Laser Hair Surgery
Laser hair surgery is a procedure using laser technology to remove unwanted hair from anywhere on the body. The most common areas are the face, upper lip, chin, legs and bikini area for women. Men can have this procedure as well, and the and upper shoulders are common spots. The laser is not very painful, but it heats up the hair follicles enough to damage the hair root, increasing the time it takes for hair to grow back again. Depending on the area, it may take up to 16 weeks before the hair will show up again.
What is it Used For?
Many people may be uncomfortable with facial hair, especially women. They may get tired of waxing, tweezing and other personal products to remove hair that will just grow back in a few days. Laser hair surgery is most effective for people who have slightly darker hair than the color of their skin. This results of this procedure last longer than electrolysis and other methods of hair removal. Men may also have laser hair surgery to remove hair from their backs, chest or arms.
Are you a Good Candidate?
Women who are not pregnant, anyone who does not have metal screws in the part of the body the procedure is being done in, people without pacemakers and people whose hair is darker than the color of their skin are all good candidates for laser hair surgery. Blond, gray and red hair is slightly harder to remove, but it can be done. You must not tan before or immediately after the surgery. This procedure requires multiple sessions to get rid of the unwanted hair.
What is the Procedure Like?
The doctor or laser technician will apply a numbing lotion on the area being treated. The session may take anywhere from one hour to a few hours, depending on how much hair is being removed. The numbing lotion is so that the skin will not feel the pain of the laser attacking the hair follicles. The laser works on a small area at once, unlike electrolysis that only works on one hair at a time. The skin is preserved during the session, so there is no worry that the skin is being burned or damaged. However, just like any surgery, complications can occur. Side effects can include light discoloration, blisters, burns or infections. No worries though, because there are medicated creams to treat all of these problems!
Average Cost
The average cost depends on the doctor and the area being treated. A session may cost $50 or as much as $500. The upper lip will not cost as much as removing hair from both legs. The upper lip area may also be done in one session, while legs, bikini areas or backs may take more sessions to complete the hair removal surgery. Some doctors may give discounts if you decide to remove hair from many parts of the body. If you decide to remove hair from your upper lip, chin and neck area, then the doctor may be willing to give you a special deal. They may also have monthly payment plans if the cost is too much for you to pay all at once.
What to Expect Afterwards
A person who has undergone laser hair surgery can expect to go home immediately. Discomfort is normal; however, pain, ingrown hairs, scabs, red or white bumps should be reported to your doctor. Clean the area with a mild soap to prevent infection. Anyone who’s gotten laser surgery shouldn’t go to a tanning salon, get in a jacuzzi, or use other methods of hair removal until complete healing has occured. Proper care should be followed according to the doctor’s instructions.