In laser hair removal, a powerful, pulsating beam of laser light is used to eliminate any unnecessary hair. The procedure involves emitting a beam of light through the skin with the target being melanin, the dark pigment in hair. The beam of lights progresses to collide with the hair follicle, the point from where the hair originates. The extreme heat produced by the light beam instantly vaporizes the hair follicle. In general, the initial treatment helps slow down the growth of hair. Usually, a number of treatments will be needed to achieve permanent elimination of hair.
Medication for pain relief or anesthetic cream is given to the patient around an hour before the laser hair removal starts. The duration and cost of the session varies according to the area undergoing treatment. A session of the procedure can last from several minutes to about an hour. The cost of a laser hair removal session is about $300 - $500. Anybody who wants to remove unnecessary body hair is a candidate for laser hair removal. The treatment is commonly applied to legs, upper lip, armpits, chin, and bikini line. However, if the need arises, arrangements can be made to remove unnecessary hair from any part of the body.
Even though you may not be able to attain persistent hair removal with the procedure, the absence of hair created can last for several months to many years. Thhe procedure can be performed in any outpatient facility with the required equipments. The commonly used lasers for elimination of hair include:
• Alexandrite laser, which is a long-pulse laser that can penetrate deep into the dermis.
• Diode laser, in which initiation of laser production is done by a group of small diodes or semiconductors. The wavelength of the laser is comparatively longer, which may enhance results attained for darker skin types.
• Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser, which delivers two different wave lengths, an invisible infrared light that can penetrate deeply and a green light, useful in treating superficial hair follicles closer to the surface. It functions by hitting the targeted area with rapid bursts of laser light.
• Ruby laser, which emits a red-colored beam and specifically targets melanin and this specific targeting, makes them highly effective for persons with light skin and dark hairs.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, you must arrange a session with your surgeon. During the session, you should discuss your medical history, expectations, risks, and benefits with your surgeon. Persons having a tan due to exposure to sun or sunless tanning products should undergo laser hair removal only after the tan vanishes completely. Having a tan means you are more vulnerable to discoloration and blistering. Keep away from exposure to sun four to six weeks prior to treatment. Waxing or plucking the hair and electrolysis should be avoided three weeks prior to treatment. You should shave your hair short the day of the procedure as shaved but visible hair makes laser hair removal most effective.
After laser hair removal, slight redness and swelling may be noticed in the treated area. The area may make you slightly uncomfortable. The area around hair follicles is the most affected and the treated hair may be felt as very thick right after the hair removal session. These difficulties should not last more than one or two weeks. The hair removal in the treated area may not be complete, i.e., after treatment some of the hairs may stay there and this brings multiple sessions into the picture. The permanent and temporary risks, side effects, and complications of laser hair removal may include:
• Pain
• Laser Scars
• Reddening
• Blistering
• Skin discoloration
• Wound Infection
• Hyper pigmentation