How Good is Laser Hair Removal?

Does Laser Hair Removal Live Up to the Hype?

While hair growth rates differ from one person to another, laser hair removal is most effective when the follicles are actively growing. Typically, clients need between six to eight sessions to have full hair removal. Because laser hair removal works on a specific stage of hair growth, it is important to seek the advice of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. At-home devices are typically ineffective, have more room for error and a less-specific beam.

Tamra Bedford, of TamraBedford.com says, "Our clients get fantastic results with our Cutera laser, and you always get the same laser nurse for every treatment. Me!"

The laser used during laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth in the treated area. Lasers can remove 80 to 90 percent of unwanted hair. Regrowth is also significantly finer and lighter. Aside from preventing razor burn and unsightly bumps, laser hair removal has other benefits as well. Patients should schedule regular maintenance sessions to keep the procedure working well. After laser hair removal, the hair will not re-grow in the same area again.

Laser hair removal can cause redness and pain and requires multiple sessions. The number of sessions will depend on your skin tone, the type of laser, power settings, and time of year. Laser hair removal will work best when the hair follicle roots are intact. To maximize the results of the laser hair removal, avoid shaving or waxing the area at the root two days before the session. Afterward, you may feel some swelling and redness. But these are minor side effects and can go away after several sessions.

Before you book a laser hair removal appointment, it's important to check if you have any medical conditions that could affect the treatment. Laser hair removal works best when your hair color is dark. Dark skin is best for this procedure because it targets melanin, which gives your hair color. If you have light skin or blonde hair, however, laser hair removal won't be as effective as it is on dark skin.

Laser hair removal has several potential benefits. The procedure is fast and effective, and it can remove hair from large areas in a matter of hours. Because the laser is so focused, it can damage the hair follicles at the root, preventing them from growing. The procedure also enables you to have a smooth and beautiful skin, without any razor bumps or ingrown hair. This treatment is one of the only known cures for razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

The most common areas to be treated with laser hair removal are legs, underarms, and bikini. Although laser hair removal is most effective on dark-skinned people, it works equally well on light skinned individuals. The newest lasers in laser hair removal are made of the Nd; Yag and Alexandrite lasers. The Alexandrite laser has the fastest speed, so it works best on large areas of the body and those with light to olive skin.

If you are pregnant, laser hair removal is not a good idea. While lasers can safely be used to treat medical conditions such as genital warts in pregnant women, they are not safe for cosmetic procedures. In fact, many doctors advise women against laser hair removal treatments while they are pregnant because of the potential risks to a developing fetus. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks with your doctor before undergoing laser hair removal.