Laser hair removal is considered a permanent hair removal solution or a semi-permanent form of hair removal for women and men. A laser is basically an instrument that uses a highly focused beam of light. The light goes through the skin, looking for melanin or (color or pigment) in the hair. Heat from the light destroys the hair follicle.

Information on Laser Hair Removal

Lasers can remove unwanted facial hair and body hair on both men and women. On the face, possibilities include:

• laser hair removal on the chin, where hair can get coarse as we get older
• removal of mustache hair on the upper lip using laser
• laser removal of unwanted cheek hair

and other areas.

On the body:

• lasers can zap hair on the back and shoulders
• hair removal can be done using lasers on the legs up to the bikini line
• lasers can remove hair beyond the bikini line, in what's called a full Brazilian procedure
• lasers can get rid of underarm hair
• they can remove unwanted hair on the chest

Lasers can also be used for men or women with hirsutism, which is too much hair overall on the face and/or body. Hirsutism can be caused by medical problems, hormones, or PCOS. Laser hair removal for hirsutism can be applied on large areas, or used in spot treatment

Lasers can also be used to help prevent razor bumps. Also known as pseudo-folliculitis barbae, razor or shaving bumps, occur when the curly hair grows out and curls back into the skin. This causes irritation and inflammation. Lasers can remove the hair so this doesn't happen.

The lasers used for hair removal are not the ones used for laser resurfacing or that a cosmetic dentist would use for tooth whitening, but can work in a similar fashion. Lasers are powerful instruments, so it's very important that you use a qualified health professional for this procedure.

Types of laser hair removal

Laser hair removal tends to work most easily on darker hair - brown or black. This is because the laser targets the pigment or coloring. Dark hair has more pigment, so dark hair is more easily affected. Light hair is more difficult. For the same reason, laser hair removal is most successful on fair-skinned people with lighter skin. Darker skin has more pigment which makes it difficult for the hair to stand out. There are however different types of lasers that can work better on different skin types and skin coloration.

Examples of different lasers include:

• Ruby Laser - this can work better on fine or light hair
• Pulsed light - this can be used on different skin types
• Alexandrite Laser
• Diode Laser - this can work better on darker skin
• Long pulse Nd:Yag laser
• PPX (Photonuematic & Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal) Photoneumatic Therapy

Cost of laser hair removal

The cost of laser hair removal will depend on how many treatment sessions you need. The cost also varies from one area to another. Price also depends on what part of the face or body is being treated. In general the price of laser treatment for hair removal ranges from $400 to $1000.

For someone seeking hair replacement, through grafts or scalp surgery, the idea of anyone using lasers to remove hair may seem unfair. But laser hair removal is gaining in popularity. It is best to have a doctor or nurse doing this procedure. Don't go to someone just because of low cost - find someone qualified. During the procedure, protect your eyes from the intense light. You may feel stinging. Do not schedule a session if you have had any other type of recent cosmetic procedures such as cosmetic fillers or fat transfer for wrinkles or fine lines. If you've had major cosmetic surgery such as a face or neck lift, forehead brow lift, nose job for nose reshaping or chin augmentation or reduction surgery, ask your doctor before considering any laser treatment near those areas. This may not be considered major surgery but it is a big undertaking. So don't consider this without examining many less drastic alternatives. Be especially careful if you have had any cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion or chemical peels, as these will make the upper skin very thin and easily injured. You should also consider alternatives such as electrolysis, depilatories, waxing or shaving, weighing the advantages and disadvantages.

It is very important that you see a specialist who has experience in using lasers for hair removal. There can be problems related to laser treatments, including redness, changes in skin color, burning or scarring. You may need more than one session to make the hair go away permanently.

Afterwards, the treated area may be bandaged or covered. You should avoid sun to help prevent skin color changes. Following laser hair removal, the area may stay hair-free for several months to several years. After several treatments, the hair may never come back.