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Hair Removal by Laser Surgery

By: Sally Aquire - Updated: 6 Aug 2013 | comments*Discuss
 
Hair Removal Laser Surgery Laser Surgery

If you're after a longer-lasting form of hair removal, laser surgery could be just what you're looking for. It's a highly desirable hair removal method due to the typical end result but higher costs and the fact that not everyone will be a suitable candidate means that it's not always a viable choice. Here is the lowdown on having laser surgery for hair removal purposes.

What Does Laser Surgery Involve?

Laser surgery uses light pulses to target the roots of unwanted hair. With repeated treatments, the hair follicle is destroyed.

Laser Surgery Advantages

Because laser surgery is designed to kill unwanted hair off at the roots, the results last longer than other forms of hair removal. Other laser surgery advantages include:

It's safe and effective: Laser surgery is seen as being one of the most effective forms of hair removal, as well as being one of the safest. As long as it's performed correctly, there is only a minimal chance of complications occurring.

It's versatile: Laser surgery can be done across most areas of the body, excluding around the delicate eye area.

Impressive reduction in unwanted hair: There aren't any guarantees that unwanted hair will be removed for good but many people report a big reduction in the amount of unwanted hair that returns after a full course of treatment has been given. This can be as much as eighty per cent.

Laser Surgery Disadvantages

While laser hair removal has some definite advantages, there are some downsides.

It's not cheap: The main disadvantage of laser hair removal is the costs of having the treatments. On average, you can expect to need around six sessions of laser surgery to fully eradicate the unwanted hair, and some areas of the body will need more treatments than this. This can soon add up and for many people, this is the biggest reason why laser surgery is bypassed in favour of other forms of hair removal.

It's not necessarily permanent: Laser surgery does kill hair at the roots but the effects may not last forever and the hairs can grow back again. On the plus side, re-growth tends to be less prominent than before.

Possible complications: If complications do occur, they can come in the form of blisters or skin discolouration.

Is Laser Surgery Suitable For You?

The most suitable candidates for laser surgery are those with pale skin and unwanted hair that is dark in appearance. Fine hairs are generally unsuitable for laser hair removal as they're not darker than the surrounding skin, and this is key in laser surgery. If your skin isn't classed as “pale”, you're probably not going to be suitable for this type of hair removal process. Even if you're considered to be a great candidate, you may find that you don't get the desired results so this is something to bear in mind given the associated costs. Have a look at our article on our sister site about choosing the right method of hair removal.

Does It Hurt?

You may find laser surgery uncomfortable if you've got a low pain threshold but most people describe it as being similar to having a rubber band pinged against your skin. The level of discomfort can vary depending on which type of laser is being used.

How Much Does Laser Surgery Cost?

The cost of laser surgery hair removal treatments are affected by factors such as the amount of hair that needs to be removed, the areas of the body that need to be treated, how many treatments you'll need to fully remove the hair and the type of laser that will be used in the treatment. If you're willing to pay in advance for your treatments, you may be able to take advantage of discounts if this is standard policy at the clinic that you choose. As a general rule of thumb, expect to pay something in the region of several hundred pounds for full treatments, and more than this if larger areas are involved.

What About Home Laser Products?

There are now many home laser systems on the market that promise to remove unwanted hair without the costly trips to the clinic. Many people don't realise that these systems use a laser that is far inferior to those that you'll find in clinics so it takes longer to remove unwanted hair via this method. You can still get the same end result but it can be much more frustrating and there is greater potential for post-treatment infections, scarring and discomfort because you're not trained.

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