight treatments spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. Even after that, you will likely require maintenance treatments periodically.
Considerations
The lasers used for hair removal target melanin, the substance that gives hair and skin their color. The more melanin in the hair, the better the method works. At the same time, having less melanin in the skin is helpful, because the laser stays focused on the hair without getting absorbed into the skin. So people with thick, dark hair and light skin are ideal candidates. Laser hair removal does not work as well in people with blond, red or gray hair.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of laser hair removal include damage to surrounding skin, including redness, swelling, blistering, burns and scarring. These are not common, according to the Hair Removal Journal. Pigment changes--the skin becoming lighter or darker--are also possible and may last for several months. Usually, however, the skin returns to its natural color over time.
Doctor Selection
To avoid wasting your money and potentially damaging your skin, it is important to choose a doctor wisely when considering laser hair removal. Look for a physician with expertise in skin; dermatologists fit this bill. Ask your friends who did their laser hair removal and whether they were satisfied with the results. And do not be afraid to ask a doctor for references. Finally, inquire as to whether the physician owns more than one laser. Laser hair removal is not "one size fits all," and different hair and skin types do best with different types of lasers. Make sure your health care provider has the right tools for the job.
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