AN INSIDE LOOK TO LASER HAIR REMOVAL

By: Kalyn Spens

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a common procedure that uses a laser, which shines through the skin and damages the hair follicle, which is what makes hair grow.

The image below is what a laser may look like; however, there are many different types of lasers

Can I Get Any Area Lasered?

Laser hair removal can be used on “almost any area, except for the scalp and around the eyes,” according to Pam Spens, Nurse Practitioner and Laser Technician.

The most common places for hair removal are “the legs, underarms, upper lip, chin, and bikini line (Mayo Clinic Staff).”

What Happens During This Procedure?

“The area one is having treated must first be washed and prepped with alcohol (Pardue).”

“Also, every person in the room must wear special glasses in order to protect their eyes from the laser (Pardue).”

“A laser beam will be aimed at your hair follicles in the area where the removal is taking place. These hair follicle pigments will absorb the laser's energy, and they die and are no longer able to grow hair. [However, one may find that] some hair does not absorb enough energy to destroy it. This is why multiple visits are required to completely smooth out the area (Pardue).”

How Do I Know If I Am Able To Get Laser Hair Removal?

First, one must consult a qualified provider. Second, according to the American Society for

Dermatologic Surgery, one must “undergo a skin test to make sure there will be no adverse side effects, and to ensure that the provider has experience with different skin types (American Society For Dermatological Surgery).”

Finally, one must also not do certain things, such as tan (either by tanning beds, the sun, or lotions) or take light-sensitive medications (American Society For Dermatological Surgery).

Pros For Laser Hair Removal

First, this procedure is “non-invasive,” which means that the body does not have to be cut open.

Second, because the laser “disables more than one hair at a time, it treats larger areas more effectively than any other form of hair removal.”

Thirdly, a person will only experience slight to mild discomfort.

Pros For Laser Hair Removal (Continuned)

Fourthly, once a person has completed his or her required number of treatments, it will eliminate the need for “waxing, electrolysis, shaving, and bleaching [to the treated areas].”

Finally, there is “no required downtime,” which means that a working person could, if he or she desired, go during his or her lunch break and get this procedure done and immediately go back to work (The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).

Cons For Laser Hair Removal

First, this procedure requires multiple treatments because “it only affects actively growing hair, and not all hair follicles are active at the same time.”

Secondly, it has been reported that some patients, with sensitive skin, have “experienced slight redness or mild swelling around the hairs.”

Thirdly, a person must “wear sunscreen on any area that is treated [one must remember that a person cannot tan and have this procedure done].”

Cons For Laser Hair Removal (Continued)

Fourthly, “the darker the skin one has, the harder it may be to remove the hair.”

Finally, “due to the lack of pigment in the hair, people with blonde or gray/white hairs are less responsive to this treatment (The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost for laser hair removal varies based on a number of different things, such as: where you get it done, how old the technology of the laser is, etc.

How Much Does It Cost (Continued)

According to laserhairremoval.com, “small areas like the upper lip can cost anywhere between $50 to $200 per treatment, while larger areas like the full legs or a man’s full back can cost anywhere from $500 to $900 per treatment. The size of the area, as well as the thickness and density of the hair in that area, will determine the exact pricing for laser hair removal (LaserHairRemoval.com).”

Which Laser Is The Best?

According to Pardue, “IPL (intense pulsed light) is a non-coherent laser, and enables controlled laser exposure. If you're taking advantage of this, you'll be

glad to know that it is a highly improved version of the procedure. Less damage occurs to the patient's skin, and therefore, less side effects are experienced (Pardue).”

The image below is an IPL laser.

References

American Society For Dermatological Surgery. American Society For Dermatological Surgery. 2010. 2011 <http://www.asds.net/DosAndDontsLaserHairRemoval.aspx>.

LaserHairRemoval.com. LaserHairRemoval.com. 2011. 2011 <http://www.laserhairremoval.com/typical-cost-laser-hair-removal.htm>.

Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic. 2011. 2011 <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/laser-hair-removal/MY00134>.

The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2009. 2011 <http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedures/skin/laser-hair-removal>.

Pam Spens, Laser Technician, Interview