Laser Hair Removal – Is it worth the price and pain?

If you have unwanted hair on your face or body that you endlessly have to remove by shaving, waxing or plucking, then you may want to consider a laser hair removal. While it used to be a procedure available only to rich and famous at the most prestigious New York and Beverly Hills salons, it is now possible to find a laser hair removal clinic in almost any local phone book.

Hair removal lasers have been in use since 1997 and the FDA approved it for “permanent hair reduction.” Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Keep reading to find out how much it’s going to hurt – your body AND your wallet, what are the chances the hair would grow back, where to have it done, and whether this procedure is for you.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal treatment works by sending out laser light to the hair follicles and thus destroying the roots of the hair. Dermatologists use just a sufficient amount of laser light to destroy the hair follicles without really harming the surrounding tissues. Once the roots of the hair have been destroyed, the hair usually does not grow again. In some cases, when it does grow back again, it will finer than before.

Is it for you?

People who have very light colored skin and those with very dark colored skin are generally not qualified for this type of treatment. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but new lasers are now able to target dark hair in people with dark skin, and even light hair in people with dark skin.

What areas can be treated?

For women, the most common places on the body from which it is removed include legs, armpits, the chin, and above the lip. For men, it is most often removed from the back, chest, and arms. But it can be removed from virtually any part of the body, including abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, neck, cleavage, chest, hands, and toes.

If you want to ensure the blonde hairs are zapped, your better bet is electrolysis for permanent hair removal in these spots.

Is it effective?

Effectiveness of the treatment depends on the many factors, including the skill and experinece of professional doing the procedure, the equipment being used, and your complexion. Some lasers can destroy even the smallest follicle but they typically cost more. If you have darker skin, it is more difficult for the laser to detect the difference between your hair and your skin.

Due to the variables involved it is impossible to predict exactly what the results will be for any individual. Many reputable clinics avoid giving guarantees for this reason.

Is it truly permanent?

Laser hair removal is permanent, but not the first time you have it done. Most people will have to go back three-six times before it becomes permanent. Some will need touch-up treatments, especially on large areas, after the initial set of treatments.

Is it safe?

It is safe because the laser rays are passive and leave no residual rays in the body to become harmful (as opposed to x-rays). However if your complexion is dark, it does tend to cause scarring. That is why it is recommended having the doctor do a “test patch” in an area that can’t be seen and then determining if your skin reacts well.

What is the price?

It depends. Laser hair removal isn’t cheap at about $200-$600 per session depending on where you live and the areas being treated. Again, it takes about 3-6 sessions to get rid of 70% of hair permanently. Touch-ups are always an option at about $100-$150 a session.

Throughout the United States, the average cost for one laser treatment ranges between $400 and $450 per session. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of the procedure is $429.

Will you feel any pain?

The procedure feels like a rubber band snapping skin. The pain isn’t unbearable at all, nothing like the pain of waxing. If you fear the pain, do not take aspirin, which can cause bruising. Instead, you may try som numbing cream, desensitizing spray with Lidocaine, or some ibuprofen.

Pick the right professional

Before going under the laser, do your research and find an established facility for your procedures. Many clinics advertise cheap and discounted procedures, however, when it comes to laser hair removal, you don’t want to cut costs. Along with your research, schedule a consultation to make sure your questions are answered, you feel comfortable with the technician and the procedure fits your needs.