Permanent Laser Hair Removal: Fact Or Fiction?

Does the often-touted permanent laser hair removal treatment really exist? Is there actually a method for ridding oneself of unwanted, unsightly body hair forever?

The term "permanent laser hair removal" is commonly applied to permanent lessening of hair on a specific part of the body. They hair, while it may be significantly reduced, cannot be completely stopped from returning, especially as the hormonal changes which accompany the aging process occur.

What the permanent laser hair removal process actually can accomplish is the slow the re-growth of treated hair for several months, or in some cases, years. Most people who experience re-growth can have it removed with an additional permanent laser hair removal treatment one or two times annually; the initial treatment will normally include between six and eight sessions spaces between six and ten weeks apart.

The appeal of permanent laser hair removal is that the results are superior to those achieved from waxing, depilatories, tweezing, and shaving. Electrolysis has results comparable to those of permanent laser hair removal, but takes a much longer time to complete and is more painful.

Factors You Should Consider

Not all people will have satisfactory results from permanent laser hair removal, and should be screened before hand to determine if the treatment is suitable for them. Complexion and hair color, other medical conditions, the skill of the person performing the treatment, and the variety of machine used will all make a difference in the outcome.

Permanent laser hair removal machines operate by focusing a colored light beam thrown a liquid, gas, or crystal which amplifies the light in a narrow bandwidth which enters the hair follicle and is absorbed by the pigment of the growing hair. Dark hair will absorb more of the light's energy, so permanent laser hair removal is more effective on dark-haired individuals.

Because the laser light heats the hair shaft as it destroys it, lasers are normally equipped with cooling devices to avoid burning the skin in the area being treated.

Permanent laser hair removal machines include the Alexandrite, diode, ruby, and Nd:YAG models. The doctor who is overseeing your treatments will be the one to decide which is most appropriate for your case.

Side Effects

Side effects from permanent laser hair removal treatments are usually temporary and insignificant. They may include swelling, itching, redness, and minor irritation in the area from which the hair is being removed. A few people may experience a temporary darkening or lightening of their skin, and if proper sanitary procedures are ignored, infection. Those considering the procedure can minimize their risk of side effects by taking the pre and post-treatment measures recommended by their doctors.