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Laser hair removal is not for everyone. Knowing the facts about laser treatments can help you decide if laser hair removal is an appropriate option for you.
Hair Removal Options
Hair growth can be a nuisance. You can spends hours of your life removing unwanted hair. Hair removal products and procedures cost thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Several options are available for the removal of unwanted hair.
Shaving
Waxing
Prescription creams and medications
Tweezing
Electrolysis
Laser treatments
The most common form of hair removal is shaving. Shaving, however, also provides the shortest period of success. Some individuals see a regrowth of hair within a few hours of shaving.
The other treatment options available provide varying degrees of success and each has unique benefits and drawbacks. A popular hair removal treatment that offers results for an extended period of time is laser hair removal
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses an intense, pulsating beam of light that is targeted at the unwanted hair follicles. The intense heat caused by the laser damages the hair follicle and inhibits hair regrowth. A single procedure can keep unwanted hair away for seven to seventeen weeks.
Subsequent treatments can provide longer periods of success and even permanent hair removal for some individuals. Laser hair removal is most effective for people with fair skin and dark, coarse hair. Treatments can be performed on nearly anyone, with varying degrees of success. An evaluation by an MD or specially trained RN can help you determine if laser hair removal would be a good option for your skin type.
Contraindications To Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Some skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and dermatitis prohibit the use of lasers for the removal of unwanted hair. These conditions can cause severe side effects like scarring and blistering if laser treatment is performed on the affected skin.
Those taking medications that increase skin sensitivity or lower your body’s immune system should not be exposed to laser hair removal. Retin A and Accutaine are other common medications that would contraindicate laser treatments.
Pregnant women and anyone with a pacemaker or automated implanted defibrillator should not undergo laser hair removal as well.
Common Areas For Hair Removal
Unwanted hair can grow anywhere on the body. The tedious shaving, plucking and waxing can seem like a full time job for some. Commonly treated areas are the legs, armpits, back, bikini area, upper lip, chin, neck and breasts.
Preparing For A Laser Hair Removal Treatment
In preparation for a laser treatment, you should not shave the unwanted hair for 2-3 days prior to your appointment. This allows the medical professional to easily visualize the hair that is to be removed.
Sunless tanning products and sun exposure will interfere with the laser treatment. You must allow a tan to fade before the treatment date and avoid sunless tanning products prior to your appointment.
Laser Treatment Aftercare
Following your treatment, the medical practitioner will advise you to avoid excessive perspiration for twenty four hours after your procedure to help avoid irritation of the treated skin. Sun exposure is prohibited for four to six weeks following each treatment. Waxing and tweezing hair regrowth is not recommended in between treatments. You may wash the treated area gently with soap and water, but should avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin to minimize irritation.
Laser hair removal reduces hair regrowth by 40-80% and a single treatment can cost $400 or more. It is necessary to weigh the risks and benefits against the burden of unwanted hair to determine if laser hair removal is a viable option for your lifestyle.
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