Laser Hair Removal

Many people wish to remove body hair they consider troublesome or a cause of embarrassment. Advances in laser hair removal systems can permanently remove hair from the face, back, bikini line, and virtually any other area of the body. By using the light energy of a laser to disable the hair follicle, unwanted hair can become a thing of the past.

Laser hair removal is riskier for those individuals with dark skin color because the darker the skin, the more energy is absorbed into it. This may occasionally cause mild changes in skin color or pigmentation. Patients should therefore avoid tanning both before and after hair removal treatments. Many people return once a year in order to treat those follicles that continue to grow.

Hair Removal Treatment During the treatment, the light of the laser is absorbed by the melanin (the pigment in hair and skin follicles) in the skin. The light energy is then converted into heat, thereby removing the hair. To be effective, there must be some hair stubble in the area where hair is to be removed by the laser. The best candidate is the person with darker hair follicles.

Laser technology represents an advance over electrolysis in that the laser targets multiple hair follicles at once, requiring less time spent in the physician's office. In addition, it involves little discomfort and has proved extremely safe.

After the Treatment Permanent hair removal takes at least four treatments, because hair grows in cycles. It can only be permanently removed during its growth phase. Hair that is in the resting cycle will not be affected by the treatment. Following the removal treatment, the hair separates from the follicle and falls out (this can take up to three weeks). Side effects may include temporary redness and swelling, although these can be covered up with makeup and typically do not last more than a few days.