Laser Hair Removal Treatment Options Salon, Clinic and Home Laser Hair Removal Procedures

Laser Hair Removal Treatments

Laser Hair Removal treatments or Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments as they are often called present a reasonable cosmetic solution to men and women alike who suffer from unwanted hair. For men, this is usually on their back or maybe excessive hair on their chest. For women, this is usually anywhere but their heads. Over a million men and women had the procedure done last year.

Laser hair removal is done by the process of using a device that emits structured beams of light at particular wavelengths directly into the hair shaft targeting the melanin or dark colored part of the hair. The laser beam actually “burns” or destroys the section of hair follicle that promotes growth. Although this is not a permanent solution, it usually retards growth of the hair for several months and eventually with repeated treatments, possibly a year or more.

Licensing Requirements

In the US, there are presently no licensing requirements to perform laser hair removal treatments. In the UK, a clinic or salon that offers the procedure must be registered with the Healthcare Commission. Since there have been some serious burns and other side effects reported from individuals that used the services of an untrained and inexperienced technician, more than likely, stiffer requirements such as licensing and certifications will be required in the US in the near future.

Training and Experience Count

However, at present, if you live in the US and wish to have laser hair removal treatments, you can go to a dermatologist in a clinic that offers this procedure. Be sure to ask about the training and experience of the particular technician who will be performing the procedure. You can also have the treatment done in a salon by a cosmetologist.

Again, inquire about the training and experience of the practitioner who will be performing the laser hair removal treatment. Extensive experience in using the IPL device is a critical factor if you wish to avoid some nasty side effects like burning and discoloration of the skin surrounding the hair follicle. If the clinic or salon offers pricing for the treatments that seem too good to be true, then more than likely experience and training is seriously lacking.

Clinics and Salons

When you contact a clinic/salon to inquire about a laser hair removal treatment, the first thing they will likely schedule with you is a consultation. They should discuss your particular situation, such as location of hair removal, skin type/color and hair color as to whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. Light skinned people with dark hair are the best candidates.

When you show up for your first treatment, you will be brought into the treatment room and everyone in the room will be wearing protective eyewear. Don’t let this alarm you, it is part of the normal safety steps for your treatment providers.

The skin area to be treated will be cleaned and a topical anesthetic cream will be applied to the surface to reduce discomfort from the procedure. The laser beam sensation on your skin has been described as feeling like the light snap of a rubber band. Most people tolerate the treatment very well without the use of any pain medication, but over the counter products for pain will be available if needed.

How Long Does it Take?

The time it will take to complete the treatment will depend on where you are being treated. For example, the upper lip takes only a few minutes, but the upper leg may take an hour or more. You can expect some redness and swelling at the site where you were treated, but this will fade within a few days.

Home Laser Hair Removal

Manufactures are now offering individuals the ability to own and operate a laser hair removal system for use in the comfort of their homes. The device costs a little less than a $1000 and can be done in the privacy of your home.

The question is, though, would you want to? Laser hair removal treatments are considered by the FDA to be a medical procedure. So purchasing a home laser hair removal system and using it on yourself is tantamount to performing surgery on yourself.

Some pretty serious risks with home use have been reported like burning holes in the person’s skin and extensive scarring. In these cases, the person would probably have preferred the appearance of “too hairy” to “too holey“