Laser
hair removal is quickly becoming one of the most popular hair removal
techniques for both men and women. Learn more about why it might be
right for you.
For nearly 10 years now, medical lasers have been used for such things
as tattoo removal, clearing up acne scars and other blemishes, and
removing dark spots on the skin. Now they are increasing being approved
by the FDA and
used for such things as wrinkle removal, tooth whitening, and hair removal.
Is it really permanent? Many laser hair removal providers tout their
processes as ¡°painless¡± or ¡°permanent.¡± The FDA says there must be
enough evidence to support those claims and it is actually giving some
manufacturers
authorization to state ¡°permanent hair reduction¡± but not
¡°removal.¡± Be careful if you select a provider who says their process
is permanent and painless. If you have the manufacturer and model
number of the laser, you can directly call or write the FDA to see if
they have approval for medical use.
Still, laser hair removal can be a great option for anyone wanting to
remove unwanted hair from anywhere on their bodies. It works for both
men and women, and is more effective if the hair is noticeably darker
than the skin.
How does it work? As laser light passes through the skin, it is
converted to heat and is absorbed by the pigment melanin in the hair
follicle, effectively disabling the follicle itself and thus preventing
further growth. Some clinical trials have been successful in preventing
hair re-growth for up to two years, making laser hair removal one of
the longest-lasting hair removal methods.
There are a number of advantages of laser hair removal over other forms
of hair removal such as waxing, sugaring, depilatory creams, tweezing,
etc. For one, the procedure is non-invasive, and does not require
creams or needles. Another benefit is that the light beams can move
quickly, and effectively treat larger areas in a small amount of time.
And don't forget the long-term results.
Although most insurance policies will not cover laser hair removal
procedures, it pays to shop for price as well as methodology. The
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported an average
single treatment cost around $388. Many areas require multiple
treatments to gain the maximum benefit, so the cost can add up. That
should be weighed against the cost of alternative methods of hair
removal which would have to be done more frequently.
If you suffer from unwanted hair, that hair is dark, and your skin is
at least a few shades lighter than your hair, you should look into this
long-lasting hair removal method.
