Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal offers a long-term solution to unwanted body hair plaguing patients both men and women alike. Results from traditional hair removal treatments like shaving, waxing, and tweezing are not designed to be permanent, and body hair in affected areas eventually grows back.  In addition, these methods are generally effective only for small areas of the body.

Laser and light based methods are collectively known as laser hair removal treatment. They may produce permanent results and can be applied to both small isolated regions and large areas. This method is perfect for patients with light skin and dark hair.  It also has been found that coarse hair responds better to this treatment than fine hair.

This treatment procedure has gained wide acceptance in both the medical community and with patients due mainly to its effectiveness and safety record. Prior to the actual procedure, the affected area is prepared by shaving excess hair, cleaning and then finally applying an anaesthetic cream to numb the area concerned. The laser is then directed to the spot or spots.  The highly concentrated light that is produced by the laser will then be absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles, which ultimately damages the follicle surrounding it.
 
Patients describe the procedure to be uncomfortable rather than painful.  Treatment sessions vary, from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the affected area.  The treated area may show redness or inflammation but these reactions eventually disappear after a short while.
 
Possible risks or side effects
A procedure done by a qualified and experienced specialist would generally not pose serious health risks; however there may be some observed minor complications or side effects that could occur like darkening/lightening and burning/blistering of the affected region. Patients are advised to avoid tanning before the procedure since darker skin has been shown to respond less favorably to laser hair removal treatment.

Is it painful?
Generally speaking, the treatment is tolerable. Initially, patients would feel a sting on the affected area which is a sign that the laser is starting to do its work.  The impulses from the laser that follow may result in some prickling and light burning sensation on the area being treated.  For effective pain management and improved tolerance, an anaesthetic cream may be applied to the affected part.  Most people would generally do well even without the aid of a topical anaesthetic.

Number of treatment sessions required
The number of treatment sessions would depend on several factors such as the area being treated, gender, skin complexion or color, coarseness or lightness of hair. Generally speaking, desirable results can be achieved after 5 to 7 sessions.  Exceptional or difficult cases would require more visits naturally.
One limitation of laser hair removal treatment is removing light and very fine hair.  At best, results for these types of hair using laser or light based methods are long-term not permanent.  Electrolysis is the best treatment method for these hair types and would yield permanent results.