Laser Hair Removal - the Real Facts

Welcome to the wonderful world of laser hair removal! The advent of laser hair removal has revolutionized the way we remove unwanted hair. As technology expands and progresses, laser hair removal clinics continue to open and business continues to flourish. Because there are multiple lasers designed for laser hair removal that achieve different results based on skin type and hair color, as well as many different clinics to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find a place that will work for you.

With any cosmetic procedure, the more informed you are, the easier it will be for you to locate a clinic that can provide you with safe and effective treatments. This brief insight into the world of laser hair removal will inform you about the procedure, help you to determine whether or not you are a laser hair removal candidate and help you to locate a reputable clinic that will get the results you desire.

When trying to locate a laser hair removal clinic in your area, it is important to first do some research. Like many aesthetic procedures, there are different levels of technology as well as many different levels of technicians and clinics performing the treatments. Knowing a little bit about the laser hair removal process can greatly increase your chances of locating a reputable clinic and undergoing successful treatments.

During the laser procedure a laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light that is directed over the area being treated. There are a variety of lasers (Alexandrite, Diode and YAG) and each is unique based on the color of light it emits. Each color is used based on the skin type and hair color being treated. The light's color is the key to its effectiveness on the hair follicles.

The pigment located in hair follicles absorbs the light emitted by the laser. The laser produces precisely controlled pulses of energy that are concentrated in the follicles under the skin. The energy pulse plus the absorption of light causes vaporization of the pigment and the disabling of the follicles in order to eliminate or significantly impede the hair's re-growth.

The amount of time a procedure takes depends on the area being treated. An entire back can be done in 1 to 1 1/2 hours, underarms in 5 - 10 minutes and an upper lip in 1 - 2 minutes. These are just a few examples. Results for this procedure will not be immediate. Individuals will need to receive multiple treatments in order to completely disable the hair follicles. Most need anywhere from three to six treatments, but some might need up to ten. Skin type, coarseness of hair as well as hair coloring all contribute to the amount of treatments needed. Once the treatments are completed, the hair will most likely cease to grow back but if it does, the amount of hair in the desired area will be significantly reduced and appear much thinner and finer.

The laser hair removal industry has continued to grow with the advent of laser devices that are able to treat dark and deeply tanned skin. At first, the industry was confined to working only with patients that had dark hair and light skin. As new technology has been created, more options have become available. Today, the candidates that are most ideal for laser are still those with fair skin and dark hair, but those with darker skin tones have undergone laser treatments with successful results!

It is important to do as much research as you can on the procedure so that you know exactly why the treatment is performed the way it is and what to expect after each session. Once you feel that you are knowledgeable about the laser procedure, the next step is to locate a laser clinic. The majority of laser hair removal clinics will offer the option of a laser hair removal consultation before starting treatment. Some clinics will do phone consultations while others will have you schedule an appointment to come in and speak one-on-one with a laser consultant. It is suggested that if you have the time and the opportunity, a face-to-face consultation can give you a better understanding of how the clinic runs on a day to day basis, the atmosphere of the clinic as a whole and the demeanor of the clinic's staff.

Most clinics will offer a complimentary consultation, but some may charge a fee that will then be put towards your first laser session. Either way, it can greatly benefit any consumer to see exactly how different clinics operate. For many, laser hair removal is a big commitment both personally and financially, and a consultation is a great opportunity to ask any and all questions that may have you concerned. One of the most important questions to ask while you are at your consultation is: who will be performing my procedure? Across the country there are many different levels of professionals able to perform laser treatments, knowing who is legally able to perform your laser hair removal procedure is very important. Each individual state has regulations concerning the laser treatment process, so while in some states only doctors and nurses can perform the procedure, in other states, anyone and everyone can point and shoot the laser.

It is very important for your own safety to find out first if the person performing your procedure is legally able to do so and second it is also important to find out how long the technician performing your laser treatment has actually been performing the procedure. Because of the rise in competition, many laser hair removal facilities have a high employee turnover rate. This makes it less likely that an experienced technician will be performing your procedure. Prior to your treatment, always inquire about the training and experience that your laser hair removal technician has.

Another concern that you'll be able to address during your consultation is price. While price is an important factor in any aesthetic treatment, where laser hair removal is concerned, the lowest price may not always be your best choice. Because of differing technology, consumers undergoing the treatment are receiving differing results. You may find that the most effective treatment for you may be more expensive, but receiving lasting results can save you more in the long run. The most important factor in pricing is matching the price to the technology being used. If you find a clinic with very low prices, it most often means that they may be using less effective technology. Reputable clinics will help you to determine which laser is best for you based on your hair color and skin tone/type.

Once you feel comfortable with your choice in clinic, its time to start your procedures! During your consultation, the consultant will create an individualized treatment plan based on the area you are having treated, your skin type and your hair color. Your treatments will be spaced out according to hair growth cycles which can differ depending on the area of the body you are having treated. Your hair grows in three phases, Anagen, Catagen and Telogen. The hair can only be treated with the laser when it is in the Anagen or growth phase. This is the only phase in which the hair follicle is connected to the blood supply. On average, about 15% off your hair is in the Anagen phase at any given time. This is why it takes multiple treatments for significant hair reduction.

After a series of treatments you will see a significant reduction in unwanted hair. Currently, the FDA does not approve laser hair removal for the permanent removal of hair; it is only approved for the permanent reduction of hair. So what does this mean to you? If the laser treatments are performed correctly, patients should see over a 90% reduction in unwanted hair in the treatment area. Any hair that does remain will be thinner, lighter and finer (similar to peach fuzz). So while you may have a few stray hairs that continue to be stubborn, overall, ideal laser candidates achieve fantastic results.

This may seem like a lot of information, but there's so much more that can still be covered. As a consumer, do your research. If you have questions or concerns, write them down and bring them with you when you go for your consultation. Reputable clinics will take the time to sit and answer any questions you may have. Laser hair removal is a revolutionary procedure that, taken at face value, seems very simple and straightforward, but any smart consumer will always dig deeper.

If you have any questions or concerns about this article or laser hair removal in general, feel free to email me or visit us at LaserHairRemoval.com. Here you'll find information as well as an international network of reputable laser clinics.

Sources:
http://www.laserhairremoval.com