Laser hair removal is a popular procedure this time of year, as Mother Nature beckons us to come out and play. The last thing many women want to bother with is shaving legs, arms and bikini areas. If you’re one of them, laser hair removal might be something you’re considering.
The first thing to understand about laser hair removal is that it’s not a simple, straightforward topic. There’s quite a bit of disagreement about which laser is best, how much pain is involved and whether the treatment is effective enough to be worthwhile. While the ultimate judgment will rest with you, here are some ways to increase your chances of being satisfied with your experience.
First, be prepared to consider whether the actual laser recommended for your treatment is the one that’s right for you, or simply the one the doctor happens to own. There are several different kinds of lasers—types, not brand names. These include ruby (an older laser), diode, alexandrite and Nd:YAG. You want to be sure your practitioner has more than one type of laser to offer.
The right laser for you depends on your skin tone, whether you have a tan or not and the color and thickness of your hair. Lasers vary in the type of light they produce, the size of the spot they target and the way they cool your skin. Ask your doctor about these factors and find out specifically why the recommended laser is a good match for you. You should also ask whether the equipment is FDA-approved for patients with your skin color and hair type.
As you research your options, you’ll find that most doctors and laser treatment centers characterize the pain involved as “slight,” akin to the snap of a rubber band or a mild sting. When you read reviews by real patients, however, some describe the pain as much worse. In general, it seems that the more sensitive the skin, as in the underarms and bikini area, the more painful treatment is. Since it’s hard to predict how you will react until you try it, it’s extra comforting if the facility you choose offers a complimentary consultation including a few pulses of the laser. You can also ask about numbing creams.
The ultimate question—how effective treatment will be—is by far the toughest to answer. You should know that technology has not yet reached the level where laser hair removal can be termed “permanent” (although some doctors use the term “permanent reduction”). If a center advertises “permanent removal,” it might be best to find another place.
Most patients will need a few to several sessions for optimum results, since the laser only works on hair at a certain stage of its growth. The number of treatments you’ll need is impossible to predict, so you will want to investigate the degree of flexibility in treatment packages. Also, be prepared to return from time to time for touch ups.
One website that features reviews from real patients shows that about two-thirds of men and women who try laser hair removal are happy with the results. Most have several treatments, and the ultimate cost seems to top $1,000 for the majority. But, along with a few people who term their experience a “nightmare” and several who say it’s “somewhat worth it,” there are patients who say laser hair removal literally changed their lives.
Be advised that lasers aren’t the only solution for hair removal. Some practitioners favor IPL, or intense pulsed light treatment, although most doctors use IPL to treat skin, not hair.
Also know that even though new equipment seems to hit the market every year, there’s still no good solution for very fair hair. Laser light targets melanin in the hair follicle, so blondes, light redheads and those with gray hair may want to wait for technology to advance.
Finally, before committing to laser hair removal, ask what happens if you should develop a complication. Undesirable results and traumatic skin reactions are rare, though not unknown. Your practitioner of choice should have a ready answer for this question.