Laser Hair Removal: Am I a good candidate?
Laser Hair Removal: Am I a Good Candidate? What Do I Need to Know?
By Stephen Van Zant
How Laser Hair Removal works
A laser emits an invisible beam that penetrates the skin around the hair. Because of the dark pigments in the hair, the energy from the laser is absorbed into the hair. The energy from the laser converts into heat, damaging the function of the hair, and the ability for the follicle to grow hair.
Why Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a fast and effective way to remove hair. It can treat large areas rapidly. Over a period of time all the targeted hair becomes deteriorated and the hair ceases to grow.
How often do I have to get the laser hair removal procedure done?
An (indicative) number of sessions
Intervals in between each session
Face
6 sessions
2-3 months
Upper lip
6 sessions
1,5-2,5 months
Chin
5 sessions
2 months
Forearm
4 sessions
2-3 months
Back
4 sessions
2-4 months
Chest
4 sessions
2-3 months
Underarm
6 sessions
2-3 months
Bikini
4 sessions
2-2,5 months
Thighs
4 sessions
2-4 months
Legs
4 sessions
2-3 months
Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal, while safe when done correctly can cause the skin to burn. The energy from the laser is targeted by color. Darker colors attract more of the laser’s energy. This becomes a problem for people who’s skin color is close to the color of their hair. The laser energy is no longer just absorbed into the hair follicle, but is absorbed into the skin as well, which can cause burning, scarring and damage.
The larger the difference or contrast between the color and your skin, the better a candidate you are for laser hair removal.
What areas can I treat with Laser Hair Removal?
Any area on the body is treatable, except for close to the eye area. The most common area are the face, upper lip, chest, periareolar, underarms, back, chest, abdomen, bikini area, and legs.
The difference between Laser hair removal and pulsed light treatment
Pulsed light treatment is not actually a form of laser. Using intense high energy light it produces the same effect as laser hair removal. These devices are harder to adjust to each patient’s skin and hair type and therefore require larger expertise to use than laser hair removal.
Adverse reactions to laser hair removal
The worst case scenario with laser hair removal is damage to the surrounding skin. This can result in pigment changes in the skin. Skin may become lighter or darker. Change in skin color is usually temporary and fades after a few months. The darker one’s skin is the more susceptible they are to adverse reactions when undergoing laser hair removal.
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