All about Laser Hair Removal

Are you tired of constantly shaving and dealing with unwanted hair on your
body? If so, laser hair removal just might be the thing for you! Of course,
there might be a better option for you. Some of those options might be shaving,
bleaching, tweezing or waxing. Each of these has their ups and downs but might
be better for you.

Laser hair removals work by the beams of light they produce. They apply the
laser device to your skin causing it to get hot. This heat damages the follicle
and keeps it from growing in the future.

One of the requirements for laser hair removal is that your hair is darker than
your skin. Laser hair removal is also not recommended for naturally dark people
because too much laser energy is absorbed into their skin. If you tan it also
recommended you do not have laser hair removal done. You can wait until your
tan is gone and then proceed.

If you have light skin you can expect an easier laser hair removal procedure as
well as fewer treatments with quicker results. If you are darker skinned it
could take longer for results to show and you will have more treatments. Each
person is different when being treated for something just the same as being
treated for laser hair removal.

Most areas of the body can be treated with laser hair removal. The most popular
areas:

* Back 
* Neck 
* Legs 
* Chest 
* Bikini Line 
* Face 
* Underarms 
* Upper Lip 
* Abdomen

If you have a specific area you want done, talk to your local laser hair
removal expert. If you are seriously considering laser hair removal you do not
want to tan prior to having it done. The treatment will be less effective this
way.

Laser hair removal is for women and men of all ages. Children can have it done
granted they are old enough to cooperate. Laser hair removal is becoming more
popular with men today. They are having their chests and backs done as well as
their abdomen and sometimes face.

While laser hair removal is proven to be quite safe, there are still some cons
to having the procedure. The main worry being who is giving you the treatment.
If this person is not entirely qualified to perform this procedure, they could
damage your skin. Be sure you know all about your professional performing this.

The cost of laser hair removal can be pricey but it really depends on your
location. Every clinic is different so you want to contact a local clinic. Find
out what their rates are and maybe even meet with a consultant to see if laser
hair removal is right for you. You might think so just because you are tired of
shaving. This may not be true though so it is better to consult a professional
first.

As with any major procedure you might have done, do all your research on laser
hair removal before making a final decision. If you do not get all the facts
before committing to it, you might be disappointed in the end. You might not
even be eligible for laser hair removal.

An Overview of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is an excellent way of removing unwanted hair. This is
accomplished by sending a light beam of a specific wavelength onto the skin
from the laser. The beam of light is sent through a hand piece into the skin,
where it attacks the darker pigmentation of the hair follicle. This causes
damage and destruction of the hair follicle without damaging the skin tissues
around it. Some people do experience permanent hair loss, while others do need
to repeat the procedure. Sometimes when hair does grow back it is lighter in
color and finer and texture.

There are four types of lasers that are used for hair removal. They are Ruby,
Alexandrite, Diode, and NdYAG. Each of these four lasers are different in many
ways and are used for different skin types. The ruby laser is able to focus in
on small areas and can be used on both dark and light skin. However, this laser
works best on light skin. The alexandrite laser is very versatile and can be
used on many different types of hair. It is able to focus on large areas and is
very easy to customize. The diode laser uses a much longer wavelength which
makes it very effective on most types of skin. The NdYag laser works well on
people with dark hair and dark skin.

Laser hair removal is not a good treatment option for everyone. It is not
recommended for people with certain medical conditions or disorders. It also is
not an effective treatment for people with white, gray or very light-colored
hair. People that have hair of these colors do not have pigments in their hair
to absorb the energy from the laser. Laser hair removal works about system on
people with light skin and dark hair.

In some instances, such as the removal of facial hair, one treatment may be
enough. In other areas of the body, often a series of treatments must be given
to remove the unwanted hair. Many times, laser hair removal is the last resort
for people after years of using other methods to rid themselves of the excess
hair.

Although laser hair removal is considered safe, it is important to have your
treatments done by an experienced, licensed professional. If the treatments are
not done correctly, you run the risk of burns, blistering, skin discoloration,
or a patchy uneven hair regrowth. Take the time to meet with several
specialists in your area, and then decide which one is right for you. For the
best results follow all the guidelines that your doctor gives you both before
and after your laser hair removal treatments.

The cost of laser hair removal can be expensive, and since it is considered a
cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. Generally, a payment plan
can be arranged for treatments. The average cost per treatment for laser hair
removal in the United States is between $425 and $500 and many people need
three to four sessions.

Laser hair removal is an excellent alternative to other types of hair removal
and should seriously be considered by those who are troubled by excessive hair
growth.

What You Should Know about Laser Hair Removal

Are you considering laser hair removal? If so you should read on to find out
what you should know before deciding. Something like this is a rather major
change. You want to know all the facts before you commit to something such as
laser hair removal.

Are you eligible for laser hair removal? If your hair is darker than your skin
you might be okay. It is not recommended that any person tanning with dark hair
do this. If you are tanning, you will have to wait until your tan fades. Then
you can proceed with laser hair removal. If you tan but have light hair, it is
not recommended for you.

If you are dark skin you might not want to do it. The pigments in your dark
skin will absorb laser energy. The darker your skin is the harder it is to
perform laser hair removal. You will have to have more treatments and this will
make the cost go up as well.

You can treat most areas of the body. The main areas are: Neck, Chest,
Underarms, Back, Abdomen, Bikini Line, Legs and Face. You cannot have laser
hair removal anywhere around the eyes. The laser is harmful to your eyes so you
should wear eye protection during the treatments no matter what area you have
done.

Know your options to laser hair removal. You could continue shaving, tweezing,
bleaching or even waxing. While these may not sound as great, they might be
better for you. The lasers produce highly concentrated beams of light that will
penetrate your skin and find your hair follicle. This will produce a hot heat
and damage the follicles, preventing them from future growth.

When preparing for laser hair removal you do not want to use any other type of
hair removal product. That means no tweezing or waxing or anything similar. The
laser hair removal will be hard to perform if there is no hair there to remove!

You also do not want to tan or moisturize. If you tan the laser could burn your
skin and if you moisturize it could block the laser energy and maybe even give
you an allergic reaction. Avoid both of these at all costs!

How much can you expect to spend? It will vary depending on your location and
laser hair removal facility of course. According to a 2000 survey of ASAPS the
average cost per treatment (one) for each of the following regions was:

* Midwest: $497 
* East: $458 
* South: $307 
* West: $469 
* National Average: $360

Contact your local laser hair removal clinic to find out the costs. If they
happen to be a bit too high for you check the closes surrounding laser hair
removals clinics. Maybe they are a bit more in your price range. Keep in mind
when doing laser hair removal that it does not mean one hundred percent of your
hair will be gone. Each person is different and some may require more treatments
than others. You will definitely see a significantly reduced amount of hair.

You might end up with a type of sunburn like reaction after laser hair removal.
You could even have blotches, discoloring, blistering and scarring and even
crusting or scabbing. Talk to your professional to find out if laser hair
removal is right for you.

Who is Laser Hair Removal for?

Not everyone can enjoy laser hair removal and its benefits. There are two
things that factor into just who can do it. Such as: Your hair color and your
skin color.

These are the main two factors of laser hair removal. Blonde, red, white and
grey hair is not recommended for laser hair removal. If you tan you must wait
until your tan has faded only if you have dark hair. If you have tanned skin
and light hair you do not qualify for laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is for those that qualify to have their unwanted hair gone.
If you have hair on any of the following areas you want removed, laser hair
removal is for you.

*  Neck 
*  Upper Lip 
*  Chest 
*  Breasts 
*  Toes 
*  Back 
*  Legs 
*  Fingers 
*  Abdomen 
*  Bikini Area 
*  Pubic Area 
*  Chin 
*  Arms 
*  Face 
*  Ears 
*  Hairline 
*  Shoulders 
*  Between Brows

Your skin type and skin history will also have an affect on laser hair removal
being right for you. Your practitioner will ask you questions about your skin
and skin history. You want to be sure you do not lie in any instance. Doing so
could result in your skin being damaged after treatment. Remember you are
having something done to your body, why bend the truth? Just be honest even if
you might be embarrassed for something.

People wanting to do laser hair removal that have light hair can now use
Meladine. This is an enhancer for melanin that will give you better results if
you have light hair. You apply this before and sometimes even after your laser
hair removal session. This is not a drug so you need not to worry there! It is
considered a cosmetic. There is no guarantee that comes with it, so you will
use it using your own confidence.

If you are looking for a quick way to get rid of hair, laser hair removal is
not for you. While this will reduce your hair growth and maybe completely
remove it, it is not fast. Depending on the area you want it could take four to
six sessions to remove the hair.

If you want a large area done it will take more time whereas a small area such
as the chin could take only one to two sessions. The amount of hair will also
play a part in how long it will take. Some people think of this as an easy way
out, but it is not that simple.

You want to do your research on laser hair removal before you go into it, just
like you would any other procedure performed on your body. Not taking the
proper precautions could you leave you feeling very unhappy and unsatisfied
with your results. Granted your practitioner will do everything they can to
inform you about laser hair removal. After treatment you want to know how to
take care of the treated area and for how long.

Some people neglect this thinking it will all be fine. This is not always the
case and you will want to always follow your practitioner's instructions. Ask
any and all questions you can think of and also be sure you find a qualified
laser hair removal practitioner.

The Pros of Laser Hair Removal

Are you curious as to what the pros of laser hair removal are? If so, this
article will tell you about all the good sides to having laser hair removal.
The first pro to laser hair removal is no more hair! No more constant shaving
or waxing or sugaring.

Laser hair removal is performed by a laser's beams of concentrated light that
will find your hair follicle and damage it. This prevents the follicle from
growth continuance. This will not cause any damage to surrounding tissue so do
not be discouraged!

You can treat almost any area with laser hair removal. Yes, if you just thought
of one, more than likely it is treatable! You would be amazed at the areas that
some do not think of that are treated. The more common areas:

* Neck 
* Fast 
* Chest 
* Abdomen 
* Back 
* Legs 
* Abdomen 
* Upper Lip 
* Bikini Line 
* Arms

Some areas that many people do think about that can be treated with laser hair
removal include:

* Buttocks 
* Chin 
* Breasts 
* Pubic Area 
* Feet 
* Toes 
* Fingers 
* Hands 
* Nostrils

Another great thing about laser hair removal is that it is for men and women
both. Men are becoming more and more aware of laser hair removal. Let's face it
they do not enjoy shaving or waxing anymore than women do. Why do that when you
can use laser hair removal?

Another benefit of laser hair removal is the fact you will feel so much better
about yourself. You can show off your skin and feel confident and better. How
many times do we wear certain uncomfortable clothes in case not to show our
unwanted hair? With laser hair removal you will no longer have to worry about
that!

You will look great as well as feeling great. Smooth skin is something anyone
can appreciate especially when it is low maintenance if not maintenance free
altogether. With laser hair removal you can achieve this.

Do you know how much money you spend on shaving and waxing products? Think of
the money you will save by using laser hair removal. Everyone can always handle
saving a little bit of money.

Your skin will feel a lot better after laser hair removal. You will not have to
worry about the shaving bumps or irritated skin resulting from waxing. No more
ingrown hairs to bother or worry you. Smoother, sexier skin altogether.

Maybe you have your own reason for using laser hair removal. Whatever the
reason may be you can do it feeling confident. Know that once you have a laser
hair removal treatment you will know what to expect for each session you have.
It will depend on the area as to how many treatments you will need, but isn't
the result worth it?

Contact a laser hair removal treatment center today. Find out all you can about
how to do it and try to find a clinic with free consultations. This way you do
not have to spend any money whatsoever to find out if laser hair removal is
right for you. How could you go wrong?

Safety Issues Regarding Laser Hair Removal

Safety issues regarding laser hair removal relate to both clients and
technicians. These safety issues are very different than those involving other
forms of epilation. There are no concerns of drawing blood, contaminating
probes, or risking infection. However, there are concerns regarding burns and
eye safety. Several organizations have laid down guidelines to ensure the
safety of both the clients and technicians. These organizations include The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The American National Standards
Institute, The Food and Drug Administration, The Center for Devices and
Radiological Health, and The Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal.

All laser hair removal devices in the United States are subject to very strict
mandatory performance standards. They also must meet the federal laser product
performance standard, which includes specifying their safety features, both for
the benefit of the patient and technician.

It is best to purchase new laser hair removal equipment. If used equipment must
be purchased, it should only be bought from a qualified distributor with the
assurance that it has been thoroughly checked and serviced. The equipment
should also be guaranteed..

The room that is used for laser hair removal can be used for other treatments.
However, it must be set up in accordance with the strict guidelines that are
associated with the use of laser equipment. Setting up the room the proper way
is usually done by the equipment distributor or the manufacturer.

The laser hair removal room should have a door that can be locked during
treatment. There should be a warning light outside the door to let others know
that treatment is being done and they should not enter. There should be
protective eyewear, outside of the door for people who may need to enter during
a treatment. They should not be any windows in the room, however if there are
windows they should be blacked out with protective coverings. It is very
important to that the electrical outlet has its own circuit breaker. It also
must be grounded, and have the proper amperage and voltage. The room should not
have any mirrors or reflective surfaces in it.

Laser hair removal equipment should be on a flat surface and have plenty of
ventilation around it. This equipment should only be serviced and calibrated
according to the manufacturer's guidelines for that particular device. It
should be regularly cleaned of any carbon buildup that may occur. When the
laser equipment is not in use the key should be removed.

It is important that the operator of the laser hair removal device be well
trained and qualified. This training should be in all areas including histology
and client care. The technician should not wear any reflective clothing or
jewelry. The technician, along with any other person in the room, is required
to wear ANSI approved protected our eyewear in order to avoid laser blindness.

The client should receive a thorough and detailed consultation, pre and post
care instructions, and a patch test before the laser hair removal treatment
begins. It is also important that the client understands the benefits and risks
of the treatment. During the laser hair removal process the client should wear
ANSI approved protective eyewear and be instructed to keep the eyewear on
throughout the treatment.

How to Choose a Laser Hair Removal Provider

Choosing the right laser hair removal provider is the second most important
decision you will make concerning your treatment. The most important decision
was deciding to have the hair removal treatment. It is best to choose someone,
preferably a doctor, that does laser hair removal on a regular basis. Often the
best doctors to perform the procedure specialize in plastic surgery order
dermatology. They usually have the latest laser devices and are more
knowledgeable on the procedures.

A good way to find a list of practitioners in your area is to do an online
search. This will result in a list of laser hair removal specialists for you to
consider. Some may be doctors that perform the procedure themselves, and others
may be doctors that oversee technicians that do the procedure. While searching
online it is often possible to find reviews from previous clients concerning
specific practitioners and treatments.

After you have narrowed down your list to several choices of laser hair removal
specialists, the next step is to schedule a preliminary consultation. The
purpose of this consultation is for you to further assess your choices and the
quality of each one. Once you arrive at the office you will know right away if
it is the type of setting where you would want to have your laser hair removal
treatment. The office should meet with your specifications of cleanliness and
orderliness. The staff should seem helpful and friendly when you arrive.

When you have your meeting with the practitioner, you should be prepared to ask
several questions. You will want to find out the amount of experience he has had
with laser hair removal. To do this, you may want to ask him the number of laser
hair removal procedures he has completed, how long he has been offering these
services, and where he was trained in this specific technology. It is
acceptable to ask to see his medical certificates and credentials. This way you
will determine his specialty, and whether or not he is board certified. It is
also good to find out if the practitioner owns his own lasers.

If you are happy with how your preliminary consultation has progressed to this
point, you may want to ask the practitioner the details concerning the specific
laser hair removal procedure that you are interested in having done. You should
ask him what kind of pain relief is available during the procedure, as most
people do experience some degree of discomfort. If you have a low pain
tolerance, this is especially important. Ask the practitioner how many
treatments he feels will be necessary for your laser hair removal and determine
whether his treatment schedule fits into your time from. It is also important to
find out the cost of the laser hair removal treatments and the types of payments
that this particular office accepts.

You should repeat the preliminary consultation with as many practitioners that
you feel are necessary until you find one that makes you feel completely
comfortable and fits your price range. Taking the time needed to choose the
right practitioner for you is the first step to having successful laser hair
removal treatments.

Finding a Laser Hair Removal Clinic

You want to take proper precautions when searching for a laser hair removal
clinic. Some may believe if the clinic offers the procedure, they must know
what they are doing. This is not always the case at all.

You want to be sure the practitioner is highly qualified to perform laser hair
removal. Having an unqualified one could result in an improper procedure and an
unhappy client; you.

If you think you have found a great place after only checking out one or two,
look again. You want to have as many options to choose from. You want to do the
extensive research of places like you would for a doctor.

After you do the research, visit the places most appealing to you. Find out if
they give free consultations. Have questions ready when visiting a laser hair
removal clinic. Ask them any and all questions you might have. Remember, no
question is dumb!

Knowing the types of lasers they use is beneficial to you. The more you study
about the lasers the more you will understand how the procedure works. Find out
how long the practitioner has been in practice for laser hair removal. How many
procedures has he done?

You can find a clinic using your local yellow pages or doing a search online.
IF you do not mind traveling to a clinic, you could do an extensive search. You
might find one you prefer the most at a location other than your own town.

When visiting a laser hair removal clinic, remember to take notes on your
surroundings. Do they keep the place in clean condition? Are the people helpful
and friendly? Go with your instincts on the way the place in general makes you
feel. You want a clinic that you are comfortable being in. Also ask to meet the
laser hair removal practitioner if possible.

If not, ask if they offer free consultations. If they do, make an appointment
to meet with the practitioner. Laser hair removal is something to be carefully
considered just like any other similar procedure.

Think of any questions you can before you have your consultation. Write them
down in case your practitioner does not cover them all with you during your
consultation. Find out how much it is going to cost you, how many sessions you
are going to have. Also ask what type of side effects you could experience.

Depending on the patient having laser hair removal done and the area they
choose, the side effects could easily differ. Just knowing what you might
expect will make you feel more comfortable. Ask about the procedure and how it
works. Can you expect to feel much pain?

How many times have they performed laser hair removal? How effective have the
results been? What kind of lasers do they use? No question is too dumb when it
comes to laser hair removal. You want to know all you can before proceeding
with a laser hair removal treatment.

Necessary Care after Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal, although a simple process, does require proper care of the
skin in the area that was treated. Generally there is little recovery time
needed regarding laser hair removal procedures. People can usually return to
normal activities immediately after treatment. However, it is important to take
the time to follow the recommended guidelines for aftercare in order to protect
against any chance of a complication and to reduce any discomfort that may be
experienced.

Following laser hair removal treatment, it is not uncommon for the skin to be
slightly swollen and red in the treated area. Some people describe it as
feeling like a mild sunburn, with slight puffiness and irritation. Placing a
cooling preparation such as a cold compress, cold pack, or aloe vera, on the
affected area will ease the temporary mild burning sensation. Some people
experience this burning sensation for only a few hours, while others may feel
it for a day or two. This is the time it takes for the skin to return
completely to its normal state.

It is important to apply a total sunblock to the area that was treated with
laser hair removal if it is going to be exposed to sunlight. A sunblock with an
SFP of 30 or higher should be applied. Irritation and a burning sensation of the
treated areas can result from even the slightest exposure to the sun. Sunlight
should be avoided for three weeks following laser hair removal. This will
prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring.

Moisturizing creams can also have a beneficial effect on the treated areas and
help to prevent tissue crusting or scabbing. These creams can be bought over
the counter or be prescribed by your practitioner. It usually is not necessary
to use antibacterial cream. In fact, antibacterial creams might cause drying of
the skin in the area that was treated with laser hair removal. Healthy skin is
important for successful laser treatments and moisturizing every day will help
to keep your skin that way.

As long as the skin is not broken, it is safe to apply makeup to the areas of
the skin that have undergone laser hair removal treatments. The makeup used
should be new and applied with clean fingers or a new clean sponge. Make of
also helps to act as an additional sunblock.

Following a laser hair removal treatment, it is best to take warm, quick
showers. It is best to use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh soaps that may dry
the skin. If any area of the body other than the face as has been treated, hot
baths should be avoided for a couple of days. The area of treatment should not
be shaved for four or five days. After that time, it is okay to begin shaving
again. Tweezing, waxing, plucking, and bleaching should not be done at all
during, or in between, laser hair removal treatments.

If any blistering occurs, immediately apply a topical antibiotic cream or
ointment and cover it with a non-adhering dressing. Immediately notify the
laser technician or your physician.

After a few days, you will usually notice the hair that was treated by laser
hair removal begins to shed. This should be expected and is a normal part of
the treatment and recovery.

The Costs of Laser Hair Removal

Are you considering laser hair removal? Are you aware of what it could cost? It
will depend on what area you want treated, the clinic you use and your region.

Are you leaning towards a practice that offers only laser hair removal? Or a
practice that offers laser hair removal along with other things? Surprisingly
this will have an effect on the cost you spend for laser hair removal.

You will also play a factor in the cost of laser hair removal. Do you qualify
for laser hair removal? Depending on your skin color, you might not qualify.

The clinic you use will play a factor in the cost of your laser hair removal as
well. The clinic might base their fees on how long the procedure takes or the
number of laser pulses used. Some clinics might have packages on the area you
want treated. Packages may or may not be for you.

Other clinics might base their cost of laser hair removal on the following:

*  Area being treated 
*  Size of the area 
*  How many sessions your treatment requires 
*  How much hair is being treated

The average number of sessions for each patient is three to five. Keep this in
mind when getting a consultation.

You want to find a highly recommended laser hair removal clinic. They might be
a bit pricier but you will get better and more effective results. The more
experienced laser hair removal clinics can average around five hundred dollars
for each treatment. The average of four treatments is usually recommended by
practitioners.

Large areas considered for laser hair removal, like your entire legs or back
can range higher than five hundred dollars a session. Small areas like your
chin might cost less. You can only know by contacting the laser hair removal
clinic of your choice.

Maybe you know someone that has had laser hair removal done. You could ask them
if they can recommend the clinic they used to you. If they do not recommend this
place ask them why not and go by what they say in your search.

When you visit a laser hair removal clinic ask to meet with the practitioner if
possible. If they are busy see if they offer a free consultation. If so, make an
appointment to go in and have a chat with the practitioner. Find out all you can
about the facility itself as well as the practitioner that would be operating
the treatment.

You want them to be highly qualified otherwise you could end up with results
that are unsatisfying. An unqualified practitioner could even damage your skin
by using the wrong laser or technique during your laser hair removal treatment.

When it comes to your skin you can never be too careful and you cannot trust
just anybody like you would want to do. Ask any and all questions and make sure
you are comfortable. You want to go somewhere that doesn't give you bad gut
feelings or anything. This will result in a better session.

Contraindications of Laser Hair Removal

There are people that should not have laser hair removal because of one or more
specific reasons. These reasons are called contraindications, which mean, that
it is inadvisable to have the treatment or procedure. The treatment could be
dangerous or cause permanent side effects. Other contraindications require
special treatment or medication before laser hair removal can be started.

Women that are pregnant should not have laser hair removal. Although there is
not significant information regarding laser usage and pregnancy, many
physicians and health care providers recommend avoiding laser treatments
because of the unknown effects on the on the unborn child.

Anyone that has herpes simplex virus I or II should tell the doctor that is
preforming the laser hair removal before treatments have begun. It is necessary
to take a prescription antiviral medication for several days both before and
after the treatment. If the hair removal is in the area of previous outbreaks,
it is possible that the heat from the laser will cause a flare up of the herpes
virus. If a herpes outbreak is active, either on the face or genital area, it is
important to reschedule the laser hair removal treatment.

An appointment should also be rescheduled if there is any cut, broken,
irritated or inflamed skin in the area that is to be treated. Rescheduling is
also necessary if there is an active infection anywhere within the body.

Anyone that has the condition of albinism, which is the absence of any color
pigment in the hair or skin, should not have laser hair removal. Laser light is
drawn to dark pigmentation so it will not work on anyone with this condition.
The same holds true for people with very light blonde, red, grey, or white hair.

People that are sunburned or have recently tanned should postpone their
treatment until their skin has returned to its normal color which could take
several weeks. It is important that skin is its natural color when laser hair
removal takes place.

Certain oral and topical medications can cause photosensitivity or
photoallergic reactions if used before laser hair removal treatments take
place. Accutane should be discontinued three months before treatment begins.
Tetracycline and Retin A should be discontinued six weeks before the laser hair
removal process.

Anyone that suffers from certain medical conditions, such as lupus, diabetes,
or epilepsy, should not have laser hair removal. Any nervous disorders which
are present, need to be evaluated before laser treatment begins. If hirsutism
is present, the cause should be diagnosed and treated before any laser
treatment is started.

If there is a mole in the area to be treated, many people decide to have it
removed before treatment. Because of the dark pigmentation of the mole, it may
attract to much heat from the laser and cause burning. The same holds true for
certain birthmarks and beauty marks.

If there is a history of keloid scarring, it is important to know that there is
a higher danger of scarring from the treatments.

The importance of knowing the contraindications of laser hair removal can
protect you from a dangerous experience.

Laser Hair Removal Devices

There are several different types of laser hair removal devices available
today. These are alexandrite lasers, diode lasers, ruby lasers, and NeoDymium
Yttrium Aluminum Garnets, which is commonly referred to as Nd:YAGs.

Alexandrite lasers became available for use in laser hair removal in 1997 when
they were cleared by the FDA. Alexandrite lasers produce light beams in the red
spectrum of visible light. Their wavelength is 755 nanometers which is very
effective but only safe on light skin. Generally, alexandrite lasers are
considered long pulsed and because of this produce greater depth penetration.
Five different types of the alexandrite laser are available. These include the
Apogee, GentleLase, Epicare, Epitouch Alex, and Ultrawave II-III.

The FDA also cleared diode lasers for use in 1997 as an effective method of
permanent hair reduction. Diode lasers produce a wavelength of 800 nanometers
with pulse widths of 5-400 milliseconds. This type of laser has proved
successful in the treatment of ingrown eyelashes and works very well on dark
hair. The Light SheerXC is a diode laser that is extremely powerful. Other
diode lasers include EpiStar, Apex-800, Iridex, and Mediostar.

Ruby lasers were also cleared by the FDA for laser hair removal in 1997,
however, they did not prove as effective. Clinical research showed that the
laser damage did not extend far enough down into the hair shafts to result in
permanent laser hair removal. Originally there were five types of ruby lasers,
of which only two are still available for commercial use. A Ruby lasers operate
on a shorter wavelength system of only 694 nanometers.

NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets have a longer wavelength which makes them
more effective for longer term, and according to some people, even permanent
laser hair removal. There are two types of Nd:YAGs lasers. These are the Q
switched and the long pulse. All Nd:YAGs produce a wavelength of 1064
nanometers. The Q, switched NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets has a very short
pulse of about one nanosecond. Long pulse NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets
have a pulse of about a millisecond and can be used on all skin types.

The pulse duration, or pulse width, of lasers used for hair removal is the
timing of the light energy. It is usually measured in milliseconds. Most lasers
used for hair removal have a maximum pulse duration in the 20 to 40 millisecond
range. Longer pulse widths are generally considered more effective and produce
fewer side effects.

Each type of laser produces a specific spot size which is measured in
millimeters. The spot size is the size, or width, of the beam of light at the
laser sends out. A spot size of seven to 10 mm is considered acceptable for
laser hair removal.

Most lasers have three main parts, an energy source, and active medium, and an
optical cavity, also known as a resonator. The energy source is a device that
supplies energy to the active medium. Laser hair removal devices use
electricity as their energy source. The element of the active medium contains
atoms that can both absorb and store the energy. The optical cavity is the part
of the laser that contains the active medium. Lasers are defined by the elements
they use.

A Typical Laser Hair Removal Treatment

When the day arrives for you to have your first laser hair removal treatment,
it is normal to feel nervous and possibly a bit anxious. This is because it is
something you have never done before and you are not sure what to expect. Try
to relax and think of this visit as any other doctor visit.

If there is a wait once you arrive at the office, try to keep your mind busy so
you will not worry about the upcoming procedure. Perhaps a friend could
accompany you to your appointment, or, if you are alone, read a book or
magazine. Having your payment ready will also help you to relax as it will be
one less thing you need to worry about.

When it is your turn to enter the treatment room, you will be instructed to
remove all necessary clothing and a gown will be provided. If photographs of
the area to be treated with laser hair removal were not taken during the
consultation, the nurse or assistant will take them now.

The area to be treated will be washed to cleanse it of any lotions, cosmetics,
perfumes or deodorants. It will then be prepped with alcohol. Depending on the
procedure, the area may, or may not, be shaved. Your skin may be cooled before
treatment to help reduce any side effects from occurring. You, and everyone
else in the room, will be given safety goggles to wear during the procedure.

The doctor, or technician, who is doing the laser hair removal procedure will
preform a patch test. This will give him a chance to gauge your tolerance of
the treatment and also select the correct fluence levels. It will also give you
the opportunity to experience how the laser feels and hopefully relieve some of
your anxiety. A single pulse will be sent to the test area, which will be near
the area to be treated. It will be examined for any sings of damage to the skin
such as blistering or separation.

When the doctor is ready to start the procedure, he will aim the laser at the
hair follicles of the area to be treated. Because the hair follicles have a
dark pigmentation, they will absorb the energy from the laser's light. The time
that is needed for the procedure will depend on the amount of hair to be
removed, the spot size of the beam, and the scanning pattern of the hand piece
that the doctor is using. Laser hair removal treatments can take anywhere from
10 to 60 minutes, depending upon the area treated.

Many people say that the laser feels like a rubber band being snapped on your
skin. Others describe it as more intense than that. If you are feeling
discomfort or pain, you will be given a topical anesthesia or cooling remedies.

Once the laser hair removal treatment is completed, you will be ready to get
dressed and discuss post treatment care. You may experience some temporary side
effects such as redness and swelling, which usually disappear within a day or
two.

Once you have experienced your first laser hair removal treatment you will be
much more relaxed if you require additional treatments.

Laser Hair Removal and Female Hirsutism

Laser hair removal can be a successful treatment option for women who suffer
from hirsutism. Female hirsutism affects between 5 and 10% of all women. The
percentage rate is higher for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, also known
as PC OS. Women of Asian or African ancestry are affected less often than those
of European descent. This condition can cause extreme emotional suffering for
many women.

Female hirsutism is loosely described as increased and excessive hair growth.
That growth takes place in areas of the body where there is usually very
little, if any, normal hair growth. The hair generally grows in an adult, male,
sexual, hair growth pattern. For example, a woman with hirsutism may grow a
beard, mustache, chest, or back hair. Many women do have hair in these areas
but it is usually pale in color, fine and almost invisible. In a case of a
woman with hirsutism, the hair is thick, course and may be colored.

Before seeking laser hair removal treatment for hirsutism, it is essential to
see your primary care physician first. The cause of the illness must be
determined, as it may be the result of a different hormonal, or medical,
problem, which has to be treated medically. Bodily hair growth is determined by
genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Often, but not always, hirsutism is caused by
the androgenic hormone levels being extremely high.

Significant hair growth may be noticed on the chin, upper lip, or sideburn area
of a woman with mild hirsutism. It could also grow on the lower abdomen and
around the nipples and will be the same color as the hair that grows on the
woman's head. For women who suffer from more advanced cases of hirsutism, the
excessive hair growth will also be on the upper abdomen, sternum, shoulders,
and upper back. In many cases, hirsutism begins with puberty.

The amount of hair on a woman's body differs from person to person. What may
seem normal to one woman may seem excessive to another. For example, a woman
from Sweden with light hair and skin may perceive a dark haired woman from
Italy as having a lot of hair.

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way for women with hirsutism to rid
themselves of excessive unwanted hair. For facial hair it is a much better
method of hair removal then waxing or shaving the skin. One treatment is
usually all that is needed for facial hair removal and it is less painful, with
much longer lasting results. However, more then one treatment may be needed for
removal of excessive unwanted hair on other parts of the body.

In today's world, physical appearance is extremely important to many people and
how they relate to each another. It can be very stressful and embarrassing for a
woman to have an excessive amount of hair growing where it should not grow.
Laser hair removal is a safe alternative to other methods of hair removal and a
successful treatment option for women suffering from hirsutism.

How Laser Hair Removal Works on Different Skin Types and Hair Color

The effectiveness of laser hair removal is dependent upon several factors
including skin type and hair color. Lesser factors include the condition of the
skin, sun exposure, and the cycle of the hair.

There are four basic skin types -- Caucasian European, African descent, Eastern
Asian, and Middle Eastern / Mediterranean. Each of these four skin types have
several things in common, such as the thickness of the dermis and epidermis,
the number of hair follicles, and the skin's layered components. However, there
are many characteristics of each skin type that are very different.

Caucasian Europeans have the most varied skin type of all the groups. This
group has light skin with great variation in skin color amongst the people
which is determined by heredity. The people from this group are the best
candidates for laser hair removal. Generally, they will need fewer treatments
and attain the best results. Overall, the effectiveness of laser hair removal
on individuals from this group is dependent upon a combination of their hair
and skin color.

Individuals of African descent, with dark brown skin or poor candidates for
laser hair removal. This is because the laser light is absorbed into the skin
pigment, causing possible burns, scars, and keloids. The dark skin causes the
laser beam to b drawn away from its target area.

People in Eastern Asian descent, which includes China, Japan and Korea,
generally have the least amount of facial and body hair. They are usually good
candidates for laser hair removal because their hair is dark, and they have
minimal skin pigmentation.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean people tend to have the most facial and body
hair. Their skin color can very from dark white to medium brown. Those people
with lighter skin generally make better candidates for laser hair removal. Skin
bleaching agents, such as 4% hydroquinone, are sometimes used by people in this
group to lighten the skin as much as possible. This is done to make the laser
treatment as effective as possible and reduce the risk of burning the skin.
This ethnic group has an increased risk of hyperpigmentation.

Hair color combines with skin type to further determine the effects of laser
hair removal. Black or dark brown hair is usually coarser and contains the most
pigmentation. These factors make it the easiest to treat because the laser light
is most easily absorbed by the dark pigmentation. Lighter brown hair usually
requires more treatments than darker hair. The lighter the hair color, the more
difficult laser hair removal becomes. Red and light blonde hair contain
phemelianin pigment which makes light absorption very difficult. Grey or white
hair does not contain any pigmentation at all, therefor, they cannot absorb
light. The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype Scale and the Lancer Ethnicity Scale are
used by professional technicians to determine the effectiveness of laser hair
removal based on skin type and hair color.

The best combination of skin type and hair color for laser hair removal is
light skin with dark hair. These people will have the best results with the
least treatments.

Areas That Can Be Treated with Laser Hair Removal

Just about any area of the body that is covered by hair, either facial or body,
can be treated with laser hair removal. These areas include the face, chin,
upper lip, neck, arms, underarms, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, legs, pubic
area, and buttocks. Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for both men
and women.

Facial hair in women is one of the most common areas treated by laser hair
removal. The two areas that are treated most often are the upper lip and chin.
This is because most women find facial hair to be very troublesome and
unsightly. Women who choose laser hair removal for facial hair like the ease
and speed of treatment, as well as, and the long-lasting results. Hair removal
in these areas usually takes anywhere from one to 10 minutes.

In women facial hair tends to grow thicker as the woman grows older. The entire
face is covered with tiny hairs called vellus hairs, which are almost invisible.
As the skin ages, more thicker terminal hairs grow on the woman's face. This is
actually the same thing that happens to men's ears. Laser treatment for this
type of hair usually takes between ten and fifteen minutes.

Many women also choose laser hair removal for eyebrow shaping. This treatment
is an excellent way to remove stray and unwanted hairs, especially between the
eyebrows. Eyebrow treatment usually takes about fifteen minutes and can result
in a slight irritation of the skin around the delicate brow. This irritation
generally disappears within a few days and is very similar to a mild sunburn.

Often men with very hairy backs choose to have laser hair removal treatments.
Many are self-conscious of their back hair when going to the gym or beach. A
full back treatment can take anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour depending
upon the extensiveness of the hair in that area.

Many women choose laser hair removal treatments for the pubic, or bikini area.
They are often concerned with shaving bumps, a rash, or a stray pubic hair
showing when they wear their bathing suits. It generally takes from four to
thirty minutes to complete laser hair removal in this area. The amount of hair
that is removed depends on the client's wishes. Some people choose a full
Brazilian bikini procedure, which is the removal of all hair in the pubic area.

Laser hair removal from the underarm area generally takes about 30 minutes and
usually results in permanent hair removal.

Some women spend as much an hour a week removing their leg hair by shaving.
This method is not only time-consuming, but often results in nicked, bleeding
legs. Most often razor stubble can be seen within a few days as the hair
regrows. Laser hair removal for legs can consist of the entire leg, half of the
leg. It usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes for both legs to receive a full
leg treatment.

Laser hair removal treatments are safe and effective ways for removing unwanted
hair on any part of your body. Although several treatments may be needed, most
people that choose this method are very happy with the results.

Basic Laser Hair Removal Terminology

It is important to understand the basic terminology used in laser hair removal
techniques. This gives you a better understanding of what the procedure
entails. It also helps to put many people at ease to completely understand the
words used in the treatment.

Absorption is the uptake of one substance into another.

Active medium is the part of the laser that absorbs and stores energy.

American bikini wax, is a standard bikini wax in which hair is removed from
either side of the panty line at the top of the thigh.

Anagen is the growth phase in the hair cycle in which a new hair is synthesized.

Brazilian bikini wax, is a bikini wax in which all of the hair is removed in
the pubic region, including the hair on the buttocks and labia.

Catagen is a transitional stage of a hair's growth cycle, occurring between the
growth and resting stages.

Chromophore is a group of atoms in a molecule that produces color through
selective light absorption.

Coherent light are light waves that travel in parallel, and in the same
direction.

Dermal scattering is the change that occurs between the laser's spot size at
the surface of the skin and the spot size deeper in the tissue.

Dermis is the underlying or inner layer of the skin.

Electrons are stable, negatively charged elementary particles that orbit the
nucleus of an atom.

Energy source is the device in the laser that supplies energy to the active
medium.

Epidermis is the thin outermost layer of the skin.

Excited states is the conditions of a physical system in which the energy level
is higher than the lowest possible level.

Fissure is a crack or cut in the skin.

French bikini wax, is a bikini wax in which all of the hair is removed from the
pubic region except for a stripe of hair on the pubis.

Hair follicle bulb is the bulbous base of the hair follicle that houses the
dermal papilla. Keloids scars are raised areas of fibrous tissue.

Melanin are grains of pigment that give hair and skin its color.

Monochromatic light is of one wavelength, and therefore appears as one color.

Nanometers are each one billionth of a meter.

Optical cavity is a part of the laser that contains the active medium.

Polychromatic light consists of light of multiple wavelengths, appearing as
different colors.

Pulse duration is the duration of an individual pulse of laser light, which is
usually measured in milli-seconds.

Selective photothermolysis is the selective targeting of an area using a
specific wavelength to absorb light into that target area sufficient to damage
the tissue of the target while allowing the surrounding area to remain
relatively untouched.

Spontaneous emission is the process or an excited atom, after holding extra
energy for a fraction of a second, releases its energy as another photon then
falls back to its grounded state.

Spot size is the width of a laser beam.

Terminal hair is hair found on the scalp arms legs Alexa lay in pubic areas.

Vellus hair is generally fine, non-pigmented hair found on the face that is
often called peach fuzz.

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave.

The Cons of Laser Hair Removal

While the idea of laser hair removal may sound rather spectacular, you really
can't assume it will be. Yes, it will remove a high percentage of hair but
there are things it might do that are not so great.

Laser hair removal is not guaranteed by any means. You will not go into a
clinic being guaranteed anything. Some patients will require more sessions than
others. This may not sound too bad to some. If money is not an issue you will
have less to worry about concerning laser hair removal. Even if money actually
is an issue, it will all depend on how bad you really want it done.

Laser hair removal is in fact not for everyone. If you have light skin and dark
hair you are a great candidate for laser hair removal. Blonde and red hair is
very difficult to treat. It is better for the hair to be darker than the skin.
Dark skin is at a risk of being damaged with laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is safe but not by any means painless. Since the laser uses
heat to destroy the hair, you can bet you will feel some sort of pain. The heat
can reach a pretty high temperature. If you are concerned with this, talk with
your practitioner.

The definition of the pain will vary from each individual. One patient might
say they felt a sting and another might say it was more of a snap. For some it
might be a slight pain and for others a major pain. You will feel something
either way. Some clinics offer numbing cream if you choose to use it.

Laser hair removal is not known to permanently remove the hair. It simply
reduces the hair growth. The hair will grow back at some point, sooner or
later. It will be lighter and slower when it does re-grow.

There is a chance that after laser hair removal you could experience redness
and small bumps. It really will depend on your skin type. You have to avoid
direct sunlight for up to two weeks after laser hair removal. It is recommended
you do nothing causing you to sweat because that could irritate your skin. Do
not pluck or wax after laser hair removal either. This may be the toughest for
some people.

You might have a skin pigmentation discoloration after laser hair removal. This
could mean it will be lighter or darker. This isn't as common an experience but
still a possibility. Consult your physician if this happens.

Here are more side effects that are not too common but possible:

*  Blistering 
*  Peeling 
*  Pussing 
*  Scarring 
*  Stinging 
*  Inflammation 
*  Infected hair follicles

If you experience any of these side effects after laser hair removal you should
consult your physician immediately.

You will also experience shedding after laser hair removal. Yes, shedding. The
laser damaged the root of the follicle, not the actual hair. Therefore, the
hair follicles will be falling out. This could last anywhere from two to three
weeks.

The cost of laser hair removal can be pricey. It will depend on what you are
having treated and how many sessions it will require. If you are worried about
the cost, consult your practitioner performing the treatment. He might be able
to give you some insight. Talk with them and ask any questions you might have.

Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is considered a medical treatment, and just like all other
medical treatments, it carries the risk of possible side effects. The chance of
developing one or more of the existing side effects partially depend on your
skin characteristics. The side effects of laser hair removal can be temporary
or permanent.

The possibility of developing a temporary side effect is much higher than
developing a permanent one after laser hair removal. A temporary side effect
can last anywhere from a day to several months before it goes away completely.
The temporary side effects that can be experienced after laser hair removals
include pain, blistering, swelling, redness, irritation, and hyperpigmentation.

Some people describe the discomfort they feel during and after their laser hair
removal treatment as a feeling of pain. This feeling exists, both during the
procedure, and after it is finished. During the treatment process, the feeling
of discomfort can be lessened by the use of a local anesthetic. For the days
following the procedure, the pain can be alleviated through the use of
over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

Swelling typically occurs at, or near, the area that was treated for hair
removal. Topical treatments, such as creams or ointments, generally relieve the
swelling. This side effect may or may not be particularly bothersome, depending
upon the area that was treated with laser hair removal.

If redness develops as a side effect of laser hair removal, it can be treated
with a topical cream or ointment. This side effect usually resembles a mild
sunburn.

Blistering can be a very painful, embarrassing, and noticeable side effect of
laser treatment. Some people do not feel comfortable being seen if they have
blisters. If you are one of these people, it is best to schedule your laser
hair removal treatments at a time when it will minimize your exposure to other
people.

A temporary darkening of the skin of the treated area is called
hyperpigmentation. Generally, this temporary side affect of laser hair removal
will disappear on its own. Often, the area affected by hyperpigmentation can be
covered with makeup.

In addition to the temporary side effects, there is also the possibility of
permanent or long-term skin damage. If you've made the decision to have laser
hair removal, you must be prepared to accept these risks. Permanent side
effects include skin discoloration, scarring, and burns.

If skin discoloration does occur, it is generally a permanent lightning of the
skin in the area that was treated. The wavelengths of the laser beam are made
to attack the dark pigmentation in the hair follicle. Sometimes dark colored
skin can also be affected. This side effect can be emotionally damaging,
although it is not painful.

Scarring, mostly occurs by experiencing accidental over treatment or by being
treated by someone with minimal training. It is very important to make sure
that your laser hair removal treatments are being done by a qualified,
experienced professional technician.

Burns are a very rare occurrence, and they usually are caused by an
inexperienced, less qualified technician.

The risks and side effects associated with laser hair removal can be minimized
by making sure that the treatments are done by a qualified professional. It is
also important to tell your practitioner of any hormonal or family conditions
that may affect your treatment. Tanning and unprotected exposure to the sun
should be avoided for several weeks before treatment.

Common Questions about Laser Hair Removal

Are you looking into laser hair removal? Are you unsure of just what all is
involved? If so, you found the right article. This article will answer some of
the common questions involving laser hair removal.

What Is Laser Hair Removal? Laser hair removal is the process of using a laser
to help reduce hair growth.

How Does It Work? The laser produces a high amount of heat and when directed at
the hair, finds the hair follicle and damages the root. This helps prevent the
hair growing back.

Who Qualifies for Laser Hair Removal? Unfortunately laser hair removal is not
for everyone. It is better for people with dark hair and light skin. If your
skin is darker you will want to discuss laser hair removal with your
practitioner. Laser hair removal will not work on blonde, red, white or grey
hair. People that tan will have to let their tan fade before doing laser hair
removal.

Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent? Laser hair removal will only reduce the hair
growth. Each patient will have a different laser hair removal experience.

What Is The Cost of Laser Hair Removal? The cost of laser hair removal will
vary depending on the clinic, your area and region. Contact a laser hair
remover facility of your choice to find out more.

Are There Any Side Effects to Laser Hair Removal? Unfortunately yes. Just like
any other technique such as laser hair removal. A person could experience many
different things such as:

*  Temporary Rash 
*  Skin Discoloration 
*  Blistering 
*  Scarring 
*  Crusting 
*  Scabbing 
*  Skin texture change

What Parts of the Body Can Be Used for Laser Hair Removal? There are actually
quite a few areas you can do. Here are some of the many choices:

Face, Neck, Chin, Toes, Feet, Upper Lip, Bikini Line, Fingers, Between the
Brow, Arms, Legs, Chest, Stomach, Ears, Hairline

What Kind of Results Can You Expect With Laser Hair Removal? You can expect to
see around fifty to eighty percent of hair reduction growth. It will depend on
each individual having the treatment done. Some might experience better results
than other with laser hair removal.

Before and After Laser Hair Removal Before you can do this procedure there are
things you should know. If you are tanning you must let your tan fade first
before using laser hair removal. You also do not want to pluck, wax, sugar or
tweeze before your treatment. This will leave no hair left to be treated!

Do not moisturize before your treatment. This means you cannot use any body
lotions, moisturizers, perfumes or sunscreen. After your laser hair removal
treatment you do not want to mess with your treated skin. Do not pick at it,
etc. You also do not want to interfere with the treatments effectiveness by
plucking or waxing. Try to avoid any direct sun exposure to your skin.

When your treatments are complete use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds. Try not
to do anything that will cause you to sweat. This could cause irritation to the
treated skin. Talk with your practitioner after your treatment to discuss any
further details or instructions.

What Areas Can You Use Laser Hair Removal On?

Laser hair removal can be used on many areas of the body. Some will be assumed
and some might actually surprise you. Below you will find out about the areas
that can be treated.

Face Hair Women with facial hair can be embarrassed easily. Tweezing, bleaching
and plucking have all been done but only to repeat the process over and over. If
you have unwanted facial hair you should consider laser hair removal. It will
cost less being a smaller area you want treated and you will no longer have to
fret over the hair. Men are supposed to have facial hair but that doesn't
necessarily mean they want it! Men get tired of shaving just like we do our
legs. Some men grow more hair than others and have to shave daily. This can
become a nuisance to some. If you are tired of shaving your face everyday
consider laser hair removal.

Back Hair Back hair can be common for both men and women. More men have a
problem with back hair and should look into laser hair removal. Are you tired
of shaving or waxing your back all the time? With laser hair removal you can
cut out shaving and waxing altogether. Laser hair removal for back hair is very
beneficial to athletes.

Leg Hair Are you tired of constantly shaving your legs? Many women are! With
laser hair removal you can have the clean shaven look everyday without ever
picking up a razor! Just imagine how much time you will save in the shower, tub
or just getting ready for a night out. You won't have to worry about those razor
bumps or any irritation the razor can cause. This procedure could take a little
longer than other areas since it is a larger area. Just think about the
benefits of using laser hair removal, the amount of time it will takes will not
matter!

Chest Hair Chest hair can be a bothersome to some men even some women. Many men
will wax their chest hair because it is too thick or bothersome. Laser hair
removal is the perfect solution if you want to reduce your chest hair growth.
It will give you a sleeker clean cut look. Laser hair removal used for chest
hair is also beneficial to athletes.

Bikini Line Are you tired of constantly shaving or waxing your bikini line?
This can be very frustrating for some women, especially models who have to keep
it looking spotless from hair. Not to mention the unwanted extra hairs that can
grow along with the normal ones. Laser hair removal is perfect for reducing the
time the bikini line hair grows, leaving less hair to treat if any! Great for
anyone spending lots of time in a swimsuit or that just wants to keep this area
neat.

A few areas you may not have known could be treated with laser hair removal:

* Fingers 
* Toes 
* Pubic Area 
* Breasts 
* Feet 
* Hands 
* Ears

Depending on what are you want to have treated with laser hair removal, consult
your practitioner. They will be able to advise you on what would be best for the
area you want treated.

The Types of Lasers Used for Laser Hair Removal

You may not have known but there are four different types of lasers used for
hair removal. Some clinics offer non laser hair removal. Remember to check out
your options before making a decision.

Ruby Laser: This laser used for hair removal has a very powerful pulse. It is
also known as being the recommended laser for people with lighter skin. If set
on a lower setting it can be used on darker skin. This is one of the oldest
lasers used for hair removal. The fact that this laser can only treat smaller
areas has made it less requested.

Alexandrite Laser: This laser used for hair removal is versatile. The range can
be customized as well as the size of the area. It will depend on the coarseness
of the hair being removed. This hair removal laser is very effective and fast.
Even more so with larger areas of hair on the body. This laser is the fastest
one used for hair removal. You can request this laser or use it with confidence
that it will give you great results.

The ND Yag Laser: This laser used to remove hair is known to be one of the
greatest lasers. It treats darker or tanned skin and coarser hair the best.
This laser has a long pulse unlike the ruby laser that has a very fast pulse.
The downside to the long pulse is you might feel more discomfort during your
session.

The Diode Laser: This laser used for hair removal is versatile also. It has a
design that is wavelike and treats a range of different skin types. This laser
is used more for people with darker skin. It gives better results on darker
skin rather than lighter skin. This laser will cover the larger areas of the
body and has a faster treatment time.

These hair removal lasers have their own certain areas they treat best. This
should be of less concern to you and more to your practitioner. Find a
practitioner you can trust to choose the best option for your specific need.

Some clinics will offer a non-laser hair removal procedure. If this interests
you as well, discuss this with your practitioner. You want to be sure you know
your options before having a laser hair removal procedure. What if it really
isn't for you and you do not take the time to realize that?

How many people have a procedure done only to later turn around and say they
wish they wouldn't have? Not very many, but you do not want to be one of the
few. Everyone should get all the information that they can on a procedure such
as laser hair removal.

Knowing what kind of lasers they use and their benefits will help make you at
ease during your treatment. Knowing about the equipment and process of a
procedure can be very calming to some patients.

You will have a better idea of what to expect during your laser hair removal
process as well. Is it going to hurt? It might actually depend on the laser
used. You will not know until you talk with your practitioner. Make sure they
are highly qualified as well. This will also help with achieving the best laser
hair removal results.

How Lasers Work in Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works by the process of selective targeting of a specific
area of the body and using a specific wavelength to absorb light into that
area. It does not work on a hair by hair basis, instead it focuses a wide beam
of light that treats many hairs at one time. The wavelength of light absorbed
has to be sufficient enough to damage the targeted tissue area while leaving
the surrounding area basically untouched. The principle behind this process is
called selective photothermolysis.

Lasers are intense beams of monochromatic and coherent light. These light beams
are produced by laser devices that contain either minerals or gases. The four
main types of lasers are solid state, semiconductor, gas and dye.

An electric current stimulates the gas or mineral properties which excites the
atoms. The atoms then emit narrow, cohesive, parallel light beams which are all
the same wavelength. The light beams are focused just for a fraction of a second
on the dark hair pigment at the matrix of the dermal papilla, which is the
small, cone shaped indentation at the base of the hair follicle that the hair
bulb fits into. The light beam is absorbed and heats the pigment which
vaporizes the dermal papilla. The more intense the light beam the hotter it
makes the pigment. This results in the dermal papilla being severely damaged or
destroyed.

Most people believe that laser hair removal works best on hair that is in its
anagen phase. This means that the hair is actively growing and is attached to
the dermal papilla. The theory behind this belief is that if the dark pigment
in the hair shaft extends all the way down to the dermal papilla, it will be
destroyed and vaporized by the coherent light beam that is focused upon the
area. This happens because the light beam will follow the dark pigment all the
way down to the derma papilla.

Visible light has wavelengths that range from 390 to 770 nm, or nanometers.
Lasers operating in this range allows for successful laser hair removal without
causing any damage to the dermal tissue. Lasers with a light source that
operates between 700 to 1000 nm targets melanin in the hair shaft effectively.
For example, the wavelength of an alexandrite laser is 755 nm, which is red in
the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, making its target melanin.
The stronger, or greater, the wavelength, the deeper it penetrates target
selectively absorbing the wavelength.

Laser hair removal uses several varying wavelengths of laser energy. These
wavelengths range from near infrared radiation to visible light. The three most
commonly used lasers for hair removal are Alexandrite, Pulsed diode array, and
NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets, Also know as Nd:YAGs. The wavelengths of
these lasers are 755nm, 810nm, and 1064nm respectively.

Laser hair removal utilizes a complex system of science and physics which are
precisely balanced to work effectively and safely on the human body. As
technology continues to advance in laser hair removal, this process continues
to grow in popularity.

The History of Laser Hair Removal

The lasers used for laser hair removal developed from a theory instituted by
the Nobel prize-winning physicists Albert Einstein and Max Planck. This theory,
first introduced in the 1920s, defined stimulated emission, or laser. The word
laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of
radiation. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that the first true laser was
built and patented by Gordon Gould, an American physicist.

Laser hair removal devices of the 1960s sent out a continuous wavelength which
caused damage to the surrounding skin tissue. In the late 1960s, Dr. Leon
Goldman was the first to begin testing a ruby laser for hair removal. It was
also in this time frame that the Q switch with developed for use with a laser.
With the development of the Q switch it was possible to control the energy of
the laser beam to be sent to out in controlled pulses. The Q switch worked much
in the same way as a camera shutter.

Early devices for laser hair removal proved to be ineffective. In order to
remove the hair follicle, there was severe damage to the surrounding skin area.
The ruby laser, as well as the argon laser, are no longer used for laser hair
removal.

Throughout the next several decades, researchers and physicists continued to
experiment and test lasers for successful hair removal. It wasn't until the
1980s that the first laser was introduced as a safe and effective method of
hair removal. This discovery actually happened by chance when scientists noted
that birthmarks treated with certain types of lasers caused the hair in that
area to disappear and not grow back.

The FDA cleared the first laser for hair removal in 1995 . This laser, called
the Soft Light, was a NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets laser and was
manufactured by Thermolaise. This laser was used with a chromophore of
carbon-based lotion. After the skin was waxed, the carbon-based lotion would be
rubbed onto the skin and enter the hair follicle. The beam of light produced by
the laser would heat the carbon quickly and destroy the hair follicle. However,
this type of laser treatment could easily damage nearby skin cells. Eventually,
this type of laser hair removal proved to be less effective than targeting the
natural pigmentation that existed in the skin.

In 1997, several types of laser hair removal devices were cleared by the F DA.
One of these was the ruby laser, which used a shorter wavelength system.
However, clinical research eventually showed that the laser did not produce
damage far enough down the hair shaft to result in permanent hair loss.
Researchers also found that if the ruby laser was used on people with dark
or tan skin there was a high risk of hyperpigmentation. Other types of laser
hair removal devices today include alexandrite, diode, and NeoDymium Yttrium
Aluminum Garnets lasers.

Research and development in the area of laser hair removal are still in the
early stages. However, continuing research, testing and development in this
area continues to produce safer and more effective equipment.

The Cost of Laser Hair Removal

The cost of laser hair removal depends on several factors including the area to
be treated, the amount of hair growth on the area, the number of treatments
needed, the type of laser used, the individual physician or practitioner, and
your geographic location. Laser hair removal can be quite expensive, but many
people feel that the results are well worth the expense. This is because
results of the treatment have a long-lasting effect. It also produces a reduced
hair growth.

Because every individual is different and is going to require laser hair
removal treatments specifically geared to their unique hair patterns, the price
ranges included in this article are average costs. If you are considering laser
hair removal, it is important to set up an appointment with your physician to
discuss all of the aspects of the procedure, including the costs.

Because laser hair removal is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, it is
not covered by insurance. Each laser treatment is separate and usually incurs a
separate charge, unless a specified treatment package has been purchased.

Generally the most expensive areas to treat with laser hair removal is the
complete face and neck, back, and legs. The average cost of one treatment for
complete face and neck or back hair removal ranges from $600 and $900. Laser
hair removal for upper and lower legs each cost from $600 to $850 for each
treatment.

Laser hair removal for chest hair costs between $350 and $600 per treatment.
This is also the approximate price range for each treatment of the arms.
Treatments for the bikini area can range from $350 to $550. The cost of
underarm hair removal generally is between $250 and $350 per treatment.
Treatments for smaller areas, such as the chin or upper lip, cost between $100
and $175 per treatment.

The national average for the cost of a laser hair removal treatment is $429.
Each region of the country has a different average cost per treatment. In the
Eastern part of the United States, the cost per session is $425, compared to
the Midwest, where it is $450. In the Western region of the country, the
average cost per treatment is $420, slightly above that of the South, which is
$400.

Fees vary even within each individual region. One of the factors that causes
this to occur is the location of the physician's, or practitioner's office. The
fees that are charged for an office in an urban area are going to be different
from those charged for offices located in rural or suburban areas. Another
determining factor for the variance in fees within the same region is whether
or not the doctor owns or rents the laser equipment.

Another determining factor is the choice of place to have the laser hair
removal treatments. A luxury spa will obviously charge a higher fee then a
clinic. A doctor who does the procedure himself may charge more then a laser
practitioner, or a physician that oversees the laser hair removal treatments
provided by a qualified technician.

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