When it comes to body hair, some people have more growth than others. Although it does not lead to physical pain, it can cause embarrassment and look unsightly. Bodybuilders and swimmers deliberately eliminate their body hair for better appearance of muscles and to create less resistance when gliding through the water. For these people and the many men and women who are not happy with their appearance, laser hair removal is an option.
Features
Laser hair removal is done in a clinic by a trained professional who is usually a nurse or doctor. With this procedure, an intense beam of light is shot down onto the skin where it targets melanin--the pigment that gives your skin and hair its color. When the hair follicles are hit by the beam, they are destroyed and the hair falls out.
Time Frame
The length of laser hair removal sessions varies depending on the area being worked on. For example, a small area, like the upper lip, can take five minutes or less. A large area, like the legs, can take two or more hours. Although permanent hair loss is the goal with this treatment, it is not always achievable. Slowing of hair regrowth is possible, though. According to the Mayo Clinic, you can expect to undergo six to eight treatments, spaced six to eight weeks apart, to achieve good reduction of hair and slowing of hair regrowth.
Cost
Laser hair treatment is expensive, and it does not generally fall under the the coverage of an insurance policy. Multiple factors go into the price for removal, such as the thickness of the hair, the size of the area, where you live in and the facility you choose. Generally, areas like the upper lip can start out at $50 per session and go as high as $200. Large areas, like the back and chest, can cost $500 to $900 per session, as of 2010, according to LaserHairRemoval.com.
Considerations
Before you go in for laser hair removal, there are several things you need to take into consideration. You should avoid being in the sun for four to six weeks and if you are already tan, you have to let it fade completely before getting treatment. This also goes for sunless tanning lotions as well. Avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis for three weeks before the laser hair removal. If your hair is really thick, you can shave it down with electric clippers before getting treatment, to make it more effective. After you get the procedure done, you'll need to stay out of the sun for several weeks, you should avoid sweating for 24 hours after treatment, you should not pick your skin and you should wash the treated areas gently with soap and water instead of scrubbing. People with light red, light brown, gray, white or blond hair may not get favorable results from laser hair removal, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Effects
Laser hair removal is not without possible side effects. After treatments, your skin can become lighter or darker than its normal color, you can experience incomplete hair removal, scabbing can develop, and in rare cases, the texture of your skin can change, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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