Laser Hair Removal

The laser hair removal procedure has been touted as the permanent solution to unwanted hair.  It has shown great promise in delivering on that claim.  However, before investing your hard earned money into laser treatments, a little research on the procedure is warranted.

The following Q&A's will help you make an educated decision on whether laser treatments are right for you.

What is the laser hair removal procedure?

The laser hair removal process centers on the delivery of light, at a specified wavelength, from a hand-held instrument into the skin, where it targets darker material.  This material is usually the pigment found in the hair.  This causes damage to the hair follicle, slowing or eliminating future growth, while not affecting the surrounding tissue.

How safe is the procedure?

The procedure has been deemed safe by the FDA when administered by a licensed medical practitioner.  Always use a licensed medical doctor, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, to perform these treatments.

How many treatments will I need?

The laser procedure generally takes multiple visits.  Basically, the bigger the area of unwanted hair, for example, back or legs, the greater the number of treatments required.  This should be a key factor in your decision to use this rather expensive procedure.

Who is the ideal candidate for this procedure?

People who tend to get the most positive results from this procedure tend to be light skinned and possess a darker hair color.  The laser procedure is not as effective on unpigmented hair, such as, gray or blonde hair.  Those who have darker skin tones, or tans, must be very cautious due to the risk of tissue damage.

How permanent are the results of the laser procedure?

This question is still being debated.  Because the procedure is relatively new, data collection has been far from adequate.  Until more experience and analysis is available, be wary of any doctor claiming that it is totally foolproof.  At present, the medical consensus is that the laser hair removal process will result in a range of outcomes, dependent on the patient's physical characteristics.  Generally, a dramatic reduction in hair growth should be expected, and if and when hair does re-grow, it will come back lighter in color or finer in texture.

One thing to remember before committing to laser hair removal treatments is that the procedure is still relatively new and results can vary considerably.  If you decide that this hair removal process is for you, your next step is to consult with a medical practitioner.  If you are totally satisfied with all of the doctor's answers, then this may very well be the solution to your unwanted hair problem.