Laser Hair Removal

There may be a better solution to removing unwanted hair. It's called laser hair removal. 

In the past, the usual remedies for hair removal were plucking, shaving, waxing or using chemical depilatories. Some are painful, many are messy and all of them are temporary. 

Electrolysis has been a popular method and an effective one, but it too is painful and typically useful only in removing small patches of hair.  It can also take several months and numerous visits to clear even the smallest area.

Laser hair removal is just what it sounds like.  It's a laser beam of highly concentrated light that is focused on the area of hair to be removed. The light emitted is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles.  The laser pulses for a fraction of a second which is long enough to heat up the hair and halt the follicles ability to re-grow while sparing surrounding tissues. 

During the process, numerous hair follicles are treated simultaneously, therefore treating even the largest areas of the body both quickly and effectively. Laser hair removal is considered safe if performed properly.

What you can expect with laser hair removal:

Depending on the size of the area being treated, a laser treatment can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or maybe even more.  It's important to mention that not all hair grows the same way. Some hairs are more active than others. The hair that is best affected by laser is the hair in an active growth phase, as opposed to hair that stops growing but has not shed.  Those hairs not in an active growth phase may need a second treatment.

Most patients tolerate the laser hair removal treatment well, however it can cause some discomfort.  If the area treated is a sensitive one then a topical anesthesia may be needed.

Following the treatment, the affected area may respond differently in different patients.  Redness around the area may occur as well as some light swelling, however these side effects indicate that the treatment responded well and is typically normal. Most people can begin normal activity right away after treatment.  

It's been noted that re-growth can come back lighter in color or finer in texture. Light-skinned consumers with dark hair have the best results.

Things to Note:

• It's been noted that re-growth can come back lighter in color or finer in texture.
• Light-skinned individuals with dark hair have the best results.
• Generally not as effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs, red or blonde hair.
• Be very cautious with darker skin tones or on individuals who tan themselves.
• Improper treatment can cause burns, lesions, skin discoloration lasting several months, or you may experience patchy or patterned regrowth.