Laser hair removal

Never shave again!

Sr. Web Content Producer
Aroundcentralflorida.com

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Posted: 8/30/2007 9:07:56 AM

It seems inevitable that we all have a particular hair or group of hairs somewhere on our body that annoy us. Many of us shave, wax, or pluck, only to have it return days later.

After years of hiding my habitual grooming habits in the bathroom, I came across a new technology that promised to get rid of those hairs with less pain. No, I am not referring to any infommercial products such as the Hair Removal Wand or the ever famous Epil Stop with which you just wipe those hairs away. I am referring to professional laser hair removal.

In the past there were negative stories about laser hair removal treatment and the dangers. However, laser technology, like other technology, is evolving. No matter your skin type, newer lasers can safely and effectively remove unwanted hair from your face and body.

People assume it is too expensive. Price varies depending on area of the body being treated and facility performing the services. The cost ranges from around $75 to $500 per treatment. When you consider the cost of razors or wax treatments plus your time for treatments, you may actually save money by having those hairs diminished for good through laser hair removal.

For example, Laser Centers of Florida charges $75 per upper lip treatment, which typically requires four to seven treatments for permanent removal. Conversely, waxing would cost approximately $10 a month, each month. Laser hair removal would cost less and be less painful.

Many men struggle with hair on the front and back of their neck. They spend around $14 a week at a barbershop to have those pesky hairs trimmed or shaved. Those expenses can add up fast; it may be cheaper to have the hair removed for good. Most treatment centers offer a free consultation and can provide a precise quote.

What can you expect during treatment?

When you go in for treatment, the technician will clean the treatment area and place some protective goggles on your eyes. In just a few seconds the laser is ready to go.

During the procedure, the laser technician presses a hand-held laser instrument, about the size of a bottle top, to your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip or a cool gel is used to protect the skin.

When the laser technician activates the laser, light passes through your skin's surface to tiny sacs (hair follicles) where hair growth originates. The intense heat damages the hair follicle, which inhibits hair growth. You may smell a slight to strong odor where the hair is removed, depending on the area treated.

When the laser is activated, you feel a stinging sensation, which feels like a tight pinch to the skin. In just a few minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated, you are done. The stinging pain is normally unnoticeable by the time you get out to your car and you are hair free for a few months.

Treatments are performed in three-month intervals up to the point that you no longer grow hair. The number of treatments varies by person and area being treated. Most of the laser treatment centers I researched recommend between three to eight treatments for permanent removal. Most centers also were available for weekend appointments.

When my hairs did come back in two to three months, they came back much softer than before. Other benefits of laser hair removal treatments are that pigmentation in the skin is improved, scar visibility is reduced, razor/shaving bumps or nicks do not appear, and ingrown hair growth is reduced.

Before scheduling a treatment

Laser hair removal can be dangerous if not performed by a licensed professional. I personally have been treated in four different body areas by Dianne at Laser Center's of Florida, and never had any complications. She makes sure that I am comfortable and assures me that thanks it's worth it.

The majority of treatment centers give a free consultation. Take advantage of those consultations to make sure the electrologist is legitimate. Ask questions such as:

• How long have you been in business?
• How long have you been certified?
• How often do you calibrate your equipment?
• Can you provide references?

Also be sure to talk to other patients in the waiting area or parking lot. It is very important to do proper research and to make sure the person you choose is licensed to perform laser hair removal.

Difference between laser and electrolysis

Laser hair removal is very different from electrolysis. It is less invasive, takes less time and costs much less.

Electrolysis tends to concentrate on only one hair follicle at a time. The quickest treatment using electrolysis is considered to be about 10 months. Electrolysis is much more painful. A tiny, metal probe is inserted into the hair follicle; the probe releases an electronic charge or current that destroys the hair at the root source.

Laser hair removal is performed with a laser that uses light to find and destroy hair follicles over which it passes. It doesn't require years to complete the treatments, and the best thing about it...simultaneous removal of hundreds of hair follicles.

One of the downfalls with laser hair removal is that it's not as effective on light (blonde or gray) hair. However, advancements in pure research and technological tools for laser hair removal have made it much more effective.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis has been around for a very long time. It is an effective and permanent solution to an unwanted hair problem. It is especially effective on white, gray and blonde hair. Using a sterile, disposable probe, current is applied to each hair follicle. Since hair follicles are removed one at a time, it's a very time consuming treatment method. This treatment method is recommended for smaller areas such as between the eyebrows.

Laser treatments range from $75 to $500 per area, depending how large of an area is to be treated and who is performing the treatment.

Precautions of laser hair removal

Although side effects are uncommon, redness and/or mild swelling at the treatment site may occur, but typically are gone within a few hours. Here are some precautions to take to avoid any complications.

Avoid medications that cause photosensitivity and could react to light from the laser. Specialists at each hair removal treatment center should advise you of which medications you can and cannot take during treatment.

Photosensitive medications

Not a complete list

Tretinoin (Retin-A), Acetohexamide (Dymelor), Chlorpropamide (Diabinese; lnsulase), Tolazamide (Tolinase), Tolbutamide (Orinase; and others), Dacarbazine (DTIC-Dome), Fluorouracil (Fluoroplex; and others), Methotrexate (Mexate; and others), Vinblastine (Veiban), Amitriptyline (Elavil and others), Desipramine (Norpramin; Petroiliam), Protriptyline (Vivactil), Trimipramine (Surmontil), Chlorpromazinc, Fluphenazine (Permitil; Prolixin), Haloperidol (Haldol), Perphenazine (Trilafon), Piperacetazine (Quide), Prochlorperazine, Thioridazine, Hydrochloride, Mellaril, Triflupromazine (Vesprin), Cyproheptadine (Periactin), Sulfasalazinc, Notriptylin (Aventyl; Pamelor), Sulfathiazolc, Tetracyclines (Achromysin; minocin), Cyclothiazide, Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Methyclothiazide, Metolazone, Polythiazide, Quinethazone, Trichlormethiazide, Thiazides, St. John's Wort (Benadryl; and others), Claritin, Naprosen, Demaclocycline, Nalidixic acid, OxyteWacyclines, Sulfacyntine (Renoquid), Sulfamethazine Bendroflumethiazide

Please note that this is not a complete list of photosensitive drugs; all hormonal or birth control drugs are also considered photosensitive.

List provided by: 4 Laser Hair Removal.com

Avoid exposure to the sun or UVA rays, in the area to be treated, four to six weeks prior to receiving laser hair removal treatments. Any kind of exposure to the sun causes an increase in the amount of melanin in the skin, which in turn increases the possibility of side effects.

Avoid exercise after treatment. Perspiration and exertion can increase the irritation caused by the laser.

Use sunscreen after a treatment. You can go to the beach 24 hours after a hair removal treatment, but be sure to use SPF protection for your skin, which will be more sensitive to the sunlight.

Avoid lotions, makeup, and deodorant after a treatment. Before laser treatment has begun, the specialist will wipe the area to be treated clean. After the treatment, you are advised not to put any chemicals or lotions onto the treated area for a recommended 12 hours. If you have your underarms treated, use baby wipes rather than deodorant.

No plucking or waxing. Avoid plucking and waxing your hairs up to one month before your visit. The laser will not find hair to remove if it's at the root. Shaving helps, because it keeps hairs short and dark, which makes them easy to remove.

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not receive treatments.