Laser Hair Removal Procedures
When it comes to laser hair removal, there are many questions to ask before you decide this procedure is for you. How many treatments will be necessary to get optimal results, and what will they cost? What pretreatment and posttreatment protocols should you be aware of? What about possible complications? Here's a brief overview of typical laser hair removal procedures, from start to finish. Does this Spark an idea?
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Choosing a Doctor
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The Mayo Clinic recommends that you choose a dermatologist or a doctor in a similar specialty to perform laser hair removal services--going to a day spa or salon that permits nonmedical personnel to perform laser treatments may be less expensive, but you might not get the results that you want. At the initial consultation, your doctor will ask about your medical history and take photographs of the area of the body that you want treated. During this time, laser hair removal procedures should be discussed in great detail, as well as the possible risks involved and what you might expect in terms of results.
Before the Treatment
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According to the Mayo Clinic, tanned skin is at greatest risk for blistering and skin discoloration following laser treatment, so it's advised that you stay out of the sun for six weeks before you begin your treatments. Laser hair removal works best when hairs are recently shaved but still visible. Waxing, plucking and other forms of hair epilation should be avoided for at least three weeks before you begin treatments, as laser hair reduction works best when follicles are in an active stage of growth.
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The Treatment: What to Expect
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Before the treatment begins, you'll be given goggles to wear to protect your eyes from the laser's light. A numbing gel may be applied to the area being treated. A dermatologist or other trained professional then applies a handheld laser device to the skin. Laser beams must heat the hair follicle in order to destroy it, so there may be some pain involved. Those with dark, coarse hair may initially experience more discomfort than those with thinner hair follicles, although with repeated laser treatments hair becomes more sparse, so discomfort is reduced during follow-up sessions. Patients often notice the smell of burning hair during the procedure as well.
After the Treatment
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When performed by a skilled doctor, laser hair removal doesn't cause any serious posttreatment side effects, such as bleeding or scarring. After the treatment, the skin may be red and inflamed for the first few hours, and it is not unusual to experience stinging for the next two days. If the skin begins to lightly scab, applying petroleum jelly to the area can aid healing. After a laser treatment, physical exertion that causes sweating should be avoided, and patients are cautioned to stay out of the sun, including avoiding the use of tanning beds, for several weeks.
Is Laser Hair Removal for You?
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According to the Laser Hair Journal, which is maintained by a group of dermatologists that perform laser hair removal procedures, most people don't require more than six laser treatments. However, the efficacy of laser hair removal also depends on whether or not you're a good candidate for the procedure. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best results using laser hair removal are seen in people with very fair skin and dark hair. Those with darker skin and dark hair get good results. But laser hair removal doesn't work well for people with blonde, fair, light red or unpigmented hair. In early September 2009, the nationwide average cost of one laser session was $366.75, and a five-session process is typical, so reducing hair using this method can be an expensive endeavor. Before you decide laser hair reduction is for you, make sure that you ask your doctor what results you can expect.
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