Several treatments are needed at the beginning of laser treatment because the natural growth cycle of hair follicles results in each individual follicle passing through growing and ‘resting’ phases. In order to ensure that all follicles are targeted by the laser early in their growing phase, repeated treatments are needed. Most patients, therefore, will need several sessions to treat a specific area – each session lasting between 15 and 45 minutes. Because no type of hair removal treatment can be permanent, periodic visits will then be needed.
The most frequently targeted areas for laser hair removal are, for women, the face, neck, arms, underarms, nipples, tummy line, bikini line and legs and, for men, face, ears, neck, chest and back.
As with all cosmetic procedures, it is advisable to consult a qualified practitioner such as a medical professional or fully trained beautician. They will be able to guide you through the process and answer all of your questions and, hopefully, allay your concerns.
Laser hair removal is a completely safe process. The laser produces a light that is not cancer forming and will only penetrate a few millimeters under the skin. Because it might damage the eyes, however, it is common for protective glasses to be worn. For the process to be successful there has to be a hair in the follicle being treated, so you should stop waxing or plucking before the treatment, although you will still be able to shave or trim. On the day you are having the treatment, avoid using perfumes, after shave, deodorants or sunscreen.
Although laser hair removal can cause a little discomfort, it is not really painful – and certainly far less uncomfortable than either waxing or electrolysis. Sometimes an anesthetic cream or skin coolant can be applied to very sensitive regions before treatment.
As the effects on the skin should be absolutely minimal, and invisible, there is little after care necessary. Any swelling or redness at the site should disappear within a few hours but, obviously, if there is any blistering or any other problem, you should contact your clinic immediately.
Because laser hair removal is more successful on paler skin, it is best to allow your sun tan to completely fade prior to your treatment. With this in mind, people with Mediterranean, Middle and Far Eastern skin types will take more treatment to get the best results because of the melanin content of the skin, which absorbs some of the laser light. Darker skin types than these are not suitable for the strongest lasers because the pigment will absorb too much of the laser energy, resulting in unwanted damage.
Careful consultation is needed in these cases. In a similar way, lasers often will not work very well on red or ginger hair. You definitely should not have treatment if you have had any medication with Isotretinoin – commonly found in acne treatments- within the past twelve months.
Prices will vary as to the amount of work being carried out but here are some examples from the USA and Britain.
Upper Lip - $50 – 150, £43 - £50 each treatment
Full face - $150 - $300, £100 - £120
Bikini Line - $100 - $200, £60 - £75 each
Underarms - $50 - $150, £45 - £55 each treatment.
Laser Hair Removal
No other hair removal method is as effective as laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal takes place when a laser beam, producing a high-intensity ray of pure light, is targeted at hair follicles in order to prevent new growth taking place.
Laser Hair Removal
