Understanding Laser Hair Removal

Many people have a problem with unwanted hair growth and struggle to keep up with hair removal. While there are many hair removal products on the market today, it can be an expensive endeavor over a period of time. Due to the coarseness of their hair, some individuals do not get satisfactory results from these products. If you suffer from unsightly hair growth and wish to eliminate it on a more permanent basis, you may choose to have laser hair removal treatments done.

Laser hair removal is a relatively simple procedure. Your doctor will place a cold gel to the area or have a built in cold-applicator on the end of the laser, which he then uses to target the melanin in the hair. The laser beam is aimed at the hair follicle and the intense heat that results from this light destroys that follicle. Although the hair follicle is ruined, hair growth may still occur. For this reason, several treatments may be necessary. This procedure may not work permanently, although many patients have remained hair-free for months and even years.

There are certain factors that can affect the success of laser hair removal. This technique works best on light skinned individuals who have dark hair. It is not effective on lighter colored hair, such as blonde, white, and red. People with darker colored skin may develop hypopigmentation, a condition in which the treated area of skin becomes lighter. Although this discoloration may only be temporary, permanent discoloration has occurred.

There are also other side effects that may occur from having laser hair removal done. Hyperpigmentation, or a darkening of the affected area, can occur and can also be permanent. In a small amount of patients, temporary blistering, crusting, scabbing, and scarring can also result from this procedure. A small percentage of patients have also complained of a change in the texture of their skin. Again, this side effect happens very rarely

Laser hair removal is an option for individuals who want long-term removal of unwanted body hair. By discussing the procedure with your doctor and taking into account the color of your hair and skin, you can decide if it is the best option for you.