Laser hair removal is becoming a popular, permanent solution to repeated body waxing, sugaring or Brazilian bikini wax. This procedure removes hair permanently over several sessions with the laser.

Are You a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

oFor best results, your hair should be darker than your skin. Fair skinned people with dark hair are the best candidates for this treatment.

oDark skin will absorb too much of the laser's energy. This can be damaging to the skin and the results will not be good.

oPeople with red or blonde hair may not respond well to treatment. The light color of the hair may not absorb enough energy to deaden the follicle. The results can be unpredictable.

oYou should not have this procedure done if your skin has a suntan. Avoid tanning for at least a month prior to treatment to give your tan time to fade. Don't tan until after all your sessions with the laser.

Hair Removal Process

Light energy from the laser penetrates the skin and deadens the hair follicles. This process inhibits future growth from the follicle. The process works best if your hair and skin tones make you a good candidate for the procedure. The result is permanent hair removal and an end to painful waxing, shaving or the continual use of hair removal cr'me.

Several sessions are generally needed. The hair follicles must be in the growth stage to be deadened by the laser's energy. Since not all hair follicles are ever in the growth stage at one time, more than one session will be needed to treat all follicles. The length and number of sessions needed will depend on the size of the area being treated and your individual response to treatment.

The procedure is generally not very painful. The pain has been described by patients as similar to the sensation of having a rubber band snapped against the skin. The pain is said to be less than that experienced with a Brazilian wax. Most people handle the sensation with no problem at all. If you have a very low pain threshold and are bothered by the sensation, a numbing cr'me can be applied prior to your session with the laser.

In most states, regulations require this procedure to be done by a licensed physician, who has been trained in the use of lasers. In some states a RN or Physician's Assistant can operate the laser under the supervision of a physician. This is a medical procedure and you shouldn't shop around for the best price. Instead, look for the most highly trained and experienced physician in your area. Ask for references and speak to other patients about their experience. This equipment can be damaging in the hands of a poorly trained person.

Cost of Hair Removal

The cost of this procedure is generally charged per session. Most clinics charge a few hundred dollars for each session. The total cost will depend on the number of sessions your skin requires and the area of the body being treated. Larger areas, such as the legs and back are more expensive, as they take more time.

Sessions can last from fifteen minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated. Most people achieve total hair removal in three to five sessions. Although this procedure can be costly, you won't have to pay for other hair removal procedures in the future. If you add up what you pay every month for other products, you will find that the procedure will pay for itself in a few years. Many find the results well worth the initial cost.