Laser Hair Removal
What Is Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive technique that uses highly concentrated light to penetrate hair follicles. The pigment in the hair shaft absorbs the light, and the heat damages the follicle to inhibit future hair growth. Laser hair removal only affects actively growing hair follicles, so it may take several treatments to provide significant hair reduction. When the hair grows back, they will be finer, lighter, and fewer in number. While laser hair removal effectively slows hair growth, it doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. Periodic maintenance treatments may be needed.
Pricing
For reference, for full leg laser hair removal, a premium clinic in Chicago is charging $600.
Most people require between four and six sessions. Prices may be based on the total number of sessions received, the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the treatment, time and effort the procedure requires, and your geographic location. Additional sessions for maintenance may be required.
Recovery & Downtime
There is some mild to medium discomfort during treatment depending on the treatment area that does not linger post treatment. Laser hair removal generally does not require any downtime.
Best For
Special care must be taken for those with darker skin. A less intensive laser should be used to avoid damaging the outer skin. Some experts believe Nd:YAG laser is the most popular option among dark skin tones. Electrolysis can be an alternative to laser hair removal if you have dark skin tone.
Anyone who has tanned, used a spray tan or gone to a tanning booth should wait until the tan has faded as the pigment in the skin absorbs the laser light and reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.
Some hair could be resistant to the laser treatment or grow again after treatment – although the new hair growth might be finer and lighter in color. People with white or gray hair may not have enough pigment target to be a candidate for laser hair removal.
Potential Side Effects
Possible laser hair removal side effects include mild swelling around the hair follicles, pigment changes, slight redness of the skin, temporary irritation resulting in blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture.
Brands
IPL, Diode, Nd:YAG, Gentle Pro Laser