Alternatives to laser hair removal

As you all know nowadays people more often choose laser hair removal rather than shaving or waxing. The laser hair removal procedures cost much; still people toughly undergo this procedure. 4-5 sessions and you will not have any problems with unwanted hair for a very long time. However, laser hair removal cost much, thus professionals of cosmetic surgery field offer other ways how you can rid off unwanted hair.

Shaving

It is very simple technique; this technique does not affect coarseness and thickness of hair itself. It can be combined with cream or lotions to produce smoother results; however, it is transient solution and requires constant shaving to maintain a hair free appearance.

Waxing

This procedure can be used for large areas at one time. Results last a month or longer, depend on strength of the hair, but it does not have long-term effect on the hair follicle or growth of hair. Also waxing is very painful procedure, especially in bikini line – the most sensitive area of the body. Besides waxing can cause redness, may stimulate the process of ingrown hair or allergic reaction.

Tweezing

Depilatory tweezers are very popular amongst those who wants to eliminate unwanted hair for a longer time, but can not afford laser hair removal procedures. The unwanted hair is eliminated one by one when the depilatory tweezer is used. This procedure is painful too. Hair follicles are not permanently disabled; the regrow will occur. Besides the treatment is temporary!

Electrolysis

How the procedure is performed? – The needle is inserted into the skin (it may be very painful) to damage the follicle. Sterile needles should be used each time, because electrolysis treats only one hair at a time. Telling the truth it is tedious and harassing procedure, which requires a lot of time and can last several months or even years (it depends on how hairy the treated area is) – it is impossible to remove all unwanted hair within few weeks. Also there is a risk to inflame the skin what leads to scarring.

How to prepare for laser hair removal?

The primary principle behind laser hair removal is based on contrast between hair and skin color. Lasers localized damage by heating dark target matter in the area that causes hair growth while not heating the rest of the skin. Because lasers are concentrated beams of light and light is absorbed by dark objects, lasers can be absorbed by dark material in the skin. This dark target matter can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced. With this background in mind, one may better prepare for laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is not for everyone

Since laser hair removal requires contrast between skin and hair color, the process is not available for everyone. The absolute requirement is that one’s hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. Therefore, darkly pigmented people absorb too much laser energy in their skin and are not ideal candidates for laser hair removal. Likewise, tanned patients with light hair are not model candidates.

Tanned patients with dark hair should wait until their tan fades before they are treated. Those with light skin may increase contrast by rubbing a carbon-based lotion into the target area.

 

Patients should avoid tanning for at least 4-6 weeks prior to laser hair removal. Sunscreen is recommended for any treated areas exposed to the sun. Also, ingested Beta Carotene–found in carrots, squash, other vegetables, and vitamin A supplements–gets deposited in the skin, producing a subtle orange or yellow color in the skin. This pigment absorbs laser energy, preventing it from reaching the hair follicle and increasing the absorption of laser energy in the skin. Beta carotene persists for months after ingestion. For best results, potential laser hair removal patients should discontinue use of all forms of beta carotene.

Before treatment

A person planning to have laser hair removal performed should avoid waxing or plucking the targeted area for 4-6 weeks prior to laser treatment. Shaving hairs or using chemical depilatories, however, is acceptable.

Additionally, patients preparing for laser treatment may have to use specially formulated skin care products and/or a prescribed skin care regimen in order to prevent pain caused by the procedure.

 

Finally, patients interested in laser hair removal should be aware of the possible side effects of the procedure. Though very rare, these side effects may include damage to the surrounding healthy tissue in the form of scars, burns, redness and swelling. As with any medical procedure, patients considering laser hair removal should seek further information about the treatment from their physicians.

Laser hair removal for men

Millions of people – both male and female – worldwide are getting rid of their unwanted hair in desired areas. Shaving and waxing have become a daily routine for women as well as for men. There was a time when waxed legs and chests used to be exclusionary to male strippers, swimmers, cyclists, and athletes, but those days are long gone.

Laser hair removal for men

Let’s face it, back hair isn’t attractive at all. It’s the equal to a woman with hairy legs. But for men there is no easy way to get rid of back hair until now. New technologies, such as laser hair removal , have become available to make one‘s life much easier. Have you imagined of never shaving again? Have you ever wished of having a hairless, smooth back, chest and legs? Have you ever thought of getting rid of your unwanted hair permanently? Then, laser treatment is exactly what you need. It‘s easy, safe, painless and, most important, it is permanent, so you will never need to worry about hair removal in the desired area again. Before considering having laser hair removal , you will first need to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, since results depend on your skin pigmentation and the color of your hair. Dark hair contains more melanin, which absorbs the laser energy, making it easier to treat.

 

The best laser hair removal results are achieved with men who have fair skin and black hair. Keep in mind that you cannot receive treatment if you are tanned, as a tan impairs with your skin’s pigmentation and can lead to blistering or permanent discoloration. Therefore you should avoid tanning for at least 4-6 weeks prior to laser hair removal. Sunscreen is recommended for any treated areas exposed to the sun. The most common areas treated by laser hair removal in men are such as back, chest and legs. The procedure is especially popular with athletic men who think that their body hair hinders their performance, and even men who wish to have a tattoo on their back, chest or legs. Those who want to have a tattoo on a particular area of their body will commonly have laser hair removal performed before the tattoo, as later this may be a difficult option. In addition, men who have gained a level of fitness and muscle tone don’t want to hide their attractive muscles behind a thick coating of hair, and the laser hair removal procedure may be just a perfect option.

Laser hair removal for back, chest and legs

There are a lot of professional sportsmen to whom shaving is a must in order to achieve very good results in sports. Cyclists, swimmers, runners and many others shave their chest, back and legs. Many of them have chosen an ultimate solution to forget the trouble with continuous hair removal. They have chosen laser treatment to get rid of their unwanted hair in order to save time, nerves and money. Even if you are not a candidate for professional sport but you suffer from hairy chest, back or legs, you should consider laser hair removal as the best option. George, a state lawyer, says he cannot even remember the times when he had to choose one of the hair removal methods to get rid of unwanted hair on chest and back. He claims to have tried all the known methods to eliminate unwanted hair in the desired areas. Shaving had to be used every day and required too much time, waxing was too painful when electrolysis was not efficient enough. Should we say that George has not experienced all the known hair removal options only until now? Of course, he has not. He got rid of the entire hazard as soon as he tried the newest hair removal method – laser hair treatment . And the nightmare of shaving or waxing his chest and back was gone for good.

 

If you consider of having laser hair removal, you should find out more about advantages and disadvantages of  laser hair removal procedure. It might be helpful to know that the procedure have a relatively small amount of disadvantages compared to other hair removal methods. You should consult your physician prior to laser hair treatment.

Only imagine a smooth, gentle skin of your chest, back and legs. Imagine how nice it would be to leave shaving, waxing and tweezing behind from now until forever. Think of how wonderful it would be not to care of the stubble. Then think of laser hair removal that is the only option enabling you to forget unwanted hair on your chest, back and legs. Choose laser hair treatment, just like George have done, and be satisfied with your looks forever.

Laser hair removal for body

The laser hair removal is becoming more and more popular. This procedure is a perfect choise for removing unwanted hair. Before making the decision to go through this session it’s important to know how all this removal process works. There are several phases you should go through:

  • Before going to a doctor make a list of questions you are worry about.
  • Consulting with a doctor of the center where you going to do the laser hair removal.
  • Follow all the recommendations that the doctor will give you after the treatment. It isn’t one day process. Several treatments will be needed to remove all the unwanted hair; it depends on what area of the body will be treated.

Laser hair removal is safe

Generally the removal process is safe. There can be side effects such as pinkness or redness to the skin on the treated area, but it’s natural. Usually the color will go back to normal in a few minutes up to a few hours. Sometimes it may take a few days for the normal skin color to appear. The whole process isn’t as difficult as it seems. The beam of laser light is sent to a group of hair follicles with enough power to destroy the root, but not enough power to harm the surrounding skin. This process is called selective photothermolysis. It is selective because it applies only the hair. Photo means light and thermolysis means destroying with heat. The surrounding skin is usually cooled with a gel, a spray, etc. The laser beam finds the hair follicles by applying the substance that gives skin and hair dark color – melanin. That is why the ideal candidates for laser are people with dark hair and light skin. The laser won’t work on people who have red, white or true blond hair.

Laser hair removal for legs

Each session takes approximately 1-1.5 hours and after 4-8 sessions you can achieve permanent hair reduction. The leg area isn’t so sensitive like other areas of the body. It means that the process of hair removal won’t make you feel uncomfortable. It really takes some time to see the results of laser hair removal , but it worth to wait. Imagine that you will never face such problem as hair shaving or painful waxing procedure.

Laser hair removal for chest

The session of laser hair removal on that part of the body takes less than one hour. Chest hair laser removal becomes very popular, especially among men. Those men who had problem with chest hair, after the laser hair removal procedure were satisfied, because they no longer need to hide their schest under the T-shirts while they spend time on the bitch or other similar public places. It is quick solution for chest hair removal taking approximately one hour for a treatment. 4-6 treatments is enough to eliminate the unwanted hair.

Laser hair removal for bikini

Bikini line hair laser removal may be most problematic. The skin of this area prone to irritation and ingrowth hair, furthermore the area of the bikini line is extremely sensitive, that’s why procedure can be more painful as usually, but don’t worry doctor deals with this problem giving you mild anesthetic. 4-6 treatment will be needed, after the third treatment the amount of hair will greatly reduce. Drawing a conclusion there must be add that the laser hair removal cost money , but if you want to deal with this problem irreversible choose this procedure and you won’t regret.

Laser hair removal results

After the period of treatment the hair will disappear, because hair follicles affected by the laser become lifeless and you are free to return to your normal routine. Look what some patients say, qoute: “I noticed a difference after the fisrt treatment. But it was after the second treatment that I noticed an amazing differnce. …I used to shave everyday. It has now been six months since the lats time I shaved. Now when I stop to look in the mirror I smile.” Barbare, Dallas.

Laser hair removal results

There is variety of such stories like this. Many people are grateful, for opportunity to begin a new life. Every second patient told that he/she wasn’t sure about the decision they made to try the laser hair removal, but after the treatment they were so happy taking a risk. From the scientific point of view there can be some risks after laser hair removal. As it was mentioned hair follicles affected by the laser become lifeless. The body will attempt to eliminate them off over a period of time. It will seem to you that the hair continues to grow for one to two weeks after the treatment, but in fact this lifeless hair will easily fall out. Also some redness may appear in the treated area. It usually disappears within one to three days. It is very important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and avoid sunbathes. The period depends on what area of the body has been treated. Besides after you completed a series of treatment the remaining hair will be finer and lighter in color. It means that after 3-4 treatments not all the hair will be removed, if you want to remove hair totally, you should take 4-6 procedures. The changes are permanent.

Forget about shaving, waxing and depilatory creams

On the other hand there is a great part of people which use another hair removal procedures (shaving, waxing, depilatory creams), but nowadays more and more people is in preference to try the laser hair removal. Using depilatory creams is unexpensive and painless, but after a few weeks the hair will grow again, the same story with waxing, just waxing procedure is mauch more painful. The shaving procedure must be done every day. The laser hair removal has one supereminent  advantage. When the treatment is over the follicles are damaged and there are no favourable conditions to grow up the hair again. Though the laser hair removal is rather expensive, solution to take a risk can change people’s life. They won’t worry about an unwanted hair in a prominent area of the body.

People, who really have serious problems with unwanted hair the laser hair removal gives a chance to start a new life without fear to feel them unattractive.

Facial hair removal

Bob hates to shave each single morning. He cannot stand wasting his time on shaving. He also hates to wake up earlier each single morning just to have his chin and mustache shaved, not to mention the irritation of his skin due to regular shaving. His wife, Mary, complains about his unshaved chin every single time Bob forgets to shave.

They made their choice

James is a perspective financier. He is awfully busy at work, starting work very early every morning. He lives an active, interesting life and spends the biggest part of his day far from home. He would not care about unshaved beard if he hadn’t had to go on a date straight after his work-day ends. So, no surprise that James is worried how his five o’clock shadow could affect his relationship. Neither Bob nor James knew that their problems with shaving could have been easily gone for good. The only way to solve them was laser hair removal. It is safe, painless, affordable and efficient. The procedure offers one a permanent loss of unwanted hair. Sideburns used to be fashionable in 1960’s and 1970’s. But those days are long gone. Imagine how wonderful it would be to never shave your sideburns again? To make your imagination real you will need a laser removal procedure performed.

 

It is every man’s dream to not have to shave his chin, mustache and sideburns every single day. Just think of how many times you wished of sleeping longer in the mornings instead of waking up earlier in order to shave. How many times have you dreamt of a smooth, gentle facial skin? How often have your girlfriend complained of your unshaven chin or even refused kissing you? How many times have you wished to look clean and neat even at the end of your day?

Facial laser hair removal

All your dreams can come true by choosing laser hair treatment. You can easily get rid of your unwanted hair in the facial area without any damage to your eyes, lips or nose. The size of an area not being large, you will not need many treatments. The amount of treatments needed may vary from 6 to 8, depending on the size of the desired area and the density of hair. The upper lip and chin usually require four sessions. But treatments are individualized since each hair and skin type differs from one another. These treatments will leave your skin looking and feeling smoother.

Advanced medical lasers can achieve very good results offering constant loss of unwanted hair. It also has more advantages compared to other hair removal options. The laser hair removal treatment does not cause skin irritation that shaving, waxing or tweezing may cause. Larger areas may be treated at one time than with other hair removal methods. Lasers are efficient on almost every part of the body with unwanted hair. Laser hair removal combines the speed of shaving with the permanent results offered by electrolysis.

 

Laser hair removal is a smooth process. First the desired area is cleansed; it is then scanned with the laser. The light energy crosses the skin and is taken in by the melanin in the hair follicle. The light energy vaporizes the carbon particles in the hair follicle, stopping hair growth. The time for each session needed may vary from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the size of the area being treated. Additionally, like all medical procedures, laser hair removal is not free of risk . Even though very rare, but complications are possible. Those include skin redness after the procedure, scars or other damaging of the skin but occur very rarely. Therefore, one should consult one’s physician before the laser hair removal procedure.

Both Bob and James have chosen laser hair removal to eliminate their unwanted hair in the facial area. Bob does not have to wake up earlier in the mornings and his wife is happy about his smooth facial skin, whereas James does not have to worry about five o’clock shadow any more. Unwanted hair is no more a nightmare for them.

There are thousands of men out there who experience the advantages of laser hair removal. You could be one of them if you chose laser hair removal to get rid of your unwanted hair.

How does laser work?

Unwanted hair is a common problem that plagues both men and women. Laser treatments can significantly reduce such a problem and improvement can be seen after even one treatment.

Goodbye razor!

The laser works by a principle called Selective Photothermolysis. The laser is pulsed (turned on) for a millisecond emitting a beam of light on to the skin. The light energy passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles and hair shafts that are in the active growth phase. By absorbing this laser energy, the hair follicles are disabled, impairing their ability to grow. This damage causes delayed re-growth of the hair, and in some cases permanent destruction of many of the hair follicles. Unlike electrolysis, which kills one hair follicle at a time, the laser reaches and treats hundreds of follicles at a time. A system for cooling the skin will be used to remove heat as it leaves the follicles and should ensure a comfortable treatment, resulting in virtually painless hair removal. Lasers allow for the safe treatment of darker skin and they are very effective in treating pseudofolliculitis barbae, a bacterial infection commonly seen in darker hair-bearing skin.

 

Some procedures will require the patient to bring a responsible adult driver. Treatment time will depend upon the area to be treated.

The numbers of sessions vary for each individual. Usually, laser hair removal requires 3 to 6 sessions, depending upon the skin type and hair color.

While some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, most patients report manageable discomfort. For the more sensitive patients, anesthetic creams can be applied prior to the treatment.

Immediately after the treatment the skin will look pink and slightly swollen, similar to sunburn. This will subside within an hour or two and the skin will return to normal.

Is laser hair removal painful?

For many men and women, unwanted hair can be a big problem. Getting rid of it can be very painful. The only options for removing unwanted hair were hair removal creams, stinging wax or painful electrolysis needles. Now, men and women can try laser hair removal procedure.

They will be pleased with the laser hair removal results . Though there is some discomfort, still, most patients state that they feel far less pain with laser hair removal than with other hair removal preparations. It is almost like a pinch on the skin. Most patients tolerate the procedure well. On a scale of one to ten they call it a 3 or 4. In one moment, the laser removes all the hair on a piece of skin the size of a nickel. The moment, lasting only millionths of a second, is no more painful than plucking a single hair.

 

The real benefits of the laser technique appear after the treatment. The skin is left smooth and silky. However there is a possibility to occur for some side effects (for instance itching, during treatment; pain; feeling of numbness; bruising; redness; temporary pigment change and etc.) As compared to the pain from waxing or electrolysis most patients say their laser treatment was very less painful. Usually, the majority of patients can easily tolerate this sensation. However it would be helpful to use a topical numbing cream before your procedure. If you do feel any discomfort it is only while the area is being treated. Then after the procedure the area where hairs were removed may become pink or red for a several hours or day, it depends on a skin (how sensitive it is). Also after leaving the procedure you will not need any swathes because there is no damage to your skin. As you see laser hair removal procedure is not as painful as it seems in the beginning. All you need to concultate with professionales.

Advantages and disadvantages of laser hair removal

Before making a decision to remove unwanted hair by laser, you have to be sure that you know enough about all the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure.

Advantages:

  • High level of effectiveness;
  • Skin will not be inflicted It’s almost painful;
  • This procedure is fast – it takes from several minutes to several hours (time depends on area of body involved);
  • It fits to all sensitive zones (face, bikini, and breast);
  • You can see a result immediately.

 

Disadvantages:

  • At least 4-6 treatments will be needed;
  • The effectiveness depends on skin’s color It’s still impossible to avoid the risk of skin burn;
  • It’s quite expensive.

 

Contra-Evidence:

Laser hair removal is not suitable, if you have:

  • Skin diseases;
  • Diabetes;
  • Ontological skin diseases;
  • Cardiovascular system diseases;
  • Infection diseases;
  • Pregnancy;
  • Very dark or newly sunburn;
  • Your age is under 17.

If you already had removed unwanted hair by laser, follow these recommendations:

  • It’s not recommended to have sunbathes (natural and artificial) during the first 3 days after procedure;
  • Before going for a walk, use a UV-filtered (not less than 30) sun-cream;
  • During the first 3 days don’t go to sauna and swimming pool.

Laser hair removal cost

Before the discussion about prices, you have to be informed that laser hair removal doesn’t work for everyone. This procedure works well only in lighter skinned, darker haired patients. The question is why is it so? Answer – Because the target chromophore in hair follicles is melanin pigment, less laser energy is absorbed by the skin and more by the hair follicle. So, if you are darker skinned, this procedure, unfortunately, is not for you. The same problem is with light hair and tanned skin.

Laser hair removal prices

The first question which people ask about laser hair removal is “How much does it cost?” Well, prices depend on several factors including where are you interesting in having hair removed, the amount of hair, number of treatments and also. You should expect to need four or six treatments per area to maximize hair removal. After each session, you will observe that more than 15% of your unwanted hair is gone and they will never grow up again. Other 75% percent of hair regrow weaker and have color. After a half of the year you will notice that more than 50% of hair is successfully eliminated.

Sometimes prices depend on time and number of pulses (pulse – the time when laser fires). For example, let’s imagine, that clinic charges 100$ per 15 minutes. If woman’s leg takes about an hour, the totalprice will be 400 $. As it was mentioned, some clinics may charge by pulse with a minimum fee per area. For example, the cost of 1 pulse is 1$. So, the totalprice s will be 200$ based on 100$ minimum fee which include first 100 pulses and dollar per pulse thereafter. You only get charged for actual pulses unless you have fewer pulses than the minimum. As you progress in your series of laser hair removal treatments, yourprice per treatment may decline as you have less hair to be removed. Different lasers have different spot sizes and will therefore have differentprices per pulse.

Here you can see list of the approximate prices (per treatment session):

 Treatment area  Cost per session  Nr. of sessions 
 Full Face  $400  6
 Brows  $100  
 Side of Face  $100  
 Upper Lip   $100  6
 Chin $100  5
 Ears  $100  
 Full Arm  $400  
 Upper Arm  $200  
 Lower Arm  $200  
 Under Arm  $100  6
 Full Back $600  
 Neck  $100  
 Shoulders  $200  
 Back  $200  4
 Lower Back  $200  
 Full Front  $400  
 Neck  $100  
 Chest  $200  4
 Abdominals  $200  
 Bikini  $100  4
 Buttocks  $100  
 Full Legs  $400  4
 Upper Leg  $200  
 Lower Leg  $200  
 Feet  $100  

 

The interval between laser hair removal sessions fluctuates for each individual. Also the interval depends on  the area of body where you are going to have the treatment. But in general the interval of 4 to 6 (sometimes to 8) weeks is usual.