Laser Hair Removal

Raleigh Laser Hair Removal Expert Provides Guidelines on Choosing a Laser for Hair Removal

2009-02-05T01:36:00.000-08:00

By Kile Law

Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA clearance in the mid 1990’s. Older generation lasers were slow, very painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and very light skin. Today, lasers can work on all skin colors and some lasers are even safe for treating tanned skinned.

When considering a hair removal laser treatment, consumers should ask the following questions:

1) Is this laser FDA approved for hair removal on my skin type and hair color?

There are several lasers for hair removal available. No one laser is ideal for every individual. Depending on your skin color and hair color, some lasers will be more effective than others.

The Ruby Laser:

This is the "original " hair removal laser. Its deep red color at 694nm is very well absorbed by the melanin pigment in hair, making it an excellent choice for fine and light hair. However, because melanin is present in the skin as well, the Ruby laser cannot be used on patients with skin that is not very light, including tanned skin. Because of this limitation, slow repetition rate, and relatively small spot size, Ruby lasers have become less popular for laser hair removal in recent years.

The Alexandrite Laser:

This laser produces reddish light. With its large (up to 18mm) spot size and high repetition rate, the Alexandrite laser is the fastest hair removal laser, and is suitable for rapid treatment of large body areas in patient with light to olive complexion. An entire back can be treated in less than 30 minutes.

The Diode Laser:

This laser, consists of a high power laser diode emitting infrared (invisible) light at ~800-808nm. The longer wavelength allows deep penetration into the skin and safety for darker skin types, but with less efficacy for lighter and finer hair.

The long pulse Nd:YAG:

This laser can be used on all skin types, including tanned skin. Large spot sizes and fast repetition rates allow large areas to be treated quickly. Disadvantages include more discomfort during treatment and less effective clearance for fine and light hairs than the other hair removal lasers.

IPL devices are not lasers, because they emit non-coherent light of many different wavelengths. However, because most of the light energy is in the shorter wavelengths, treatment of darker skin types is less effective than with the appropriate laser.

2) What is the spot size of the laser?

A larger spot size offers not only the advantage of faster treatment, but also additional safety and efficacy. As spot size increases, a lower percentage of the delivered light energy scatters outside of the treatment area, increasing the depth of pentration, and allowing a lower energy setting to be used for treatment.

3) What type of cooling system is the laser equipped with?

It is important that a laser have consistent cooling in order to ensure patient safety and comfort.

4) Is there a board-certified physician on site?

Although complications with new lasers for hair removal are rare, in the event of a complication, you need to know who will provide medical attention.

5) Are treatments sold in a package or one at a time?

Because every person will respond at a slightly different rate, and some individuals will require more treatments than others for complete clearance, most laser centers will offer individual sessions.

6) Are complimentary consultations and spot tests available? You should be able to meet the technician and experience a pulse or two before committing to a treatment.

Finding a Reputable Laser Hair Removal Facility in New York

2009-02-04T01:35:00.000-08:00

By Mark Woodcock

Having a lot of body hair can be embarrassing, and it can be painful and tedious to remove and maintain yourself. A popular new trend in hair removal is laser hair removal. Many people looking for a permanent or long-term way to remove unwanted body hair look to this procedure for relief. This increasingly common procedure removes the hair relatively quickly with a handheld device that releases beams of light into your hair follicles. The procedure eliminates hair for a much longer period of time than the routine techniques of hair removal, such as by shaving or waxing. Practitioners promise that your hair is removed quickly from the root with little discomfort, and you can expect that your hair will grow back at a much slower rate than with waxing. If you are looking into the procedure for yourself in a larger city such as New York, it is vital that you know all educate yourself on all aspects of laser hair removal, from knowing the basic principles behind it to knowing how to sift through the volumes of laser hair removal centers in the phone book, and especially what it will cost you to get this treatment.

There are many positive aspects of laser hair removal. The primary reason people seek out the procedure is for the relief and convenience of having unwelcome body hair removed for a long period of time. Although this treatment has not been proven to permanently remove body hair, there is often a permanent reduction in appearance of your hair, which can alleviate stress and embarrassment. When the hair does grow back, it is often a lighter color and a finer texture, which may prove to be more manageable, and might not warrant repeat procedures. As long as it is performed cautiously and by someone with experience, laser hair removal is generally considered safe. Laser hair removal is the best solution for those who have a large area on the body that they wish to treat, such as the back, chest, or legs that is too hard to maintain by shaving. Laser hair removal might be preferable in a case such as this because of the longer-lasting effects. Patients with fairer complexions that have darker body hair usually get the best results seen with laser hair removal.

Just as there are several positive aspects to laser hair removal, there are also some potential concerns raised with the procedure. Because the procedure goes largely unregulated, there is no medical evidence that laser hair removal is completely safe or effective. Further, it is difficult to establish a set gauge of hair regrowth rates, because every body is completely different. The process does not work as effectively on gray, red, or blonde hair, and people with darker skin tones or on people who tan themselves need to take heed, as there is a risk of burns, abrasions, or skin discoloration as a result of the procedure. Since it can take several sessions to get the desired effect, the cost of laser hair removal can be quite expensive. And because some people do not react to the process in any way, it can prove to be a waste of time and money.

As is common with most types of cosmetic surgeries or procedures, the cost of laser hair removal differs according to the region in which you live, and by the practitioners that perform the procedures. If it is a clinic that only performs laser hair removal, the cost might be slightly higher than if laser hair removal is performed by a plastic surgeon or clinic that specializes in more than one type of cosmetic procedure. In cities such as New York, where the cost of living is significantly higher than in other parts of the country, laser hair removal might be radically more expensive than in a region such as the Midwest. There are also a few other variables to think about that might affect the cost of your laser hair removal. If you will need multiple treatments, if you have a large area on your body that you want treated, or if you have thicker body hair, laser hair removal might be more expensive. When researching practitioners, look for special offers such as referral discounts, and check to see if any offer financing.

When looking for a practitioner to perform you laser hair removal in a city like New York, not only do you need to consider the increased cost, but you also need to bear in mind the reputation of the clinic you choose. You want someone trustworthy, and well thought-of. Make sure to schedule several in-office consultations with the practitioners that would perform the procedure on you, and try to get a patch test done. Check for clean facilities, and don't commit to the procedure until you have spoken to former patients that have had the procedure done. It is important to know the risks of a procedure like laser hair removal, both physically and financially. It is important to know that it probably isn't an everlasting solution to your unwanted body hair, and that the cost of laser hair removal in a large city like New York can be very high depending on your situation and the practitioner you choose.

Choosing a Laser Hair Removal Clinic

2009-02-02T01:32:00.000-08:00

By Mark Woodcock

No one likes to deal with hair removal. Shaving can be tedious, not to mention painful if you cut yourself. Waxing is also painful, and can be expensive to maintain. And if you have a large area on your body that you would like to have hair removed from, such as your back or chest, shaving can be time consuming. That is why laser hair removal has seen such a surge in popularity. A laser hair removal clinic promises quick removal of hair from the root, and pledges that the hair will grow back very slowly, eliminating the need for frequent and expensive maintenance. If you are considering the procedure of laser hair removal, make sure that you know the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, as well as how to find a reputable laser hair removal clinic to perform the process on you.

Laser hair removal is so popular today because of the many advantages involved. The primary advantage is the removal of your unwanted hair, which tends to grow back very slowly as a result of the procedure. There is a chance that you will see a permanent reduction in the re-appearance of hair. When the hair grows back in, it often comes in lighter in color and a finer texture, which helps alleviate the embarrassment of having unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is considered safe if the clinic performs the procedure correctly in a safe environment. For people that do have large areas on their bodies (back, legs, chest) from which they want hair removed, laser hair removal is the most beneficial. Fair skinned people with dark body hair tend to get the best results with laser hair removal.

There are potential risks with the procedure, however. These can include burns, abrasions, and or even skin discoloration on darker-skinned people. Laser hair removal tends to not work as effectively on gray, red, and blonde hair, and is not recommended for people with dark skin tones, or for people who tan themselves. Some people do not respond to laser hair removal at all.

Be aware that there are numerous establishments that claim to be laser hair removal clinics. Many of these supposed specialists claim that their procedures are pain-free, that hair removal is permanent, and that there will be absolutely no regrowth. According to the FDA, it is illegal to make these assertions. But, because there is no regulation of who can buy laser hair removal machines or parameters for training or quality control, there is a great risk for physical harm and the loss of your money if you get the procedure done at a place like these. When exploring the many laser hair removal clinics, be sure to only interview clinics or physicians who will give you a free in-office consultation. Ask lots of questions about pain relief, costs and fees, and post-treatment. Ask them questions about the laser hair removal devices they use, to see how much they know. Don't even consider a clinic that is not clean, well-staffed, and organized. Get feedback from former customers, and ask them questions about the clinic or physician's service and demeanor. Insist on getting a test patch done, so that you will have a clearer idea of what laser hair removal is like first hand, before you make any commitments. Do not commit to the procedure at the consultation. By shopping around to various laser hair removal clinics, you will be able to save money and get the best possible experience and outcome from your laser hair removal. You can avoid pain and aggravation down the road if you take the time to select the most reputable and capable laser hair removal clinic in your area.

Laser Hair Removal Cost: 5 Main Factors

2009-01-30T22:06:00.000-08:00

By Kathlene CapelleLaser

Hair Removal is one of the newest technologies for eliminating that unwanted body hair. It is quick, easy and relatively painless. So, what's it going to cost? Well, how laser hair removal is priced depends on a couple of factors:

1. Geographic Location. Of course, there are always going to be pricing variations due to geographic location. That's the case with just about any product or service. You will find that laser hair removal cost differ from state to state as well as from country to country.

2. Number of laser hair removal treatment sessions. This means, the number of laser hair removal treatments you are going to need to complete your desired hairless effect. The total number of laser hair removal treatment sessions can be affected by your hair color, your skin pigmentation (light or dark) and the thickness of your hair.

Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform. Fewer treatments are required, and better, faster results are obtained. People with darker skin can be treated, but results are slower, more sessions are required, and greater expertise is required on the part of the laser center.

Some parts of the body are more difficult than others to remove hair. Each person varies somewhat in her or his hair regeneration speed as well.

Prior to your first laser hair removal treatment - in fact, prior to your deciding to undergo laser hair removal at all - you'll meet with the dermatologist or medical specialist responsible for the laser hair removal. Generally, the more sessions you require, the more it is going to cost you.

3. Size of the area treated. Treatment cost varies with the size of the area treated. Large areas, such as the entire back, or the entire legs, cost considerably more than this. Small areas, such as the upper lip, can be less.

4. Type of laser hair removal equipment used. There are different types of laser hair removal equipment in the market. Also, do not confuse laser hair removal with intense pulsed light treatments. The latter can also produce effective hair removal. Although the devices used are not lasers, they are "laser equivalents". Both utilize the same principle of selective photothermolysis to achieve hair removal. Intense pulsed light devices are in fact more difficult to adjust than lasers and require great expertise for their proper use. Individual consultation with the laser center is necessary to obtain exact pricing.

5. Pricing packaging. Not only does the laser hair removal cost vary by area and by physician, but it can also vary in its pricing structure. Some, for example, bundle the laser hair removal treatment with other cosmetic procedures. For instance, some may include the application of a hair retardation product to the treatment area to speed up desired results. Some require you to pay a total package fee and yet others may charge you for each visit separately.

Experienced laser centers, which have developed expertise in laser hair removal, costs an average of about $500 per treatment session. They usually recommend a basic four treatment sessions to start off with.

As treatment costs can get really expensive, you should ensure that you can well budget for it. However, please be advised to go to an established medical center with good reputation. You may pay more but it may be worth the quality of service and care that you receive.

Laser Hair Removal Unwrapped

2009-01-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

By Jay Stockman

The laser has become a precision surgical instrument widely used for a variety of procedures. Most recently, lasers have been utilized for the quick, gentle removal of unwanted hairs. The laser works by sending a pulsating beam of light, of a particular wavelength to precise areas on the skin. The light passes directly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and shaft. Once absorbed by laser light, the follicles are impaired from future growth, and eventually die off. Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA clearance in mid 1998. Older generation normal-mode ruby lasers were very slow, very painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and very light skin. Today, lasers can work on all skin colors and some lasers are even safe for treating tanned skin.

Lasers are not for everyone, and their proper use requires great skill, training and expertise. The laser technician at minimum must be a Certified Laser Specialist who has graduated from an accredited school for laser. Generally it is best to have a laser-trained dermatologist, or plastic surgeon perform the procedure, in case of complications. For the laser to be effective, the hair pigment must be darker than the surrounding skin pigment. If this is not the case, the treatment will not work and may have harmful complications. Additionally very darkly pigmented people absorb too much laser energy in their skin and are not ideal candidates. Tanned patients with light hair are not candidates either.

Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform. Fewer treatments are required, and better, faster results are obtained. People with darker skin can be treated, but results are slower, more sessions are required, and greater expertise is required on the part of the doctor. Coarse dark hair responds the best to laser treatment, light hair is more difficult to treat. Blonde or red hair is very difficult to treat, multiple treatment sessions are required, and results are variable. Laser hair removal must be individualized for each patient.

Although one laser session can produce impressive hair removal, generally, multiple treatment sessions are necessary to see optimal results. In large part this is due to the fact that laser hair removal is most effective for hair, which is in the growth phase. Since hair grows in cycles, not all of the hairs are in the growth phase at any given time. Additional sessions are necessary to catch all of the hairs when they are in this phase.

Any area, except adjacent to the eye, where there is excess hair can be treated. The most common areas requested are the face, upper lip, neck, chest, breast region, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line, and legs.

The costs for a single laser hair removal treatment vary depending on the part of the country, and range from $300.00 to $500.00 per session. Consumers are advised, as with all forms of medical care, to seek the center of highest quality, rather than lowest cost. Laser hair removal requires a great deal of skill, individual attention, experience, and a trained, caring, professional staff.

After treatment, most patients have a mild sunburn-type sensation that fades in 2-3 hours. Moisturizers and/or cool compresses can help during this time. Small blister areas can be treated with topical antibiotic until resolved. Sun block should be used for up to 6 weeks after treatment if sun exposure is anticipated. No waxing, shaving, or dying should be performed for 2 weeks after treatment. Pretreatment restrictions are also applicable to the post treatment period.

It must be remembered that it is impossible to predict the exact result a patient will achieve with laser hair removal, especially with regard to how many sessions a given individual will require. The indication for laser hair removal is mostly subjective. A desire for hair removal is the only criterion for laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal: Am I a Good Candidate? What Do I Need to Know?

2009-01-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

By Stephen Van Zant

How Laser Hair Removal works

A laser emits an invisible beam that penetrates the skin around the hair. Because of the dark pigments in the hair, the energy from the laser is absorbed into the hair. The energy from the laser converts into heat, damaging the function of the hair, and the ability for the follicle to grow hair.

Why Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a fast and effective way to remove hair. It can treat large areas rapidly. Over a period of time all the targeted hair becomes deteriorated and the hair ceases to grow.

How often do I have to get the laser hair removal procedure done?

An (indicative) number of sessions

Intervals in between each session

Face

6 sessions

2-3 months

Upper lip

6 sessions

1,5-2,5 months

Chin

5 sessions

2 months

Forearm

4 sessions

2-3 months

Back

4 sessions

2-4 months

Chest

4 sessions

2-3 months

Underarm

6 sessions

2-3 months

Bikini

4 sessions

2-2,5 months

Thighs

4 sessions

2-4 months

Legs

4 sessions

2-3 months

Am I a good candidate for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal, while safe when done correctly can cause the skin to burn. The energy from the laser is targeted by color. Darker colors attract more of the laser’s energy. This becomes a problem for people who’s skin color is close to the color of their hair. The laser energy is no longer just absorbed into the hair follicle, but is absorbed into the skin as well, which can cause burning, scarring and damage.

The larger the difference or contrast between the color and your skin, the better a candidate you are for laser hair removal.

What areas can I treat with Laser Hair Removal?

Any area on the body is treatable, except for close to the eye area. The most common area are the face, upper lip, chest, periareolar, underarms, back, chest, abdomen, bikini area, and legs.

The difference between Laser hair removal and pulsed light treatment

Pulsed light treatment is not actually a form of laser. Using intense high energy light it produces the same effect as laser hair removal. These devices are harder to adjust to each patient’s skin and hair type and therefore require larger expertise to use than laser hair removal.

Adverse reactions to laser hair removal

The worst case scenario with laser hair removal is damage to the surrounding skin. This can result in pigment changes in the skin. Skin may become lighter or darker. Change in skin color is usually temporary and fades after a few months. The darker one’s skin is the more susceptible they are to adverse reactions when undergoing laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Info

2009-01-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

By Sam Natarajan

In our own efforts to seek the best quick painless hair removal treatment related information available on the web, we came to realize that there were too much disparate data sources and information points floating on the topic of laser hair removal and other such apparently permanent hair removal solutions. What you are reading now is an effort to consolidate our own knowledge with the best that the web has to offer on the subject of laser hair removal so that you as a potential hair removal enthusiast stand to gain the maximum benefit out of our vast experience and expertise. We present to you some nuggets of wisdom as you walk the road to greater personal pride.

Laser hair removal works best for people whose hair color is darker than their skin color , and is limited in effect on people of very light or fair skin. So whether you are looking for laser hair nyc or laser hair removal Houston, your skin texture and hair color will determine your eligibility for the treatment. Laser hair removal is applicable for a wide range of needs, from small area upper lip hair removal for women, facial hair removal to full body back hair removal for men. Gone are the times when women used to look towards electrolysis for eyebrows or when men used to consider hair dye removal from wood. Its important to take all necessary precautions before one undertakes the laser hair removal treatment, considerations like not having undergone a tanning session or having applied any other mode of hair removal are all vital and absolutely critical to the success of a quick painless hair removal treatment by laser.

Types of laser treatments vary, so understand from your laser clinic their service offerings and their applicability to you. While a majority of people who have benefited from this treatment have had little cause for complain, there might an occasional blistering or reddening of the skin as a temporary after effect of the laser. Also what laser hair treatments do promise is the stoppage of hair re-growth for an extended period of time i.e. its not completely permanent always and you might experience some re-growth of fairer or thinner hair.

As far as food habits are concerned, laser hair treatment is dependent only on your intake of beta-carotene and is virtually independent of anything else that you eat. So consciously avoid food products that contain beta-carotene in the period of laser treatment. And last but not the least, laser hair removal prices are a factor to seriously consider, your outflow could range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few grand depending on the type of treatment required for removing unwanted body hair.

We hope you now have a clear picture of what laser hair removal is all about. No matter what you want, where you are, be it laser hair removal Los Angeles or laser hair removal New York City, you should be in an educated and well informed position to take a decision on what the best course of action for you is. All the best!!

Laser Hair Removal Techniques

2009-01-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

By Virginia Wong

There are many different techniques to remove unwanted hair. Some of these include waxing, shaving, coils, electrolysis and laser. Although each has its advantages and disadvantages, they all perform the same function. That is removing unwanted hair.

One such technique that has become quite popular these days is laser hair removal. This technique works by using a laser on the hair at a specified wavelength that emits a specialized light. The light from the laser is passed through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicle. This light actually targets the melanin (colour) in the hair follicle and damages it, thereby causing the hair to fall out. Interestingly, the use of certain laser for removing hair has been approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the technique is popular, there are advantages and disadvantages of using this method.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

The laser hair removal process has advantages in that larger areas can be treated. In addition it is also safe enough to be used on all parts of the body such as the face, back, underarm, bikini line, legs and arms. Compared to electrolysis, it is less painful as the laser only causes a slight burning sensation compared to the needle prick feeling of electrolysis. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal is usually long lasting.

Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal

One disadvantage for laser hair removal is that not everyone is the perfect candidate for this type of treatment. Those with lighter skin and dark hair have a much higher chance of permanent hair removal than grey, red or blonde hair. In addition, those with dark skin or who are tanned are also not good candidates as the laser may cause damage to their skin due to high pigment levels. The reason being is that dark hair contains a pigment called eumelanin which effectively absorbs more laser energy and therefore results in more effective destruction of the hair follicle. Due to the higher effectiveness of the treatment towards dark haired fair skin patients, it leads to fewer treatment and is therefore less costly. Other the other hand, grey, red and blonde hair contain a pigment called pheomelanin that absorbs less laser energy reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore extra treatment is required for the same effect. So before you sign up for this treatment, make sure you know the principal of this treatment. If you are not an ideal candidate, be prepared for extra treatment charges.

Laser hair removal is expensive due to the multiple treatments required. The reasons is that hair grows in a cycle that ranges from approximately 6 to 12 weeks and this is the amount of time that it takes hair to grow from the base of the follicle to the surface of the skin. As hair grows during these cycles, only a portion of the hair is being treated during this growth period with each laser treatment. Therefore multiple treatments (approximately four to eight depending upon your colour of your hair and skin) are required during this growth period. This is so that each treatment allows total coverage on all hairs during the various growth cycle. This can range from approximately a four to eight week interval. As discussed above, darked hair patients with fair skin require less treatment.

The average cost per treatment ranges from $500 and about four sessions are required. Again, this number will differ depending upon the size of the area treated and the colour of your skin and hair. To get an exact cost, a consultation on pricing is an individual process and it is best to discuss this with the laser center.

Once you have decided to undertake this treatment, make sure it is performed by an experienced laser treatment centre. Due to different state regulations, there has been varying level of compliance with laser hair removal centres and this has resulted in improper treatment by unskilled clinics. Some states require a doctor to perform the treatment, whilst for others; anyone including “unskilled” personnel can perform the treatment. Read the latest news on laser hair removal for more information. These improper unskilled clinic may result in burns (similar to sunburn), lesions, skin discolouration that can last several months, or patchy/patterned regrowth. One rule to remember is that cheaper is not always the best, so find the best laser hair removal centre around.