Laser Hair Removal: Is This the Right Solution for You?

Laser hair removal is an intriguing option for people with excess body hair. Wouldn’t it be great to no longer have to worry about shaving regularly ñ or about the parts you missed? Here is how to decide whether laser treatment is for you.

1. What skin color do you have? Lighter skin tones are easier to treat because they generally require fewer treatments and there is less chance of visible scarring.

2. What hair color do you have? In contrast to the skin color question, dark hair colors are easier to treat because it absorbs more laser energy, according to dermatologist Roy G. Geronemous, M.D. He said light hair is more difficult to treat and blonde and grey hair does not respond to laser treatment.

3. How does laser hair removal work? Tiny flashes of laser light are used to generate heat that destroys hair follicles. The process may take a few minutes (for facial hair) to several hours (for back hair).

4. Does it hurt? Some patients feel a little tingling during the procedure. A topical anesthetic may be applied to sensitive area, such as the bikini area and a cooling system may be applied to surrounding skin to prevent heat damage.

5. What are the risks? There may be some swelling and redness after the procedure. The surrounding skin may burn. Lasers may also lighten or darken the skin by affecting the body’s production of melanin. While darkening of the skin can be reversed, lightening cannot.

5. What happens afterward? After the procedure, patients are generally advised to use moisturizers and sunscreen for several weeks. However, they should not use makeup during that time, in order to avoid infection. Many people continue to lose hair as much as three weeks after the procedure. This hair can be gently scrubbed away while in the shower.

6. Will more than one treatment be needed? That depends on the size of the treatment area. In some cases, hair regrows in a specific area, but it is usually lighter and finer than before.

7. Does insurance cover laser hair removal? Unfortunately, no. Laser hair removal is usually considered an elective cosmetic procedure.

8. How much does it cost? Under arm hair removal averages about $300. Treatment of the bikini area and arms averages between $350 and $500. Single treatments for areas of the back, lower or upper legs, face and neck range between $600 and $900.

9. What other options are there? In addition to shaving, waxing and depilatory creams and lotions that are available over the counter, many dermatologists also offer an at-home laser hair removal system. These systems average about $1000 in cost and result in a 50% to 70% reduction in hair growth, according to Dr. Doris Day, a New York dermatologist. (In-office laser removal results in a 70% to 100% reduction, Day said.)

Is laser hair removal the right solution for you? It all depends on your time and your budget. If you want to avoid the repeated hassle of removing your unwanted body hair, find a qualified dermatologist who has experience in the procedure and find out more. The results may amaze you.