ask: Does laser hair removal really work?

I do not have personal experience with laser hair removal but know of people who have had it and are happy with the results today. The Laser Hair Removal business is booming and a new trend is developing among physicians who are expanding their scope of practice to include anti-aging and aesthetics treatments.

You mentioned that you had your underarms done a few years ago, was that done in a doctor's office? If not, I would assume that the equipment and level of training of the individual who did it may have been an older technique. Despite changes on laser technology equipment it is my understanding that there is always a chance for hair to return (perhaps weaker, but it might return). Doctors' offices offering aesthetic treatments tend to have higher quality of outcomes than more common commercial sources.

If you are considering doing it again keep in mind that the treatment disables hair follicles and can lead to scarring if not properly done. Plus, the hair may regrow in a couple of years. Is it worth the investment? If YES, then go to a reputable Aesthetics physician who can also monitor side effects to the cream that numbs the skin. There have been deaths associated to fatal allergic reactions to these numbing creams. Doctors will test a small area a few days before the actual treatment to ensure your body does not go into shock.

Did you go back in for a repeat visit? From what I understand, the laser destroys hairs that are in the process of growing, and so the treatment needs to be repeated (every 4-8 weeks) to get all the hairs. It can take up to a year to fully complete the laser treatment.

There are many Laser hair-removal techniques are available in the market. Normally hair removal treatments take 3-14 weeks for recovering the hair related problems. Laser hair removal is very quick rather then other hair removals. The laser hair-removal systems currently used are relatively new; therefore, long-term results have not been reported.

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personally, i did not get good results with laser hair removal. about two years ago i got my face lasered (i went to about 5 treatments). The hair temporarly stopped growing but after a few months it started growning back SUPER thick and fast (ITS really emberssing, and annoying!). now i have to wax my face once aweek where as prior to lasering i only had to wax it once a month. the hair is significantly thick and dark.

before i started my lasering i had dark hair with really light skin, so i was a good candidate.

i guess it doesnt always work. i also have some friends who have done it and they seem to be happy with it, where as others have the same problem as me. I had one friend who had lasered her underarms and she went for 10 sessions, but it did not seem to make adifference, only for a few months and thats it!

I have had 7 laser treatments for my china area. I have been taking the treatment sessions for more than a year now but still hair keeps coming back. I also had dark hair,light skin so thought myself to be an ideal candidate. But I am losing my patience with the treatment now. :(

My friend who recommended me the treatment ,has undergone 12 treatments and still her hair keeps coming back.She has really light skin and dark hair too.

I was told I was perfect for the procedure. Dark hair light skin. 4 treatments in 2010 (and about a year later now)I still have to shave underarms everyday and no reduction. It is really heartbreaking for me because I deal with ingrown hairs and well, thick black hair that looks gross. Oh and still shaving every day. I just wanted to go 2 days atleast! The technology they were using for it was new and improved and a nice well known place so I guess its my body's fault.

I had 25 treatments from 4 different laser places on my face . Spent over $3000 . I have light skin and dark hair . My facial hair is even worse now than it use to be . The growth is massive . So , Laser didn't work for me . I feel like a hairy freak and i don't know what to do .

Laser vs. Electrolysis
The FDA categorizes laser as permanent hair reduction because laser cannot completely destroy the follicle. Lasers detect the hair by scanning for pigmentation therefore the hair needs to be dark and thick for the laser to work and even then it is not permanent and the hair will eventually grow back.

Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal and the electrolysis works on any type of hair and/or skin (so the whole light skin dark hair doesn't apply). The American Medical Association & the Federal Drug Administration states that electrolysis is safe & permanent.

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