Laser hair removal is not for everyone. The absolute requirement is that one's hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. 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. Tanned patients with dark hair should wait until their tan fades before they are treated. Lastly the treatment cost should be within reach of the patient. Laser hair removal, although much less expensive than electrolysis, requires multiple treatments, and generally costs over $1000 in total for most anatomic areas.
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. Laser hair removal must be individualized for each patient.
Dark hair absorbs more laser energy and is easier to treat. 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. Blonde or red hair usually contains pheomelanin, which absorbs laser energy less avidly than the eumelanin pigment which is present in black or brown hair.
Any area, except adjacent to the eye, where there is excess hair. The most common areas requested are the face, upper lip, neck, chest, periareolar, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line, vagina and legs.
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. Many of the hair removal clinics which guaranteed results have gone out of business. Like most reputable medical practices, the most established laser hair removal practices do not guarantee results.
Advantages of laser hair removal
Some consumers have experienced long-lasting hair removal or permanent hair reduction. Considered safe if performed properly. Laser hair removal can be great for large areas like the back, arms and legs. Re growth can come back lighter in color or finer in texture. Great if you are light skinned, and have dark body hair. Some clinics offer written warranties. If you experience any re-growth of hair in the treated area within the specified guarantee period, you can make an appointment with the clinic issuing the guarantee to receive additional laser treatments to the treated area, free of charge.
Disadvantages of cheap laser hair removal
Light-skinned consumers with dark hair have the best results. Response rates have not been established. Re growth rates have not been accurately established and cannot be predicted due to numerous variables. Generally not as effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs and red or blonde hair. If you have a darker skin tone, or you tan, cheap lasers must be used very cautiously. Improper treatment can cause burns, lesions, skin discoloration lasting several months, or patchy/patterned re growth. Can be expensive. Some find treatment painful.
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