Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Getting a laser hair removal treatment can be costly. Depending on the area to be treated, the cost of laser hair removal can range from $50 to upwards of $900 per session. Multiple sessions are usually required for maximum effectiveness, because hair grows in cycles. Common treatment areas are:

• Upper lip
• Face
• Chest
• Underarms
• Neck
• Back
• Stomach
• Legs
• Bikini line

Lasers reduce hair growth by releasing pulses of light which enter skin to reach the hair follicle. The follicles absorb laser energy and then are destroyed by it. Several types of lasers are available for use, including:

• Ruby laser
• Alexandrite laser
• Pulsed diode laser
• Intense pulsed light source
• ND: YAG laser

A doctor will evaluate each patient’s skin type to determine which laser is best for that particular patient. The different lasers have properties making them each unique for treating darker or lighter hair, dark skin, or that work better for treating fine hair.

Before Treatment

Before having laser hair removal treatment, research doctors. Consider the following questions when evaluating doctors:

• Is the doctor a cosmetic surgeon and licensed to practice in your state?
• Are licensed nurses on premises?
• How many years has the doctor been practicing?
• Can the doctor show before and after photos from persons who had the same procedure done?

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has a surgeon locator for the public to use. Additionally, check with the American Academy of Dermatology to find out if your doctor has ties to their organization.

Be wary of doctors or practices that claim or guarantee permanent hair removal. The Food and Drug Administration has only approved several “permanent reduction” lasers, which produce long term stable reduction in hair growth.

Before receiving treatment, your doctor will meet with you to determine your skin type and what kind of laser she/he will be using. Persons with light hair (blondes or redheads) or very fine hair, along with people who have dark skin, should be aware that laser treatments may not be as effective for them as those with course dark hair, and lighter skin. Your doctor will discuss his/her view of the treatment effectiveness based on your skin and hair type.

Tanned skin scars more easily.

Persons who have been tanning, have a tan, or even a sunless tan, should not use laser hair removal until the tan has disappeared. Other things to discuss with your doctor include any skin conditions, medications you currently take, and if there are moles or tattoos near the area that will be treated. Your doctor should take a full medical history before beginning the procedure.

At the time of the treatment, hair should be very short and the area should be clean and dry. Eye protection should be worn for the duration of the treatment. Sometimes a cooling gel or similar product will be applied to the area before beginning treatment. Most doctors will treat a small area then check for adverse side effects before continuing.

After Treatment

After the laser hair removal procedure has finished, a doctor may have you apply an aloe-vera gel or other anti-inflammatory gel or cream to the area that was treated. Sometimes redness and slight swelling occurs after treatment, but it usually disappears. Pigmentation of skin can also be changed after the procedure. While this may take several months to return to normal, with most cases it does go back to its original color.

Very rarely does blistering, scarring, or infection occur. If this happens, contact your doctor as soon as you notice a problem. Allowing for ample time between sessions for skin to heal can help eliminate the chances of these problems.

It is not uncommon to smell singed hair or see charred hairs after the procedure is finished..