So, you’re interested in removing some unwanted hair and you may have considered laser hair removal. You may be wondering what it is, how it works, what are possible laser hair removal side effects and other questions. When considering this procedure there are some important factors you should know. That way, if you are not really familiar with laser hair removal, you will have a better idea if it’s something you want to further investigate. This is a general overview with laser hair removal information. You should consult a clinic or physician to see if the procedure is right for you.
Table of Contents
The Basics
Laser hair removal, or (LHR), uses laser light energy which produces heat. This light is then absorbed by the pigment in your hair. The process triggers inflammation in the hair follicle causing it to go into a resting phase. As you may know, while a hair follicle is in its resting phase… it produces no hair.
One important factor to be considered by the clinician (or physician) performing the procedure is the colour of your skin and the thickness of your hair. Bareskin IPL says that the correct laser must be used in accordance with these factors so as not to heat the surrounding skin – where it could cause damage by altering the pigment in your skin. As each patient will have different physical traits, three different lasers have been developed for the safest and most effective result.
You may be wondering, “Will I have to go through multiple treatments to get the results I desire? That’s a good question. The answer is almost always “yes”. How many and how often will vary according to the area being treated and your hair characteristics. Generally, most patients will benefit from a series of three to seven treatments and these are usually spaced out at four-to-eight-week intervals. What you will like to hear is that maintenance treatments (to keep an area devoid of hair) will usually be spaced out at increasing intervals of time.
Pain and Side Effects
If you are like a lot of people out there, you’re probably wondering if laser hair removal is painful. A lot will depend on your tolerance level. For most people it feels like a rubber band snapping and it’s no more painful than waxing. It’s usually only felt for a split-second while the laser is in contact with the area being treated. But others may experience a lot of discomfort and some may find it painful.
You should know that there are possible side effects, though they are temporary. These may include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tingling
- Numbness
A few rare side effects may include:
- Crusting and or/scab formation
- Bruising
- Purple colouring of the skin (pupura)
- Pigment change
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
There are many factors which will affect the cost of your LHR treatment. Mostly, it will depend on the area being treated and the clinician (or physician) performing the procedure. You can usually expect to pay anywhere from less than $100 upwards to $400-500 per session (certain areas of the body cost more).
A good thing for you to know is that many clinics offer discount packages and bulk treatments. It’s difficult to give exact estimates as each individual has a unique hair pattern growth. The best thing for you to do – should you decide to investigate LHR for yourself – is to consult with a physician to become better informed for your particular case. You may wish to visit several different clinics to compare costs and experience. After all, it is your investment… and it is your body.
This article was written for you to better understand what is laser hair removal and to get a general idea of the costs that may be involved. More and more people are receiving laser hair removal treatments (both women and men) and are enjoying the wonderful results they are getting.
