Laser Hair Removal

What is "laser hair removal"?

Laser hair removal is the removal of hair from any part of the body using a laser machine. Now there are about 5 to 10 different types of lasers that are used for laser hair removal. Almost all of the lasers do the same thing. They target the melanin, that's the dark pigment in hair follicles, and zap them and get rid of the hair.

Who can administer laser hair removal treatments?

It depends on the state and the machine being used whether or not it needs to be a doctor or someone in the medi-spa that can use the machine to conduct laser hair removal. In any regard, whoever is using the laser hair removal machine should be credentialed to use that machine by the manufacturer.

What are the causes of excessive hair growth?

There are a variety of causes for excessive hair growth. Some of them can just be genetic; Mom and Dad had extra hair. Sometimes it can be medications, such as taking hormones which can lead to excessive hair growth. Certain medications and illnesses can also lead to excessive hair growth, and sometimes there is no cause.

Will excessive hair growth affect laser hair removal treatments?

It will not affect the treatment itself. On the other hand, it most likely will require more treatments if you have excessive hair. For example, a man's back will take more treatment than say, a woman's mustache.

Who should not receive laser hair removal treatments?

Laser hair removal treatments should not be used in patients that have light or white hairs because the laser targets the melanin in the hair follicle, and obviously if there is no dark pigment then the laser won't work at all. Now the other areas where the laser should be used cautiously are in patients that have dark skin, African Americans. There are only a certain number of machines which can be used in those patients. Before going to your medical spa you should check, if you are African American, if they have those machines.

Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?

Any patient that has concerns about excessive hair on any part of their body is pretty much a candidate for laser hair removal. Whether it's shaving all the time or waxing or doing any treatment, if the hair bothers them and it is of an appropriate color and quality, then they're pretty much a candidate for laser hair removal.

Is laser hair removal painful?

Laser hair removal is not painless, but generally not very painful. Patients describe it at its worst as feeling like a rubber band hitting their skin. Many medispas will use either a topical anesthetic or ice or a cold pack to numb the area prior to the treatments. Generally, laser hair removal is not very painful.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

This is one of the great questions about medical spa. Anyone who tells that laser hair removal is permanent is lying to you. The FDA has approved that for permanent hair reduction. What does that mean? Laser hair removal will get rid of every single hair but you will have a permanent hair reduction, which means 80/90% of this hair follicles are gone. But anybody who tells you they'll get rid of very single one of those hairs with laser hair removal treatment is lying to you

What are the risks of laser hair removal?

To me, the biggest risk in laser hair removal is going to either the wrong medispa or going to the wrong doctor. Laser hair removal is safe and effective, unless the wrong patient's being treated. That's why you need to go see a doctor who will determine whether or not you are the right candidate for laser hair removal. There have been many reports and many pictures in newspapers, magazines, and television showing horrible burns and scars from laser hair removal. If it's done in the appropriate medi-spa with the appropriate doctor, it should be safe and effective.

How much will laser hair removal cost?

Laser hair removal is not a one-time treatment. It usually will require, depending on the area, anywhere from five to six treatments. Again, depending on the area involved, that's what the cost will be. So a woman's mustache may be roughly $100 per treatment, while a man's back may be $200-300. If you multiply that by five or six, that's the cost.