Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is the fastest method of getting rid of body hair. The laser emits an invisible light which penetrates the skin without damaging it; it is then absorbed by the pigments of the pilous follicle. The laser light selectively absorbed by the follicle damages its functions and impairs its ability to fabricate hair. At the level of the pilous follicle, the laser light absorbed by the pigments is then transformed into heat which damages the hair but not the surrounding skin.

Depending upon the extent of the treatment, time in treatment ranges from one hour to several hours. A numbing lotion will first be applied to the targeted area. During the procedure, a laser is used to dispense a fine intense beam of heated light that removes the hair follicles, but preserves the skin in the surrounding area. Unlike electrolysis, which requires the removal of each hair follicle, the laser scans a wide area of the body in the removal process.

Several wavelengths of laser energy have been used for hair removal, from visible light to near-infrared radiation. These lasers are usually defined by the lasing medium used to create the wavelength (measured in nanometers (nm)):
Argon: 488 or 514.5 nm
Ruby: 694 nm
Alexandrite: 755 nm
Pulsed diode array: 810 nm
Nd:YAG: 1064 nm

Pulsewidth is an important consideration. It has been observed in some published studies that longer pulsewidths are safer in darker skin.
Wavelength is a critical factor. Longer wavelengths are safer in darker skin.
Spot size, or the width of the laser beam, affects treatment. Theoretically, the width of the ideal beam is about four times as wide as the target is deep. Most lasers have a round spot about the size of your little finger (8-10 mm).

Who Sould Consider Laser Hair Removal

The best candidates for laser hair removal are fully able to comply with aftercare instructions, well-educated about the procedure, and have realistic expectations. Here are some criteria to help you decide if you are a good candidate:

Dark hair, light skin, and course hair are the easiest to treat. These patients typically see the best results and require fewer treatment sessions.
People with dark skin may not be ideal candidates for laser hair removal, but may still benefit from treatment. Under certain circumstances the procedure can be effective.
Blond, grey, and red hairs are more difficult to treat with a laser.
Tanned patients must wait until the tan fades before treatment.
Candidates who suffer from skin disorders such as psoriasis, cystic acne, and dermatitis are not ideal candidates for laser hair removal.
Candidates taking certain medications such as Retin-A or Accutane are excluded from treatment.
Laser Treatment is not appropriate for people who have a pacemaker, who are pregnant, or who have metal screws in the area where the procedure would be performed.
The procedure does not necessarily result in 100 percent reduction of unwanted hair in the first treatment session.

How many treatments will I need?

Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin, hair coloring and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 2-3 treatments as the process is only effective on hairs during their growing cycle. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they reenter the growth phase.

	An (indicative) number of sessions	Intervals in between each session
Face	6 sessions	2-3 months
Upper lip	6 sessions	1,5-2,5 months
Chin	5 sessions	2 months
Forearm	4 sessions	2-3 months
Back	4 sessions	2-4 months
Chest	4 sessions	2-3 months
Underarm	6 sessions	2-3 months
Bikini	4 sessions	2-2,5 months
Thighs	4 sessions	2-4 months
Legs	4 sessions	2-3 months

How to prepare for the laser treatment?

Prior to beginning laser treatment, it is important to avoid the sun for approximately 4 weeks. You must avoid bleaching, plucking or waxing for 3-6 weeks prior to the treatment. However you may shave the area prior to treatment.

What are the possible disadvantages of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a safe treatment but, as a rule, some temporary side effects are possible, including darker or lighter marks, especially in dark skin and tanned skins. There is no risk of burn if the device is correctly tuned to the skin colour.

What will it cost for laser hair removal for me?

Laser cost depends on the surface of the area to be treated and the number of sessions required. Experienced laser centers, which have developed expertise in laser hair removal, generally average about $200-600 per treatment session. Large areas, such as the entire back, or the entire legs, cost considerably more than this. Small areas, such as the upper lip, can be less. Individual consultation with the laser center is necessary to obtain exact pricing.

Is laser hair removal treatment covered by insurance?

Insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures.