A Look at Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is the permanent reduction or elimination of unwanted hair on the face or body that comes about through treatments that use laser light. Here we take a closer look at what this form of hair removal is all about.

Having an especially hairy face or body bothers many people. There is more than one way to get rid of it. One of the most popular and modern methods of doing so is known as laser hair removal. It is exactly as the name states; a laser is used to remove hairs. This type of procedure tends to work best on those who have dark hair that is coarse in texture. It does not work as well on fine hair. The perfect combination for this procedure is an individual who has light skin and dark hair. However, advances in laser technology are taking place all of the time and there are now new lasers that work well for those who have both dark hair and dark skin.

Laser hair removal gets rid of unwanted hair by way of the light energy that comes from a laser. This is a very brief description of how it is done. First the area in question is shaved and cleaned thoroughly and then a special anesthetic cream is applied. The laser produces or emits pulsed beams of light that is highly concentrated. This light is then absorbed into the skin where it enters the pigment that is found in follicles. This serves to damage the follicles in the surrounding area. The hair follicles become paralyzed while the skin is left unaffected.

This can be slightly uncomfortable for the person who undergoes it, although it is rarely described as painful. It is not uncommon for a patient to feel a slight stinging sensation. This lets you know that the laser has started working. The series of impulses that are then produced can lead to a light burning sensation and or a prickling feeling. However in most cases the sensations experienced are minimal. Some patients describe what they experience during a session as what it feels like when you take a rubber band and snap it against your skin.

The treatment can be used on either small areas of the body or large areas. The duration of the laser sessions and how many you require is dependent upon the size of the area that requires the treatment. You may have a treatment that lasts for a few minutes, 20 to 30 minutes, or up to an hour. Some people experience some swelling or redness at the site of the treatment.

In order to guarantee results that are successful and long-lasting, it is strongly recommended that patients schedule at least three to six sessions. The interval of time between each treatment can range anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. This is dependent upon many factors, including your coloring, the area of your body that you wish to be treated, and the kind of laser that is used. Lasers for the purpose of getting rid of unwanted hairs have been approved by the FDA since the year 1997.

Article Tags: Laser Hair Removal, Laser Hair, Hair Removal, Dark Hair

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