When cutting, waxing, and shaving is no longer desirable or feasible, some patients seek laser hair removal. Most people have hair covering their bodies that is lightly colored and fine and therefore, not directly visible to the eyes of others. However, some experience darker and coarser hair in areas that might make them self-conscious, particularly in the summer months when shorts and swimsuits are worn. This technique of hair removal is quick, effective, and nearly painless.
Electrolysis uses a fine probe and electrical impulse to cauterize the blood vessels causing hair to release permanently from the follicle. Though electrolysis has a longer history of practice, lasers are commonly used now and have been well received by patients and physicians. Laser treatment has a much shorter procedure either permanently preventing or greatly hindering hair re-growth. Patients may immediately resume activities. Laser hair removal is a widely popular procedure with nearly a million people having the treatment in the United States every year. Patients should have realistic goals and carefully select a physician while informing themselves of the procedure and potential risks.
Ideal candidates for laser hair removal may be those who seek to improve their appearance or smoothness of the skin, or simply wish to save themselves time by reducing time involved in methods such as shaving. Once the initial consultation is completed, the actual laser hair removal procedure may take only moments or up to an hour, depending on the size of the affected area. A beam of highly concentrated light produced by a laser is emitted, passing through the skin, and is absorbed by hair follicle pigments. Different colors of light are produced by different types of lasers, and this is relevant to the effect on follicles. The pigment is vaporized, disabling many follicles at once, by the duration of the laser light pulses to the area.
Patients generally require multiple treatments to achieve ideal results. Though some patients may be satisfied after only one treatment, the typical regimen likely includes up to four treatments, up to eight weeks apart. Because hair growth cycles are typically about a year, patients should wait about six months to assess results. If the procedure is performed with qualified physician and adequate consultation and care, any pain during the procedure should only consist of mild stinging. Worst case scenario might include burns or pain that might require local anesthetic application. Less serious effects such as redness and swelling will resolve in a few days. Those with darker skin tones may not achieve optimum results as the surrounding skin will absorb the light rather than the follicle itself. Affected areas will be sun sensitive and patients should avoid exposure for several days following laser hair removal. Though the hair removal may be permanent, it could also be simply more sparse and of a lighter color or texture or consistency after the procedure.
