Benefits and Risk of Laser Hair Removal

It must be said that there are benefits and shortcomings to every method of hair removal. Some are inexpensive and quick but do only provide temporary relief such as waxing and shaving, while others such as electrolysis hair removal are more expensive, time consuming but have more likelihood of permanent hair removal.

Laser hair removal involves the use of an intense beam of light (the laser) to remove unwanted hair from the patient's body. The specific wavelength of light that is used targets and destroys the hair follicle while leaving the skin virtually undamaged. The destruction of the hair follicle is aimed at permanently stopping any re-growth of hair from the follicle. Since the laser works by targeting the darker hair follicles while avoiding the lighter skin area, the process of laser hair removal is best suited for individuals with light skin and dark hair.

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The Benefits and Advantages of Laser Hair Removal
The laser hair removal process is considered one of the most effective especially when undertaken by a licensed professional. When carried out correctly and consistently, the results can be permanent. For most people undergoing laser hair removal treatment, the period of time between each visit tends to increase meaning one spends less and less time at the treatment centre.

Another advantage of laser hair removal is the speed with which treatment is done. For instance, a laser hair removal treatment session can last as little as ten minutes and one will find that they are able to return to their normal daily activities in no time. Laser hair removal is also relatively painless yet effective, which makes it an excellent alternative to more painful procedures such as waxing and tweezing. There are no significant indications between laser hair removal and increased risk of developing cancer.

The Risks and Disadvantage of Laser Hair Removal
Despite all its benefits, laser hair removal is not without its risks as well. For individuals with particularly sensitive skin, the use of the laser may result in redness and swelling of the skin around the treated area. Also, because the laser beam targets darker areas (expected to be the hair follicles) patients with dark skin are at risk of having their skin cells damaged. For this reason, each person and particularly those with darker skin must obtain expert advice before embarking on laser hair removal.

With the use of laser also comes the risk of hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. Hypopigmentation refers to a skin lightening process that takes place if the absorption of the light from the laser inhibits natural melanin production, thus leading to a loss of pigmentation in treated areas of the skin. Conversely, hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin when the laser light absorption actually stimulates the production of additional melanin, effectively leading to a "tan" from the light that emanates from the laser. Again, both of these conditions are more commonly found in patients with naturally darker skin tones, and while hyperpigmentation is usually a reversible condition, hypopigmentation, unfortunately, is not.

Factors to consider when choosing a Laser Hair Removal Practitioner
Once one has decided on laser hair removal as the best alternative for them, they must then choose the practitioner that they would want to perform the procedure. Your decision on which laser hair removal practitioner to use can be based on:

• Academic qualifications combined with significant amount of hands on experience.
• The proximity to your home since you will need to make several trips before all the targeted hair is eventually removed.
• The cost - Cost though important should not take precedence over the level of expertise of the practitioner. A laser hair removal procedure gone wrong is the last thing one would want to deal with.

This might require a considerable amount of research although referrals from friends and family tends to be a great starting point.

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