Laser Hair Removal Guideblog

What are the different types of lasers used for hair removal?

2007-12-15T02:01:00.000-08:00

There are several laser and laser-like devices currently used for hair removal. Some of the more common ones are detailed below:

. Alexandrite: The long-pulse alexandrite laser accomplishes deep penetration into the skin where the hair follicles are located. The heat build-up in the hair shafts disables those follicles in the active growth phase.

. Diode: The diode laser is a very efficient device that contains small diodes or semiconductors that are arranged together to produce light. The diode laser has a longer wavelength than other lasers used for hair removal, which may improve treatment results on darker skin types.

. Light based sources: In many circumstances, intense pulsed light devices also operate on similar principles to lasers. Using the photoepilation process, the device offers a broad spectrum of light to treat a variety of hair and skin colors as well as hair depths. Some of the commonly used light-based sources include:

. Q-Switched Nd:YAG: This laser delivers two different wavelengths of light. One is an invisible infrared light used for deeper penetration. This wavelength is used to reach deeper hair follicles. The other wavelength, a green light, is used for treating hair follicles closer to the surface. In both cases, the Q-switching device emits rapid bursts of laser light to the treatment site.

. Ruby: In this type of a light-based source, the red-colored beam seeks out the target melanin inside the hair shafts.

Frequently Asked Questions

2007-12-12T07:38:00.001-08:00

What is "Melanin"?

2007-12-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

Melanin exists in the plant, animal and protista kingdoms, where, among other functions, it serves as a dark pigment. This pigment is visible in human hair and is the primary determinant of human skin color.

The process of laser hair removal works by directing the laser onto the skin, where the laser high-energy light becomes absorbed by melanin located in the hair follicles. Once absorbed, the light transforms into heat, destroying the entire part of the follicle responsible for the growth of new hair.

Due to the fact that a laser targets melanin, the more melanin an individual has in his/her hair, the more effective a laser will be.

Shaving

2007-12-09T23:21:00.001-08:00

Shaving is the most commonly used hair removal method. It is cheap, quick, and has minimal side effects. However, its only drawback is that it is not long-lasting. In this process, a sharpened metal blade is used to cut off hair at the skin's surface.

Advantages:

Inexpensive, fast, usually painless, very safe, can be done at home, available almost anywhere.

Disadvantages:

Effect lasts a short time - anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Dark-haired users may have visible "shadow" of dark hair under skin.
Often requires daily use
Can cause skin irritation and cuts
For some, it causes ingrown hairs (esp. in women's bikini area and African-American men's facial hair).
Blades require frequent replacement

Costs: Anywhere between $1.00 to $25.00 for manual razors and supplies.

For a professional shave (barber): Between $5.00 to $30.00, depending on location and type (straight razor is usually more)

Accessories Required: Shaving creams and gels, replacement blade cartridges, before and after-shave products, usually between $1.00 and $15.00

Photoepilators

2007-12-06T17:31:00.001-08:00

A burst of filtered light is aimed at one hair at a time, which is then tweezed. However, there is no proof that this lasts longer than just tweezing.

How it works: A fiber optic probe is placed in or directly above a follicle and light-based energy is then sent through the probe and into the follicle. Promoters claim (without adequate proof) that the light can cause permanent damage to the hair follicle.

Advantages:

Some find treatment has less associated pain and side effects compared to tweezing
Safe if performed properly

Disadvantages:

No published clinical data demonstrating long-term effectiveness
Expensive and slow

Dietary Supplements

2007-12-06T17:30:00.002-08:00

It is important to note that there are no published clinical data to back up claims that certain foods, over-the-counter medications, vitamins or other preparations taken by mouth can slow or stop hair growth. The only oral products that have demonstrated they can affect hair growth are prescription oral medications.

Microwave Hair Removal

2007-12-06T17:30:00.001-08:00

Very limited data on safety and effectiveness (especially for use on the face) is available, which makes this a device to avoid until more data is available.

How it works: Microwave radiation is sent through a hand piece into the skin, where the energy causes thermal damage.

Advantages:

Targets all colors of hair

Disadvantages:

Targets everything else in the skin as well
Not cleared for use on the face
Not enough data on safety or effectiveness

Transcutaneous Hair Removal

2007-12-06T17:29:00.002-08:00

A conductive gel is spread on the skin. Electricity is passed through an adhesive patch which is touched to the gel. Electricity supposedly travels down the hair follicle and permanently damages the hair root. No proven records of the validity of this method.

Transdermal Electrolysis

2007-12-06T17:29:00.001-08:00

A conductive gel is spread on the skin and electricity is passed through a cotton swab which is touched to the gel. Electricity supposedly travels down the hair follicle and permanently damages the hair root. Similar to the transcutaneous method, the validity of this method is yet to be proven.

Electric Tweezers

2007-12-06T17:28:00.003-08:00

Electric tweezers and treatments with them should be avoided by all consumers. They are often promoted as permanent, though data has proven otherwise. In this process, an electric current is applied to a hair through an electrified tweezer. The tweezer grasps the hair above the skin's surface and holds it anywhere from 15 seconds to several minutes. Promoters claim (without adequate proof) that the electricity travels down the hair and permanently damages the hair root.

Advantages:

Some find treatment has less associated pain and side effects compared to ordinary tweezing
Safe if performed properly

Disadvantages:

No published clinical proof of claims that they can achieve permanent hair removal
No published clinica l proof that electricity can travel through a hair and cause permanent damage to the root
Up to 100 times slower than ordinary tweezing
Can be expensive despite no published proof of permanence

Costs: Between $100.00 to $5,000.00+

Accessories Required: Some brands sell items like conductive gels, humidifiers, or pre and post-treatment products to "increase effectiveness".

Photodynamic Therapy

2007-12-06T17:28:00.001-08:00

This is mainly an experimental method combining chemicals and radiation to induce controlled hair loss or reduction, in which a chemical is administered which selectively pigments a follicle's regenerative structures. The laser or other radiation selectively targets the darkened cells while sparing surrounding tissue.

Advantages:

Theoretically could target any hair color

Disadvantages:

It is experimental
Commercial use is not expected in the foreseeable future

Vaniqa

2007-12-06T17:27:00.001-08:00

Vaniqa is a prescription cream applied to the skin for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women ages 12 and older. However, for unknown reasons, Vaniqa does not work for everyone. A prescription is needed from the doctor and insurance policies do not cover Vaniqa.

Effectiveness: About 58% of women who tried Vaniqa in clinical trials had improvement. The other 42% had no improvement.

The medication simply retards hair growth to improve the condition and the appearance of some consumers. An individual will still need to continue using a hair removal method along with Vaniqa. It usually takes about two months of treatment before the results are obvious. If you stop taking Vaniqa, your hair may come back to previous levels within two months after stopping.

The active ingredient in Vaniqa is eflornithine hydrochloride, which inhibits an enzyme that affects hair growth, called ornithine decarboxylase ( ODC ).

Vaniqa should not be used:

By men
By women who are pregnant or nursing
By females under age 12
Anywhere except on the face and chin
In the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina
If you have severe acne or broken skin

Prescription Oral Medications

2007-12-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

Some prescription oral medications have been found to affect hair growth. They can be helpful in reducing hair growth in some consumers, though in many cases there may be serious side effects.

Flashlamp

2007-12-06T17:25:00.002-08:00

Though less commonly used, some consumers have experienced permanent hair reduction through this process. However, there is limited data on how much hair reduction is typical, and how often hair reduction occurs.

The process works in the following manner: Full spectrum (non-coherent) light and low-range infrared radiation is filtered to allow a specified range of wavelengths. This filtered light is delivered from a hand piece into the skin, where it targets dark material such as the pigment in hair.

This is intended to cause thermal and/or mechanical damage to a hair follicle while sparing surrounding tissues.

Advantages:

Some consumers have experienced long-lasting to permanent hair removal
Considered safe if performed properly
Useful for large areas such as backs or legs
Regrowth can come back lighter in color or finer in texture
Light-skinned consumers with dark hair have the best results

Disadvantages:

Long-term data on safety and effectiveness have not been established
Response rates have not been established
Not as effective on unpigmented hairs and red or blonde hair
Must be used with caution on darker skin tones or on consumers who tan themselves
Improper treatment can cause burns, skin discoloration lasting several months, or patchy/grid-like regrowth
Requires eye protection
Is expensive and some find it to be painful
Regulation varies by state, so inadequate controls exist to ensure competent practitioners
Some consumers do not respond to treatment

Difference between flashlamps and lasers are:

a. Kind of light: flashlamps do not use one wavelength of light the way a laser does. Flashlamps emit every wavelength of light in the visible spectrum, and a little into the band of infrared radiation (up to about 1200 nm). Practitioners select a cutoff filter to block out lower wavelengths.

b. Size and shape of the spot (beam): Most flashlamps emit a beam that covers more area than a laser and have a rectangular spot, rather than the round type usually standard on lasers.

Electrolysis

2007-12-06T17:25:00.001-08:00

A hair-thin metal probe is slid into a hair follicle and electricity is delivered to the follicle through the probe, which causes localized damage to the areas that generate hairs. Electrolysis results in permanent hair removal for most consumers if performed correctly.

Advantages:

Long track records of results
Generally proven to be safe

Disadvantages:

Can be expensive
Can be painful
Can be tedious
Can be difficult for large amounts of hair
If done improperly, it can result in partial to full regrowth, lasting skin damage, and spread of infection.
Regulation varies by state, so inadequate controls exist to ensure competent practitioners.
Regrowth rates have not been accurately established and cannot be predicted due to numerous variables.
Some consumers do not respond to treatment

Rotary Epilators

2007-12-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

These devices are similar to electric razors, except instead of a cutting blade on a rotary head, they have rows of tweezers which can pull hairs out by the root.

Advantages:

Good for legs and arms
Can last from several days to several weeks

Disadvantages:

Can be hard to use on backs of legs
Skin must be pulled tight to avoid pinching
Some find it uncomfortable, especially on sensitive areas
Harder to use on fine hairs
Hair must be grown long enough for tweezers to grasp
Plucking hairs can lead to irritated skin and ingrown hairs

Costs: Between $40.00 to $120.00

Threading (khite)

2007-12-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

The practitioner holds one end of the cotton thread in his or her teeth and the other in the left hand. The middle is looped through the index and middle fingers of the right hand. The practitioner then uses the loop to trap a series of unwanted hairs and pull them from the skin. There are also devices made that can hold the thread during the procedure.

Advantages:

Inexpensive, fast, neat, considered less painful than plucking for many
Good for eyebrows and facial hair
Results can last up to two to four weeks

Disadvantages:

Hard to find a professional practitioner outside large cities.
Can be painful and cause itching afterwards
Side effects can include folliculitis, a bacterial infection in the hair follicles, skin reddening or puffiness, and changes in skin pigment

Costs: $5 per treatment for eyebrows; more for larger areas

Sugaring

2007-12-06T17:22:00.002-08:00

A sticky paste is applied to the skin, and a strip of cloth or paper is pressed into the preparation. The strip is then quickly pulled away, taking hairs with it.

Advantages:

Can be done at home
Inexpensive

Disadvantages:

Hairs can break off at or below surface
Can be messy
Consistency is difficult to get correct

Costs: About $10-$20 for a kit

Waxing

2007-12-06T17:22:00.001-08:00

Hot wax is applied to the skin, and a strip of cloth or paper is pressed into the preparation. The strip is then quickly pulled away, taking hairs with it.

Advantages:

Can be done at home
Fast
Inexpensive

Disadvantages:

Hairs can break off at or below surface
Can be messy
Consistency is difficult to get correct
One must be careful to avoid infecting skin

Costs: About $75 for home use kits; $20-$200 for professional waxing (based on areas treated)

Tweezing or Plucking

2007-12-06T17:21:00.001-08:00

Metal forceps are used manually to pull hairs out by the root, one or a few at a time.

Advantages:

Very useful for eyebrows or stray hairs on face

Disadvantages:

Should not be used for nose hairs
Can be painful
Difficult for large areas
May cause ingrown hairs
May cause pitting or scarring
Requires use of mirror
Some areas are difficult to do yourself
Care needs to be taken while shaping brows: one or two hairs can make a big difference in brow shape

Costs: Between $2.00 - $20.00

Friction

2007-12-06T17:20:00.001-08:00

Though it is a less common method of removing hair at skin's surface, some consumers find it primarily useful for fine hair on legs. In this process, a rough surface is used to buff away hair at the skin's surface. The mitt usually has rough strips or a smoothing surface coated directly onto the mitt.

Advantages:

Inexpensive, fast, essentially painless
Can be done at home
Available widely
Also exfoliates and smoothens skin
Many types can be used wet or dry
Good for legs with fine hair
Some use it between shaving or waxing sessions

Disadvantages:

Effect lasts a short time - anywhere from a few hours to several days
Dark-haired users may have visible "shadow" of dark hair under skin
Often requires use every two or three days
Can cause skin irritation if rubbed too hard
Do not use on face, arms, or bikini area
Do not use on irritated or damaged skin

Costs of Mitts: From $2.00 to $6.00 per mitt

Cream Depilatories

2007-12-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

In cream depilatories, a chemical dissolves hair at the skin's surface. Though cream depilatories are common, but the caustic ingredients have caused some consumers skin irritation or even chemical burns.

Advantages:

Inexpensive, fast, sometimes painless, can be done at home, available almost anywhere.

Disadvantages:

Effect lasts a short time - between a few hours to several days. Dark-haired users may have visible "shadow" of dark hair under skin. Often requires use every two or three days.
Can cause skin irritation and cuts
Can be a severe skin and eye irritant

Costs: Anywhere between $1.00 to $8.00 a bottle

Accessories required: Baby oil, gloves, old towel

What Can I Expect At My Consultation?

2007-12-05T20:41:00.001-08:00

Dr Grossman Contributed By: Dr. Eric F. Bernstein
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine
President, Yale School of Medicine, 1986
Medical Director, Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center

Article Highlights

Ask about maintenance treatments
Don’t be afraid to ask questions

What can I expect at my consultation?

During your consultation it is important to ask about the specific area of the body you want to have laser hair removal on. Be sure to ask how many maintenance treatments will be required for that specific part of the body. Some laser hair removal centers will claim that the hair is gone forever and you never need maintenance treatments. If I heard that from somebody I would make a hasty retreat towards the door. That’s simply not true with today’s laser hair removal.

Some Maintenance Required

Maintenance treatments are required to keep all hair away in any given area. If you have 1 or 2 treatments there will be less hair and it will be thinner in diameter for a very long period of time, but it will not be gone forever. You always need maintenance treatments periodically. Don’t be afraid to ask your provider questions about the treatment or their experience.

No Accutane

In my opinion, its important that a patient not be on or have taken Accutane within six months of having laser hair removal.

Choosing your Doctor

2007-12-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

Contributed By: Dr. Eric F. Bernstein

Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine
President, Yale School of Medicine, 1986
Medical Director, Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center

Article Highlights

Physician-Supervision Key
Does your provider own their lasers?
How long have they performed laser hair removal?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions

How to Choose a Laser Hair Removal Provider?

Once you have decided that you’d like to have laser hair removal performed, the number one factor is to choose someone who is committed to doing laser hair removal regularly, preferably a trained physician. If you go into an office for laser hair removal the first thing you need to ask is “Do you own your own lasers?” That’s number one. Number two is “What’s your specialty?” (Also see: “What can I expect at my consultation?”)

Its important that the physician treating you is someone who knows about the skin, who understands this technology and knows what they are doing. Are they board-certified? A dermatologist? Is there a board certified physician of any kind in the office?

Also important is how long they have been performing laser hair removal. You want people who are experienced in performing the procedure for a reasonable amount of time. “Where did you get your training for laser hair removal?” Did a sales rep come in and train you? Did you take a coarse?

Ideally you want to find out if the person treating you is one of the experts in the field. “How many different lasers do you own?” “Is your laser good for people with my skin type?” Be it dark skin, light skin, thick hair, thin hair. (Also See: Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?)

Do they have more than one laser? This can be important because often times there are patients who treat their hair and sometime the hair changes characteristics or the patient may get tan, and they require a different type of laser. And never be afraid to ask for references.

Here is a list of questions to ask prior to receiving treatment:

“Do you own your own lasers?”
“What’s your specialty?”
“Are you a board-certified physician?”
“Is there a board-certified physician anywhere on the premises?”
“Where did you get your training for laser hair removal?”
“How many different lasers do you own?”
“Is your laser good for people with my skin type?”
“Do you have any references?”
“How much does laser hair removal cost?”

What if I’m tan or a person of color?

2007-12-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Contributed By: Dr. Eric F. Bernstein
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine
President, Yale School of Medicine, 1986
Medical Director, Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center

Darker skin is difficult to treat

A Highly-Experienced Physician is Required

Type of Laser is Important

Treating a person with dark skin is one of the most challenging tasks for any laser surgeon. This is true for almost any laser and almost any condition a patient may have. The reason this is true is that melanin pigment, which lives in the surface of our skin in our epidermis, is designed to absorb light. Lasers emit light and very often we are aiming at a condition that resides deeper in the skin, below the epidermis. To get there a laser has to go through the epidermis. If there is melanin pigment in the epidermis that melanin pigment will do two things:

Melanin will steal the light away from what we’re really trying to treat and
It will make it possible for the laser to injure the epidermis

The laser doesn’t know that the surface of the skin containing melanin pigment is not a target that we’re trying to destroy. So a doctor has to be very careful in choosing the right lasers and the right energies when treating patients with dark skin.

Laser Hair Removal for Darker Skin

For laser hair removal it is extremely important, because hair removal lasers are designed to be absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair shaft, that we avoid treating the melanin pigment in the surface of the skin. The way to do that is by cooling the surface of the skin to protect it. That can be done with contact cooling, something cold that touches the skin such as two sapphire plates with water running between, or by using a chilled plate, or by a spray that is applied to the skin and cools the skin through evaporation. These are all ways we protect the surface of the skin. The lighter the surface of the skin is, the less chance the laser is going to hurt the skin.

Shorter Laser Wavelengths

If we’re treating patients with very dark skin what we often do is use lasers with the longest wavelength of light. We do this because melanin is designed to absorb short wavelengths of light such as UV Light, and the ability of melanin to absorb light decreases as you go to longer and longer wavelengths, thereby decreasing risk to darker skin. Melanin will still absorb the longer wavelength reasonably well, even at very long wavelengths.

Different Laser for Different Patients

For laser hair removal there are really three types of lasers that we use today, the Alexandrite laser, the Diode laser and the Nd:YAG laser. In the early days of laser hair removal the ruby laser was one of the first lasers that was ever produced, that had the shortest wavelength of all, at 694nm. The Alexandrite laser emits light at 755nm, the diode laser emits light at 810nm, and the Nd:YAG has the longest wavelength at 1064nm. Having someone with different lasers who is highly experienced is a must if you have darker skin.

An Experienced Practitioner is a Must

It requires someone skilled to perform laser surgery because there are a number of variables that one can manipulate when doing laser surgery. The most obvious is the wavelength or the color of the light. When treating very dark skinned patients typically using the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser is the treatment of choice, because that laser is least absorbed by the melanin pigment in the epidermis, but it often still sees the melanin in the hair shaft. One can also manipulate the pulse duration, how long the light stays on, during the laser treatment. For thinker hairs one might often use a longer pulse duration and use a shorter pulse duration for thinner hairs. So treating patients with dark skin or patients who are tan requires more skill and more intimate knowledge of which lasers to use and which settings to use with those lasers. Using the wrong setting or wrong device on dark skin patients has a much higher risk of making blisters or other side-effects.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments are needed?

2007-12-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

While the number of treatment varies from person to person, on an average, everyone requires at least three treatments for good results. This is typical because while all hair is temporarily disabled during each treatment, not all of the hair follicles are removed. Hence, a sequence of treatments is necessary in order for results to become apparent. Overall, most people do not require more than six treatments, though people with hormonal imbalances or people who normally wax or pluck a lot may require more sessions.

Does laser hair removal cause scarring?

2007-12-05T18:16:00.000-08:00

Contributed By: Dr. Eric F. Bernstein
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine
President, Yale School of Medicine, 1986
Medical Director, Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center

Scarring risk is generally small

Knowledge and experience of provider is critical

Some temporary pigment changes are possible

Any laser procedure can cause scarring, and this is included as a risk on most consent forms you will sign prior to laser treatment. However, the risk of scarring from laser hair removal is rather small and is a function of many things including:

The experience, skill, knowledge and training of the laser operator
Your particular ability to heal
The amount of melanin pigment in your skin with greater risk for darker skin types
Type of laser used

Temporary Pigmentary Changes
Many people experience pigmentary changes, either lightening of the skin or darkening
of skin, following a laser procedure. Most of time this is not scarring, even though people often believe that it is. Pigmentary changes following laser procedures are usually
resolve in a period of weeks to months.

Experienced Operators Diminish Risk
Although the risk of scarring from a laser procedure is quite small, you can minimize your risk by selecting an experienced operator to perform your laser treatment who is
supervised by an on-site physician.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

2007-12-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Contributed By: Dr. Eric F. Bernstein
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
President, Yale School of Medicine, 1986
Medical Director, Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center

A generally mild sensation is felt relative to waxing

Certain areas hurt more than others

Discomfort varies depending on skin type, laser
used, & pain tolerance

Numbing creams may be used under professional
direction

Because the laser energy is absorbed in the hair follicle producing heat, there is some sensation when performing laser hair removal. Certain areas of the body hurt more than others during laser hair removal. In addition, patients with very thick, dark hair may experience more discomfort than those with thin hair. This is because the thicker, darker hair will absorb more of the laser light during any given treatment. Generally, the hair becomes thinner and less dense after each subsequent treatment. Therefore, the most discomfort is usually experienced during the first treatment. The discomfort associated with laser hair removal varies considerably between individuals, and is a function of the patient’s skin type, the laser being used, the thickness and density of the hair, the area of the body where the hair is being treated, and ones ability to tolerate or feel pain. In some situations, numbing creams can be used. However, numbing creams partially eliminate the ability of the patient to report on the discomfort associated with a treatment, which may be an indication of how this treatment compares with previous treatments.

Discomfort rarely limits treatment
Discomfort is one of the many factors the person administering the laser treatment will use to determine the appropriate setting for the laser. Patients should be discouraged from applying numbing cream themselves to large areas of the body prior to laser treatment. Although prescription numbing creams are generally safe, putting them on large areas of the body can result in the numbing medications being absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts. In my office, I prefer to have my staff apply numbing creams while the patient is in my office when they are needed, so that I can control the amount of cream applied and the surface area over which it is applied. In general, discomfort rarely limits the ability to perform laser treatment. However, in a small number of patients it does limit ones ability to receive laser hair removal treatments.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

2007-12-05T17:56:00.000-08:00

Contributed By: Dr. Eric F. Bernstein
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine
President, Yale School of Medicine, 1986
Medical Director, Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center

Lasers produce pulses of high-energy light that
cause hair to become dormant

Various types of lasers are used based on patient
skin and hair color

Results depend upon the experience of the
practitioner

A single treatment may reduce thickness and density of hair

Multiple treatments will provide best results

How laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is the use of laser energy to produce long-term hair reduction. This is accomplished by producing heat in the hair, which is transferred to the hair follicle,which in-turn produces inflammation, and this inflammation sends a signal to the hair follicle to go into the resting (telogen) phase.

What is a laser, really?
First of all, what is a laser? A laser is a device that produces light of a single color or wavelength. In dermatology, these lasers produce pulses of high-energy light that is taken up by the desired target. In the case of hair removal, the target is the melanin pigment contained within the hair shaft.

A delicate balance
The tricky part of laser hair removal is targeting the hair shaft without damaging the melanin pigment in the surface of the skin. Thus the laser light has to be on long enough to heat the hair, but not too long to allow that heat to spread to the surrounding skin causing damage.
In addition, the darker a patient’s skin, the more difficult it is to avoid injuring the surface of the skin while treating the hair. For this reason, there are three main types of hair removal lasers that are used today, and depending on the thickness of the hair and the color of the skin, one laser may provide benefits as compared to another.

When Performing Laser Hair Removal, Experience Matters
In addition to lasers, intense pulsed light sources are also used for hair removal. These light sources do not emit a single color or wavelength of light, but emit light containing many colors. It may be more difficult to predict the outcome and avoid complications when using light sources that contain many wavelengths of light. However, the results with any device depend upon the experience of the practitioner.

How many treatments?
Normally, a series of three to five treatments are administered at four to eight week intervals depending upon the location of the hair. Following the initial series of treatments, subsequent treatments are administered, usually at longer and longer intervals. Some number of maintenance of treatments may be needed to keep all the hair away in a given area. After a single treatment, the hair in a given area is usually reduced in amount and thickness for a very long period of time. However, it may not be completely gone. To keep an area completely devoid of hair, maintenance treatments are always required. These maintenance treatments may eventually be required at only yearly intervals or even longer. This depends on the area being treated as well as the individual. As with any other traits in an individual, the frequency of maintenance treatments varies considerably from person to person.

Does the hair grow back?

2007-12-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

Contributed By: Dr. Melanie Grossman
Clinical Instructor, Dermatology, Columbia Presbyterian
Medical Center
Researcher, Laser and Photodynamic Therapies
Author and International Lecturer

80% Permanent Hair Reduction is average
with 4 to 7 treatments

Some hair may regrow between treatments

Multiple sessions needed and maintenance
sessions may keep hair from regrowing

Laser hair removal is accomplished in a series of sessions generally done monthly or every other month. The average number of sessions to achieve over 80 percent permanent hair reduction in 80-90 percent of good candidates is approximately 4 to 7 sessions.

In between these monthly sessions some of the hair will regrow as hairs cycle. Hairs
that may have been dormant during your previous laser hair removal session may now be
in the growth phase. This is where the need for multiple treatment sessions arises. Multiple sessions ensures that all the hairs are subjected to the treatment. These hairs may be shaved by the patient between sessions if desired.

Many patients find that maintenance sessions done once or twice a year are ideal for keeping hair at bay after completing the initial treatment protocol.

In a minority of patients who are good candidates hair loss may only be temporary and complete regrowth may occur. The complete regrowth is generally seen in white or blond haired patients.

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

2007-12-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

While laser hair removal can be costly, many patients find the treatment's lasting effects and reduced hair growth more than worth the cost. The cost of a laser hair removal treatment varies depending on the area being treated, the physician performing the treatment, the number of treatments in a package, and other considerations. Since all individuals have their own unique pattern of hair growth, it is difficult to give a precise estimate of the number of treatments needed to completely eliminate your problem hair, or the exact cost of doing so. The safest approach is to set up a consultation with a physician in order to better understand prices for your particular case.

Consult a Physician for Exact Estimates

For many patients, three treatments may be enough to provide hair removal for many months. For others it may take more or less than three laser hair removal treatments. Many offices will offer a package of treatment sessions at a discount. Below find two charts with pricing estimates by region and body area being treated. Please note that these are estimates and in no way represent exact pricing at any location.

Pricing Chart
Region	Average Cost for 1 treatment
Midwest	$450
East	$425
South	$400
West	$420

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average cost for laser hair removal is $429. Fees within various cities may vary depending on whether the doctor's practice is in an urban, suburban or rural area. This fee only covers the doctor's costs, and does not include other miscellaneous costs.

Area	Average Cost for 1 treatment
Bikini	$350 to $500
Back Hair	$600 to $900
Lower Legs	$600 to $850
Upper Legs	$600 to $850
Arms	$350 to $500
Chest	$350 to $600
Under Arms	$250 to $350
Face & Neck	$600 to $900

Underarm Laser Hair Removal

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Underarm laser hair removal is a common procedure for patients seeking to remove unwanted under arm hair. Each pulse of laser light removes the unwanted hair in the underarm region. The laser targets those hairs which are in their growth phase, and as hairs go through cycles, multiple sessions may be needed to remove all hair permanently. Since there is usually a small area to treat armpits, removal of underarm hair is one of the fastest procedures in laser therapy, requiring only several minutes of treatment time. The procedure is generally without much pain and the average cost per session is $100 to $250.

Bikini Laser Hair Removal

2007-12-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

Contributed By: Dr. Jerome Garden

Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Northwestern University Medical School
Director, Physicians Laser and Dermatology Institute of Chicago
Frequent Lecturer and Author

Article Highlights

Laser hair removal can be effective removing bikini hair

Irritation caused by hair growth can be treated with laser hair removal

Treatment is a good alternative to waxing or shaving

Bikini laser hair removal is well tolerated by patients

Like other anatomical areas, laser hair removal of the bikini area is dependent on such factors as hair color, skin color, hair strand thickness and density. These factors will be evaluated by physician offices to help choose the most appropriate laser system for each patient. Those physician offices with the most experience in the field of laser hair removal have the greatest potential for choosing the most appropriate laser or similar light source.

Although hair removal of the pubic area is widely sought after, and effective, there are more than just aesthetic concerns when treating this area. The bikini area is also a region of common occurring folliculitis, inflammation and infection of the hair follicles. Not only does this result in itchy and painful lesions, but fairly often secondary hyperpigmentation and darkening of the skin occur from the inflammation. Fortunately, the laser has been very helpful in reducing, or eliminating, hair growth and diminishing, or stopping, recurrent folliculitis.

Not only does laser hair removal stop the folliculitis, and subsequent skin darkening, but some of these laser systems are beneficial in reducing hyperpigmentation, and persistent skin redness, which occurred from earlier episodes of folliculitis. This exciting secondary benefit to laser hair removal is very appreciated by the patient. Having a bikini area that is free of hair, irritation, and discoloration, can be very desirable.

Although other forms of hair removal--such as electrolysis, depilatory creams or waxing--can be used, each has its own limitations as to effectiveness and ease of use. In three to six treatments, bikini laser hair removal may accomplish a permanent reduction in the majority of pubic hair. The procedure is very rapid and well tolerated. Even the hair that remains is many times reduced in diameter, making them significantly less of a cosmetic issue while also reducing the irritation of the hair follicle. Overall, this procedure is commonly performed with high patient satisfaction. Remember lasers are medical devices that need a high level of expertise to be used safely. Physician offices specializing in these procedures increase not only effectiveness but also the safety of the procedure.

Different Types of Hair

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As you browse the aisles of your local drugstore, you may feel a little dizzy. There are hundreds of products devoted to making the hair on your head more lustrous, clean, fragrant, and full - and just steps away, dozens more promise to get rid of your unwanted hair just as easily. Which ones work best? How do they work? And do you need any of them?

Different Types of Hair

Before removing hair, it helps to know about the different types of hair on our bodies. All hair is made of keratin, a hard protein that's also found in your fingernails and toenails. Hair growth begins beneath the surface of your skin at a hair root inside a hair follicle, a small tube in the skin.

You have two types of hair on your body. Vellus hair is soft, fine, and short. Most women have vellus hair on the chest, back, and face. It can be darker and more noticeable in some women than others - especially women with darker complexions. Vellus hair helps the body maintain a steady temperature by providing some insulation.

Terminal hair is coarser, darker, and longer than vellus hair and is the type of hair that grows on your head. When a teen reaches puberty, terminal hair starts to grow in the armpits and pubic region. On guys, terminal hair begins to grow on the face and other parts of the body such as the chest, legs, and back. Terminal hair provides cushioning and protection.

In some cases, excess hair growth, called hirsutism (pronounced: hur-suh-tih-zum), may be the result of certain medical conditions. In girls, polycystic ovary syndrome and other hormonal disorders can cause dark, coarse hair to grow on the face, especially the upper lip, and on the arms, chest, and legs. Some medications, like anabolic steroids, can also cause hirsutism.

Getting Rid of Hair

Shaving

How It Works: Using a razor, a person removes the tip of the hair shaft that has grown out through the skin. Some razors are completely disposable, some have a disposable blade, and some are electric. Guys often shave their faces, and women often shave their underarms, legs, and bikini areas.

How Long It Lasts: 1 to 3 days

Pros: Shaving is fairly inexpensive. All you need is some warm water, a razor, and if you choose, shaving gel or cream. You don't need an appointment - shaving is a do-it-yourself endeavor, resulting in smooth, hairless skin.

Cons: Razor burn, bumps, nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs are side effects of shaving. Ingrown hairs occur when hairs are cut below the level of the skin. When the hair begins to grow, it grows within the surrounding tissue rather than growing out of the follicle. The hair curls around and starts growing into the skin, and irritation, redness, and swelling can occur at the hair follicle.

Tips: Look for blades that have safety guard wires - they minimize nicks and cuts. Also, you'll get a closer shave if you shave in the shower after your skin has been softened by warm water. Go slowly, change your blades often to avoid nicks, and use a moisturizing cream to soften the hair. Although most people shave in the opposite direction from the hair growth, if you want to avoid ingrown hairs it can help to shave in the direction the hair grows. If you have an ingrown hair, try exfoliating (removing dead skin cells with a loofah), sterilizing a pointed pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol, and attempting to pluck out the ingrown hair.

Plucking

How It Works: Using tweezers, a person stretches the skin tightly, grips the hair close to the root, and pulls it out.

How Long It Lasts: 3 to 8 weeks

Pros: Plucking is time-consuming because you can only remove one hair at a time. However, it's inexpensive because all you need are tweezers.

Cons: Plucking can be painful, so it's best to do it only on small areas, such as the eyebrows, upper lip, and chin. If the hair breaks off below the skin, a person may get an ingrown hair. After plucking, you may notice temporary red bumps because the hair follicle is swollen and irritated.

Tips: Make sure you sterilize your tweezers with rubbing alcohol before and after use to reduce the chance of infection.

Depilatories

How They Work: A depilatory is a cream or liquid that removes hair from the skin's surface. They work by reacting with the protein structure of the hair, so the hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away.

How Long They Last: Several days to 2 weeks

Pros: Depilatories work quickly, are readily available at drugstores and grocery stores, and are inexpensive. They're best on the leg, underarm, and bikini areas; special formulations may be used on the face and chin.

Cons: Applying depilatories can be messy and many people dislike the odor. If you have sensitive skin, you might have an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the depilatory, which may cause a rash or inflammation. Depilatories may not be as effective on people with coarse hair.

Tips: Read product directions carefully and be sure to apply the product only for the recommended amount of time for best results.

Waxing

How It Works: A sticky wax is spread on the area of skin where the unwanted hair is growing. A cloth strip is then applied over the wax and quickly pulled off, taking the hair root and dead skin cells with it. The wax can be warmed or may be applied cold. Waxing can be done at a salon or at home.

How Long It Lasts: 3 to 6 weeks

Pros: Waxing leaves the area smooth and is long lasting. Waxing kits are readily available in drugstores and grocery stores. Hair regrowth looks lighter and less noticeable than it is after other methods of hair removal, such as shaving.

Cons: Many people mention that the biggest drawback to waxing is the pain when the hair is ripped out by the root. A person may notice temporary redness, inflammation, and bumps after waxing. Professional waxing is also expensive compared to other hair removal methods.

People with diabetes should avoid waxing because they are more susceptible to infection. Also, teens who use acne medications such as tretinoin and isotretinoin may want to skip the wax because those medicines make the skin more sensitive. Teens with moles or skin irritation from sunburn should also avoid waxing.

Tips: For waxing to work, hair should be at least 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) long, so skip shaving for a few weeks before waxing. Waxing works best on legs, bikini areas, and eyebrows.

Electrolysis

How It Works: Over a series of several appointments, a professional electrologist inserts a needle into the follicle and sends an electric current through the hair root, killing it. A small area such as the upper lip may take a total of 4 to 10 hours and a larger area such as the bikini line may take 8 to 16 hours.

How Long It Lasts: Permanently

Pros: Electrolysis is the only type of hair removal that is permanent.

Cons: Electrolysis takes big bucks and lots of time, so it's usually only used on smaller areas such as the upper lip, eyebrows, and underarms. Many people describe the process as painful, and dry skin, scabs, scarring, and inflammation may result after treatment. Infection may be a risk if the needles and other instruments aren't properly sterilized.

Tips: Talk to your doctor if you're interested in this method. He or she may be able to recommend an electrologist with the proper credentials.

Laser Hair Removal

How It Works: A laser is directed through the skin to the hair follicle, where it stops growth. It works best on light-skinned people with dark hair because the melanin (colored pigment) in the hair absorbs more of the light, making treatment more effective.

How Long It Lasts: 6 months

Pros: This type of hair removal is long lasting and large areas of skin can be treated at the same time.

Cons: A treatment session may cost $500 or more. Side effects of the treatment may include inflammation and redness.

Tips: Using cold packs may help diminish any inflammation after treatment. Avoiding the sun before a treatment may make results more effective.

Prescription Treatments

A cream called eflornithine is available by prescription to treat facial hair growth (generally in women). The cream is applied twice a day until the hair becomes softer and lighter - more like vellus hair. Side effects may include skin irritation and acne. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you are concerned about hair growth and removal.

Antiandrogen medications are another method that doctors prescribe to reduce the appearance of unwanted hair. Because the hormone androgen can be responsible for hair growth in unwanted areas, antiandrogens can block androgen production. Oral contraceptives are frequently used in conjunction with these medications to enhance their effect and to help regularize the menstrual cycle in girls who need it.

Deciding to remove body hair is a personal choice - getting rid of body hair doesn't make a person healthier, and you shouldn't feel pressured to do so if you don't want to. Some cultures view body hair as beautiful and natural, so do what feels right to you!

Treatment area

2007-11-06T05:50:00.002-08:00

Almost area to make the hair removal are:

Back Hair Removal

Chest Hair Removal

Face Hair Removal with laser hair treatment

Leg Hair Removal

Other Common Areas of Hair Removal

Men & Hair Removal

Transgender Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal Clinics by State

2007-11-06T05:50:00.001-08:00

Use this directory to find a laser hair removal practice in your area. To access the information, select your State and then the location nearest you.

Some tips on how to benefit from this guide:

When entering the website of your local clinic, put a valid e-mail address into the box. This will allow the clinic to contact you with special offers.
When filling out a consultation form, remember to offer as much information as you can so that the clinic has all the facts that they need in front of them before contacting you with answers.
Use the consultation form to contact the clinic rather than calling them at first. The consultation form goes directly to the person responsible for laser treatments and s/he will be able to give you the information and tips that you need. A phone call may connect you a receptionist who may not be able to give you all the facts.

United States
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky	Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota	Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Canada	Puerto Rico
Ontario	San Juan

Transgender Hair Removal

2007-11-06T05:48:00.002-08:00

Permanent hair removal is very necessary for the male-to-female transsexual. Instead of having to deal with recurring hair growth, you should consider laser hair removal.

Hair growth for male to female transgender and transsexual people can be a giveaway. The five-o-clock shadow is a big no-no. It is absolutely essential to try to have smooth hair-free skin. Electrolysis can work, but it does take a lot of time, and when you are trying to remove large amounts of hair, time and the pain factor become important.

Laser hair removal can be performed on almost any part of the body and is less painful than other forms of hair removal such as waxing or electrolysis. Laser hair removal can be done in as little as a few minutes, depending on the part of the body and can be a cost-effective way to achieve permanent hair-free status. The back, chest, arms and face are areas where laser hair removal is commonly performed. When you are changing gender from a male to a female you will want to be free of all unwanted hair on your body.

There's no guarantee the hair won't come back, but laser hair removal does extend the period of time in which the hair is gone. You will be on the road to feeling and looking a lot more feminine with laser hair removal.

Men & Hair Removal

2007-11-06T05:48:00.001-08:00

Laser hair removal has become increasingly popular for men who have excessive hair on their backs, chests or legs. Athletes, in particular, may opt for laser hair removal as a way to do better in their respective sports. Many men also opt to have laser hair removal before getting tattoos on their chest or back.

Many men opt for laser hair removal because they're tired of waxing, shaving, electrolysis, tweezing, trimming, and the like. Laser hair removal can be a cost-effective, relatively painless and effective way of achieving permanent hair reduction in areas where it is unwanted.

Keep in mind that results depend on your skin color and hair color, so be sure to find out first if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Men who have light skin and black or dark brown hair have the best results.

Other Common Areas of Hair Removal

2007-11-06T05:47:00.001-08:00

Laser hair removal can be used on any area of the body where there is excess hair, except around the eyes. In addition to the back, chest and legs, laser hair treatment is commonly used on the bikini line and underarms.

Some people are embarrassed to discuss excess hair treatment on certain parts of their bodies. But since a laser can be used almost anywhere, you really have nothing to lose — and lots to gain — by talking to a doctor.

Of course, you can always take advantage of our on-line questionnaire.

Laser hair treatment can be more cost effective and less painful than other treatments such as plucking, waxing, shaving, and electrolysis.

Bikini Area — Removing hair in the bikini area via laser is a relatively short procedure, taking 15 to30 minutes per session. Be aware that it might take four to eight sessions to achieve the desired results.
Underarms — Women often shave their underarms daily and some may desire a more permanent solution. Because the surface area is small, laser treatments are very quick and can eliminate the tedium of daily shaving.
Arms — Shaving and waxing isn't always practical for men or women with excessive arm hair because of the issue of stubble. Laser hair removal can thin out excessive arm hair or remove it entirely, making it more attractive.

Leg Hair Removal

2007-11-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

Leg hair removal will help you to get rid of any unwanted hair on your legs. For many women, the idea of never shaving again would be akin to winning the lottery!

Laser hair treatment to remove unwanted leg hair looks and feels smoother than shaving and can save hours of precious time. For women who wax, laser hair removal can also be more cost-effective (and less-painful) over the long-term.

While it's not guaranteed to completely eradicate leg hair, laser hair treatment can reduce the amount of hair you have and it can also lighten the color of the hair and make it less noticeable.

The procedure takes about an hour for both legs. Three or four treatments, six to eight weeks apart may be all that's needed to achieve significant results.

Face Hair Removal with laser hair treatment

2007-11-06T05:45:00.001-08:00

Both men and women can benefit from laser hair removal for various areas of the face.

Women: unwanted facial hair can be a huge source of embarrassment for women — but it doesn't have to be. Removing facial hair with lasers is a fast, easy and more comfortable alternative to other methods such as waxing or electrolysis. The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes per treatment and you don't need to grow out the hair for it to be effective.

Men: men who dislike shaving can also benefit from laser facial hair removal. In addition to eliminating the need to shave every day, laser hair treatments can also be used to give men a tidier appearance by reducing the amount of hair in areas such as their eyebrows. (It should be noted that special care must be taken when using lasers around the eyes.)

Laser hair removal also will prevent irritation and the development of folliculitis, in which one or more hair follicles become inflamed.

Laser hair removal is quick, easy and less painful than other treatment options. Several sessions will be necessary, but you'll find the treatment long-lasting. As they age, some patients may decide to use laser to treat new facial hair as it develops.

Because laser hair removal of the upper lip, chin, and eyebrows involves such a small area, prices are often more reasonable than for other, larger, areas of the body.

Chest Hair Removal

2007-11-06T05:44:00.001-08:00

Chest hair removal can be of interest to some men. Like unwanted back hair, thick or excessive chest hair can be a source of embarrassment. Some men do not like having hair spill out from their shirts, or they may be uncomfortable going without a shirt in public. Tweezing or waxing can also be impractical since chest hair grows quickly and shaving will lead to quickly appearing stubble.

There are various solutions for unwanted chest hair, but laser hair removal is becoming increasingly popular due to the time, ease and more permanent results of the treatment. Laser hair removal is relatively quick and can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the amount of hair and the size of the area being treated.

Laser hair removal is also much less painful than waxing and much less time-consuming than shaving, which must be done frequently to remain hair-free.

Athletic men, in particular, may enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal to achieve better results in their respective sports. Laser hair removal will also allow athletes to better show off their physiques.

With laser hair removal for chest hair, many men are happy to find their chests relatively hair-free after three to six treatments. How many you'll need depends on your specific situation, so ensure that you consult with a physician who can answer your questions and let you know what to expect.

Back Hair Removal

2007-11-06T05:42:00.000-08:00

Back hair removal can be a real lifestyle and health benefit. As anyone with back hair knows, it's not pretty, and it can even increase body odor. Sometimes back hair can irritate the skin, making it itchy and, in some cases, causing infection. Laser removal for men and, in particular, back hair removal is a good option for several reasons:

First, laser hair removal, while not fool-proof, offers a more permanent method than others (such as shaving, waxing and creams) which have various limitations. The back, for example, is hard to reach, making shaving on your own difficult. Waxing, meanwhile, can irritate the skin (not to mention that it's rather painful).
Many athletic men enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal to achieve better results in their respective sports. What's more, athletes may not want to bury their attractive muscles underneath a thick coating of hair — so back hair removal is a viable option.
Laser hair removal for back hair is not perfect, but there are advantages.
- One laser session can cover the whole back and, in four to six treatments, patients will see significant results that will be further improved with continued treatments.
- Even men with thicker, coarse hair can see results through laser hair removal. This is particularly important to people who find the hair on their back irritating.

Keep in mind that laser hair treatment works best for people with dark hair and light skin. For those who don't fit those criteria, electrolysis may work. During electrolysis, a needle is inserted into one hair follicle at a time, destroying the follicle with an electrical current. It's a time-consuming method, however, and it is not a permanent solution — and it's more painful than laser treatment.

What to Look for in a Laser Hair Removal Center

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There are many factors that go into determining which laser hair removal center is right for you so make sure you do your homework before you choose.

Call potential candidates on the telephone and check out their web sites, if available. Ask questions about the procedure and see the kinds of responses you get. Questions to ask include the brand and types of lasers used, how long they've been using them, the number of patients treated at the center and whether the first consultation is free.

You can find out a lot about a center through this initial research, but you should still plan on visiting the center you're considering before making any final decisions.

Click here to find a clinic near you. Every clinic we work with offers free initial consultations. Use this time to get the information you need first-hand and see the facilities where you'll have the procedure done. Laser hair removal is a medical procedure and you should exercise the same care in choosing a professional as you would in choosing a surgeon.

Make sure the facility is clean and the staff treats you professionally. Also make sure to ask who your laser technician will be and insist that he or she sees you during the initial consultation.

Ask the facility's medical director about his or her qualifications. Find out whether he or she is Board Certified in Dermatology and whether there is more than one Board Certified doctor on the staff. Also find out about the personnel performing the procedure.

Make sure to ask about the risks, side effects and precautions. Also find out how many sessions you'll need, how long they'll last, the cost, payment options, the center's hours, its policy about missed appointments, and anything else you want to know. Make sure to read all documents carefully before signing anything.

Don't be afraid to trust your judgment. If something doesn't feel right, there are plenty of other centers around to help you.

Will Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

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Laser hair removal may be somewhat uncomfortable. As with anything, the pain or discomfort you feel may be different from others who have had the procedure. That said, most people tolerate laser hair removal very well.

At first, you will likely feel a slight stinging sensation, indicating that the laser has been activated. The treatment involves a series of impulses that cause prickling and a slight burning sensation. Your clinician may apply a topical anesthetic to the area being treated to minimize discomfort, but most people endure the procedure without any. Some people have likened the feeling to that of a rubber band snapping against your skin.

Remember that, depending on the area of the body you are having done, the treatment can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

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It's comforting to know what you'll experience during and after your laser hair treatment sessions.

During laser hair removal, you'll wear goggles so your eyes won't be exposed to light from the laser.

At first, you will likely feel a stinging sensation, indicating that the laser has been activated. The treatment involves a series of impulses that cause prickling and a slight burning sensation. Your clinician may also apply a topical anesthetic to the area being treated to minimize discomfort, but most people can tolerate the procedure without it.

Some people have likened the feeling to that of a rubber band snapping against your skin. You might also detect the smell of singed hair, which is nothing to worry about.

The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on the work you are having done. The smaller the area, the less time is involved, whereas a larger area, such as the back, may require several hours.

After laser hair removal, you may experience brief swelling and redness. Some people feel stinging and you may also experience a slight crusting of the skin. If the latter occurs, petroleum jelly (Vaseline) should be used to moisten the affected area.

Typically, most people don't have much redness at all. Don't expect, however, that all the hair will fall out right away — it may take as along as two weeks after treatment.

For the most part, you can return to your normal routine immediately, though you should avoid direct sun exposure. Be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF. Some doctors also advise that you avoid exercise and strenuous activity for the first 24 hours so as not to perspire and cause increased irritation.

You should continue to avoid direct sun exposure and tanning booths for several weeks after treatment. Be careful when touching the treated areas: don't wax or pluck hairs, pick at the skin, or rub or scrub it. A gentle washing with soap and water is perfectly fine.

On average, people need between three and five sessions to really see results, meaning about 80% hair reduction in the area treated.

How Should I Prepare For Laser Hair Removal?

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Like any procedure, laser hair removal should not be undertaken without a thorough examination of the risks, benefits, costs, and success rates. Before scheduling an appointment, you should discuss with your clinician the factors that determine whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal.

This initial meeting generally includes a review of your medical history. Be candid about your medical history and any condition you may have or had as well as any medications you're taking. There are important considerations before undergoing any medical procedure.

Before the procedure, the clinician will also generally take photographs of the area where treatment is being sought. These will most likely be taken from different angles and will be used for before-and-after assessments of the laser hair removal.

The clinician should also engage in a thorough discussion of risks, benefits and expectations. He or she should explain to you what laser hair removal can and can't offer and what you should expect the results to be. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Be aware: you cannot undergo laser hair removal if you have a tan from sun exposure or sunless tanning products; you must wait until the tan completely fades. Make sure you let the technician know if you've recently tanned. That's because a tan increases the risk of blistering and discoloration after treatment. To be on the safe side, you should avoid sun exposure four to six weeks before treatment.

Two to three days before having laser hair removal, you should shave the area to be treated and allow stubble to grow back. Don't wax or pluck the hair, or Hair Laser Nyc Removal three weeks before treatment.

Cost of Laser Hair Removal

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The cost of laser hair removal is certainly a major consideration in deciding whether to undergo treatment.

Costs depend on a variety of factors including geography, the kind of laser being used and the amount of hair you are seeking to have removed. Costs can also be determined by the amount of time the various sessions take, which body part you are having done, and what type of payment package you choose.

For example, you might be eligible for certain discounts for paying in advance. Be an informed consumer. Research carefully the various options available in your area before you pick a treatment center.

Remember that price isn't the only factor to consider. Don't pinch pennies when it comes to quality of service. Also, make sure you have a realistic sense of cost BEFORE you begin a treatment program. That means discussing with the clinician how many treatments you'll likely need.

The cost of laser hair removal is the most common laser hair removal question that hair lasers.com gets. Below is a discussion of how laser hair removal clinics decide the prices for laser hair removal and why.

The price of laser hair removal varies greatly according the uniqueness of each person. All patterns of hair growth are unique. Therefore the results of laser hair removal and the cost of laser hair removal will also be unique. That is why some clinics want you to come in for a consultation before they quote laser hair removal pricing.

Some male back hair may grow in densely and evenly with thick hair shafts while other back hair may grow in sparsely and in patches of fine hair. Of course there are all variables of hair growth in between. All women have some facial hair. Some women have facial hair that is noticeable only because it is thicker and darker than someone who has fine, light hair. Other women have facial hair because of hormonal factors.

Laser hair removal pricing structures can vary from clinic to clinic, but often the various quotes for laser hair removal pricing will be the same or similar in the end. Here are some ways that laser hair removal clinics decide on the cost of laser hair removal:

Flat Fee
Laser hair removal prices are sometimes made on a flat fee basis. The flat fee might be on a per treatment basis or a package of treatments basis. It could mean that all men's backs are $500 per treatment all of the time no matter how much hair you have on your back, or it that per treatment flat fee could be based on your particular back hair growth patterns. The clinic might charge for a flat fee package of treatments which may or may not vary according to the individual's body hair growth patterns.

Time
Similar to the common pricing structure of electrolysis some laser clinics charge per 15 minute segment for laser hair removal. Let's say a clinic charges $100 per 15 minute segment of laser hair removal. If a man's back takes about an hour (see chart of average times to remove body hair) it would cost $400 per treatment. Of course the cost of hair removal will be affected by the amount of hair to be removed, and the speed of the laser technician and the speed of the lLaser hair removal machine.

Fee per pulse
Laser hair removal pricing can be based on the number of pulses that it takes to complete an area of body hair. Each time the laser fires, it is called "a pulse." One pulse takes about one second and can remove more or less than a hundred hairs and can range from the area of a dime to the area of a quarter. Some laser clinics charge by the pulse. For example, a laser clinic might charge a dollar per pulse with a minimum fee per area. A bikini might cost $300 based on a minimum charge of $150 which includes the first 150 pulses and a dollar per pulse thereafter. You only get charged for actual pulses unless you have fewer pulses than the minimum. As you progress in your series of laser hair removal treatments, your price per treatment may decline as you have less hair to be removed. Different lasers have different spot sizes and will therefore have different prices per pulse.

In conclusion there are a variety of ways that laser hair removal clinics decide on the cost of laser hair removal. Most laser hair removal pricing comes out to be the same or similar in the end, but laser clinics may favor different pricing structures for reasons such as their own ease of use, or reliability, or because they like to customize pricing according to the client's needs. Some may or may not be able to answer your pricing questions via email. It is always worth emailing them to ask. Most clinic (below) will address your particular questions when you email them.

Types of Laser Hair Removal Systems

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As the popularity of laser hair treatment has grown, so too has the number of laser manufacturers. The market is growing so quickly that the Food and Drug Administration, which approves devices for hair removal, has trouble maintaining an up-to-date list. Nonetheless, you can call the FDA or check its web site, provided you know the manufacturer or device name. Be advised that the FDA does not recommend one laser over another, nor does it provide comparisons for the various lasers on the market.

There are a few methods of laser hair treatment and for each method there are various laser products.

The Ruby Laser is the oldest type of hair removal laser and works best for fine and light hair. The Ruby Laser cannot be used on patients with darker skin, including people with tanned skin. This and other factors, such as the relatively small area that they cover, have made Ruby lasers increasingly less popular for laser hair removal in recent years.
The Alexandrite Laser is the fastest of the laser types and is good for treating large body areas in patients with light-to-olive complexion. This is one of the most widely used lasers for hair removal.
The Diode Laser is most effective for darker skin types and is less effective on lighter, finer hair. It covers large areas and has fast repetition rates, allowing brisk treatment of large body areas.
The long pulse Nd:Yag laser can be safely used in all skin types, including tanned patients. Large coverage areas and fast repetition rates allow large areas to be treated quickly. That said, patients who use this laser report more discomfort during treatment. It is also less effective for fine and light hair than other lasers.
Intense Pulsed Light Devices are not lasers, but are “laser equivalents” in the sense that they use the same concept of selective photothermolysis to accomplish hair removal. IPL devices are more difficult to use than lasers and require a very skilled and experiences technician to operate.

Will Laser Hair Removal Work for Me?

2007-11-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

Unwanted hair can be both embarrassing and annoying. If you're looking for a more permanent solution, laser hair removal may be for you.

Laser hair removal treatment is commonly used in areas such as legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and bikini line. There's no guarantee the hair won't come back, but laser hair removal does last for longer periods of time.

Whether laser hair removal will work for you revolves around several factors, most prominently hair color and skin type. Generally speaking, treatment has been found to be most successful on people with dark hair. Light hair, such as blonde or red, contains a pigment that doesn't absorb laser energy as well and therefore, does not respond as well to therapy. People with dark brown or black hair have the highest rates of response.

A patient's skin color is also a determining factor in the success of laser hair removal treatment. Light-skinned people generally respond best. In fact, it's not advisable to have treatment if you have a tan, since tanning can lead to unwelcome side effects including blistering and discoloration.

For patients with blond, light brown, or gray/silver hair, a product called Meladine is now available to enhance the results of laser hair removal. Meladine is a natural melanin enhancer that is applied topically prior to each treatment and sometimes after as well. Keep in mind that Meladine is registered with the FDA as a cosmetic preparation, not a drug. And, of course, there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone, or that everyone will have the same results.

What is a Laser and How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

2007-11-04T08:34:00.001-08:00

A laser is a device that produces light of a single color or wavelength.

In dermatology, these lasers produce pulses of high-energy light that can be absorbed by a desired target. For hair removal, that target is the melanin pigment within the hair shaft.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

During laser hair removal, the clinician presses a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. He or she may also use a cooling device on the tip of the laser, or a cool gel to protect your skin, depending on the type of laser used during the procedure.

The light from the laser passes through your skin's surface to the hair follicles where hair growth begins. The powerful heat damages the hair follicle, hindering future hair growth.

Remember, however, that it typically takes several treatments to achieve permanent hair removal.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

2007-10-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in laser hair removal, it's important, as a first step, to learn how it works. Laser hair removal technology is the use of an invisible beam of light and a constant source of heat that penetrates the hair follicle, disabling and then destroying it at its root while preserving the surrounding skin.

The procedure of removing unwanted hair is simply targeting the follicle and then directing the laser beam at its root. The hair removal process begins as the laser beam finds the hair follicle that it is targeting by first finding the melanin (the dark color of the hair).

Who can benefit from Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal works best on those people with dark hair and fair skin.

Melanin is also found in skin, so those people with dark skin either from suntans or by birth will not be ideal candidates for laser hair removal. Neither will red headed or light blond haired people — simply because the laser is solely attracted to the darkness of the hair.

Laser hair removal is most successful when the hair is in its anagen phase (the phase when a hair follicle is its active growth). This phase lasts several years — 85% of our hair is in that phase at any given time. During this phase, the hair is easily targeted and more easily destroyed.

Are there any problems with Laser Hair Removal?

Unlike other hair removal methods such as electrolysis, waxing and, of course, shaving, laser hair removal is the most state-of-the-art and high-tech method in removing unwanted hair for longer (and even indefinite) periods of time. It is the only proven method available for easily removing hair from mass areas of the body including back, chest, legs and face. Laser hair removal is effective, precise and cost efficient.

The laser simply and directly pinpoints the root of the hair and removes it from the body. Although the process is precise and beneficial, it can be irritating to the skin — therefore it is important that the surrounding skin be cooled with a gel, a spray or a cooling device throughout the procedure. These cooling systems prevent the laser beam from causing harm or discomfort to the surrounding skin.

Types of Lasers

There are currently four types of lasers used for hair removal:

Alexandrite – such as the Candela GentleLase Plus
Ruby – such as the EpiTouch or Epilaser
Diode – such as the Coherent Light Sheer
ND and LP ND Yag – such as the Candela GentleYag and the Altus Cool Glide

Each of these techniques is FDA-approved and proven effective, fast and safe methods for successful hair removal and permanent hair reduction.

What to look for

Although it is the work of the laser that removes the hair follicle, successful laser hair removal depends upon the skill and knowledge of the technician who manipulates and maneuvers the laser. That is, once the laser is selected, it is the mastery of the technician that will yield the best results.

Now let's better understand the technique involved. Words like pulse, fluency and time are imperative to you, the consumer. These techniques will ensure that your experience is comfortable and effective.

For instance, long pulsed lasers are considered to be the safest. Energy and fluency levels of the laser can be specified depending on your personal skin type. The time allowed between pulses of light allows the skin and follicle to cool for longer periods of time, making your experience more pleasant. The size of the area on your skin's surface affects the speed and penetration of the laser — a larger area allows the technician to go deeper into the root of the hair follicle, which can give you better results per session.

Laser hair removal is not a one-time procedure. But, in just a few sessions, you can feel like a different person. The power of the laser is unchallenged by any other hair removal method available.

Now that you have some definitions about laser hair removal let us help you make some decisions. View our Frequently Asked Questions to investigate further if laser hair removal is right for you .

Body Hair Removal Guide

2007-10-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

Excessive body hair on men and women can be embarrassing and upsetting and can take a toll on self esteem. But people shouldn't let unwanted body hair stand in the way of their happiness.

There are many ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, including shaving, waxing, depilatories, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. Each has its advantage and disadvantages and which to choose is a highly personal decision.

This guide offers some advantages and disadvantages of various methods and can help you decide which one might work best for you. Keep in mind that hair removal is often not permanent and is a continual process.

Shaving

Of all the methods of hair removal, shaving is the most temporary. Shaving merely trims the hair at the skin surface and does not affect the hair at its roots.

You should be sure to apply moisturizer to your skin so the razor won't cut you. Many men and women find they have to shave on a daily basis in order to maintain a groomed look. If long-lasting hair removal is your goal, this method is not for you.

Waxing

Waxing is a tried and true method of removing large amounts of hair at one time. Wax can be applied hot or cold. The hair sticks to the wax and comes up when the wax is pulled off. It is fast and can be done at home or at a salon. But it can also be messy, difficult to get consistent results, and you must be careful to avoid infections that can result from burning your skin. What's more, waxing at a salon can be costly.

Typically, waxing can be done on most parts of the body, the exceptions being the male genitals, nipples, inside the ears and nose, and eyelashes. Hair will generally reappear between three and eight weeks. You might find the hair is finer or that some never grows back.

Depilatories

Depilatories are creams or liquids that are applied to the skin's surface, dissolving the hair so that it can be wiped or washed away. Depilatories work quickly — doing the best job on the legs, underarms, and bikini area — and are easily obtainable and inexpensive. But, they only last up to a few weeks, are messy, and often smell bad. Some people are allergic to them. People with coarse hair may not find depilatories particularly effective.

Electrolysis

If you're looking for a permanent solution to hair removal, and have only a small area where you want hair removed, electrolysis may be for you. Keep in mind, however, that many people find it painful. (A topical anesthetic may be applied to ease the pain.)

This procedure requires several treatments during which a professional inserts a needle into the hair follicle, zapping it with an electric current and killing the root.

Electrolysis is the most expensive and takes the most time. Nonetheless, people with certain skin and hair types, for whom laser hair removal is not an option, might find electrolysis the option for them. Expect to pay upwards of $150 an hour for electrolysis.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is the most state-of-the-art and high-tech method in removing unwanted hair for longer and even indefinite periods of time. It is the only proven method available for easily removing hair from large areas of the body including the back, chest, legs and face. Laser hair removal is effective, precise and cost efficient.

That said, depending on your complexion, it may not be for you, as it works better on people with light skin and dark brown or black hair. Experienced laser clinics generally charge between $200 and $600 per session. Large areas, such as the back or legs will cost significantly more, while small areas on the face, for example, may cost less. Your particular situation will determine the exact pricing.

Top 5 Reasons to Get Laser Hair Removal

2007-10-28T00:32:00.000-07:00

Feel Confident — you won't have to worry about unwanted hair when you want to show a bit of skin.
Look Great — your skin will always look smooth and sexy. No more growing out hair waiting to get waxed or get electrolysis.
Save Money — over time, laser hair removal costs less than many other hair removal methods.
Save Time — imagine never having to take a lunch hour to wax, or get electrolysis again.
Eliminate Ingrown Hairs — ingrown hairs can cause discomfort, infections and self-consciousness