Unsightly hair can make both men and women uncomfortable about their appearance, and constant shaving and waxing can be a burden, not to mention the constant irritation. For this reason, Americans seek permanent laser assisted removal at a rate of more than half a million treatments per year.
How It's Done
Laser hair removal works when light energy penetrates the skin, converts into heat during penetration, and causes thermal injury to the hair follicle. The high temperature reaches and disables the follicle, effectively inhibiting re-growth. This process can be accomplished only during the growth stage of hair. Because hair grows in cycles and not all follicles are at the same stage at the same time, laser removal is done in sessions in order to achieve the best results.
In some instances a topical anesthesia or numbing cream can be used, but this often not necessary, as pain is minimal. Total surgery can be as short as ten minutes or as long as an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated.
Technology
There are many different lasers that have been approved for hair removal. When the FDA grants approval for such lasers, they are approved to permanently reduce hair growth, not permanently remove. This is because hair can re-grow in some cases when it is not treated during the appropriate stage. You can check the approval of a specific laser on the FDA Web site.
Recovery / Post Op
After the procedure the treated area may appear slightly red or swollen. This can be remedied with cream or ointment. Return to normal activities can take place immediately, however sun exposure should be avoided. Within the first few weeks, hair will appear in the treated area, this is dead hair that is falling out. The hair can be shaved, but bleaching or waxing should be avoided.
Complications
For the most part, laser hair removal is safe and effective. In some instances there can be changes in pigmentation, or blistering, scaring, or burning will occur, however these are almost always temporary.
Am I A Candidate
To be considered a candidate, the basic rule of thumb is that your hair must be darker than your skin. The best candidates are fair-skinned individuals with brown or black hair. Blonde, red, or gray hair does not respond as well to laser removal.
Cost
The cost of laser hair removal will vary depending on the size of the treated area. The national average surgeon fee for 2003 was $429 per session according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Doctors typically advise that their patients undergo a treatment schedule of four sessions.
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1 comments:
I want to address the concern many people have about the pain involved. I find this to be a relatively painless experience but it completely depends on the area being treated. I am generally NOT a pain tolerant person (I was blacking out from the pain and screaming for drugs as I arrived at the hospital to have my son). That being said, when the laser is on a super high setting and my thighs are being done, I do not even feel it. On the flip side, when the laser approaches a bony or super sensitive area (ankles, bikini) I definitely would not do it without using a numbing cream first. Numbing creams are now my best friend- besides the laser! I suggest that you look into the different kinds and try them out first. Also, you can spend anywhere from $10 to $50 on this so you may want to do some research. Make sure there are no ingredients in it that you may be allergic to or might irritate your skin. I have very sensitive skin and have not had any problems. One last thing about the creams- use them properly or they won't work. But remember, you really don't need them for all areas. Ice packs are a regular part of my sessions and they usually take care of 80% of the pain.
All told, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is considering it. I would highly suggest that you research the different offices in your area that offer it and ask lots of questions. One of the clinicians recently told me that when she worked in a doctors office before this facility, the patients did not always get complete information up front. Usually it was regarding the number of treatments needed, possible future treatments needed, and the costs involved. So, if you are thinking about it, my suggestion is do your research, then, just do it! You will thank yourself later.
-B
Laser Hair Removal Chicago
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