Laser Hair Removal Frequently Asked Questions
What
are Laser Hair Removal Systems and How Do they Work?
The
lasers on the market today come in all shapes and sizes.
There are also different lasers that use different wavelengths
of light. Some utilize a cooling device and some do not.
All laser systems emit a gentle beam of light that passes
through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed
by the hair. The laser energy is then transformed into
heat that can disable the follicle. People who have white
skin and dark hair will see the best results because the
laser light is attracted to dark colors (melanin) in the
hair. Melanin is also present in our skin. Some people
who have tans and darker colored skin will have less of
a benefit from the laser because the darker pigment in
the skin will absorb some of the light energy and it could
burn the skin. These people can either use a lower energy
level with the laser to avoid burning the skin or electrolysis.
Most laser also do not work on white, gray, light blonde
or red hair. Lasers that utilize a cooling device will
help protect the skin by cooling the upper layers providing
the patient with increased comfort. This cooling selectivity
helps to protect the skin while effectively treating the
unwanted hair.
How
long will the procedure take?
That
depends on the area you are having done. An entire back
can be done in 1 ½ to 3 hours,. underarms can be
done in 1-2 minutes, and an upper lip in less than 10
seconds. These are just a few examples. Here is a comparison
of time between laser and electrolysis to clear an area
once:
How
many treatments?
Everyone
will need at least 2-3 treatments. Hairs that have been
waxed or plucked will need more. Some individuals will
need 5-8 laser treatments, followed with a few electrolysis
treatments. Skin, hair coloring and coarseness of hair
are all contributing factors to how many treatments will
be needed. Please go to the laser offices page to find
a laser center near you. If you would like a ballpark
figure on laser hair removal prices click here! We can
only give you ballpark figures because every clinic in
every city will have different prices.
Is
it safe?
Yes.
The treated area may become slightly pink or red afterwards.
This will go away within a few minutes to a few hours
and in some cases a few days. When cold packs are used
the skin usually goes back to normal soon after treatment.
The energy that the laser utilizes is a wavelength of
light which means, simply put, the light that penetrates
the skin is passive, it passes through your body and does
not leave a residual. For example, when you go to the
hospital to get x-rays, they ask you how many x-rays you’ve
had in the past 12 months. That is because x-rays leave
a residual in the body and if you have too many in a year
there can be a health risk to the people that get the
x-ray. The laser does not leave a residual in the body;
therefore it is safe.
What
does it feel like?
The
feel of the laser on the skin has been described in many
different ways. Some say it feels like a pinch on the
skin. Others say it feels like a mild rubber band snap
or it feels cool.
We
are happy to answer any other questions you may have.
Feel free to email your questions today!
|
