Skin/Laser Hair Removal – What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is one of the latest techniques offered by cosmetic surgery centers and aestheticians who are focused on helping patients and clients who want to improve their skin and look their best. Like many procedures that help people feel good about their physical appearance and improve their self esteem, laser hair removal is a procedure that should be supervised by a medical doctor who is board certified in cosmetic procedures.
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How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Lasers use focused light beams on hair to destroy hair follicles and remove hair growth. The light travels through the skin to the hair follicle, attaching to the colored melanin in the hair. Usually, laser hair removal treatments must be repeated several times in order to achieve a reduction in hair growth or complete hair removal.
During a laser hair removal treatment, the nurse practitioner may spread a cooling gel on the skin of the area to be treated in order to protect the skin from the beam. Eye protection is placed over the patient’s eyes and the laser beam wand is focused on the treatment area. The patient may feel a slight tingling or burning sensation as the laser beam goes through the skin. After the treatment, the skin may be slightly reddened and be uncomfortable. Usually, these side effects disappear within a few days or hours.
Does Laser Hair Removal Really Remove Hair?
Laser hair removal does not guarantee 100% hair removal. It does, however, often result in hair-free periods that last for several months up to several years. Repeated treatments can result in long hair-free periods and eventually may lead to permanent hair removal.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
People who are light skinned with dark hair are the best candidates for laser hair removal. Since the laser light beam focuses on hair color, people with blonde or red hair are not good candidates for laser hair removal. Other hair colors that do not have high rates of success with laser hair removal are white or grey. Also, due to the high intensity light of the laser beam, cosmetic surgeons do not usually recommend that people with dark or tanned skin have laser hair removal treatments.
What Areas of the Body can Laser Hair Removal Be Used On?
Laser hair removal treatments can be used on almost any area of the body for the removal of unwanted body hair. Common areas include legs, back, bikini line, stomach, neck and chin.
Summary
Laser hair removal is just one of the many procedures available at many cosmetic surgery centers that are focused on helping people look their best. Other treatments that are available may include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty or other plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures. Like any other cosmetic surgery, laser hair removal procedures should be supervised or completed by a doctor who is board certified in the procedure and by a licensed nurse or nurse practitioner.
