Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is commonly used to help people get rid of the expense and pain of constantly removing unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular treatment which can help keep unwanted hair at bay for a long time. Laser treatment can remove hair from several areas on the body and the results will last for many weeks afterwards. Laser hair removal can be used on almost anyone but those with dark or course hair and light skin are amongst the easiest to treat. The treatment will also be effective on those with dark skin or blonde,red or even grey hairs but may require more than one session to achieve the best results. Laser treatment is superior to shaving, waxing, using tweezers and creams; in that the hair removal will last for much longer. Although electrolysis also provides long-lasting hair removal, many find it too painful as it only treats each hair follicle individually. Laser treatment requires fewer sessions, with each session taking less time and being less painful than electrolysis.

The Procedure

During consultation with your surgeon you should discuss the procedure and aftercare requirements. People suffering from certain skin disorders and those taking certain medications such as Retin-A may be excluded from treatment. Similarly if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or any metal in the area where the procedure is to be done, then you may not be a suitable candidate for laser hair removal.

The procedure itself will be performed as an outpatient operation, in that you will be able to return home immediately afterward. It will usually be performed in your clinic or a special laser-treatment facility. Depending upon the amount of hair that needs removing and what area the procedure will be performed on it may take anywhere between one and four hours. The desired results may not occur after one treatment and as such, more than one session may be required.

Firstly a lotion will be applied which will numb the targeted area and you may be required to wear some safety goggles, depending on which laser system is used. During the treatment a high powered laser will be used which fires an intense beam of fine, heated light that serves to remove the hair follicles. Unlike electrolysis the skin in the surrounding area is preserved and the laser can scan a wide area of the body during the process as opposed to treating each follicle individually.

Aftercare

Following the treatment you can usually return home immediately. Although the skin may feel slightly swollen and red any discomfort should be minimal and won't require medication. Any excessive pain, ingrown hairs or scabs should be reported to your surgeon immediately. You can resume your normal activities straight away but it's recomended that you avoid exercise, use of any sun tanning and waxing creams following treatment.

Depending upon your body, the type of equipment used and whether you have followed the aftercare instructions healing should begin within a couple of days. There's usually a follow-up visit to evaluate the first and schedule any further treatment sessions, if needed. Any more laser removal sessions shouldn't be used until the hair has had time to regenerate under the skin.

The risks

As with all surgical procedures, laser hair removal is not without risk of complications. These might include hyperpigmentation, in which the skin becomes discoloured. And although this usually only lasts for a very short period in rare cases it can last for longer and may become permanent. Other rare complication include burns, infections and allergic reactions. However these are all treatable through antibiotics, creams and ointments.