Laser Hair Removal: Is it Right for You?

For patients in Baltimore, Maryland and around the country who want to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be the answer. The procedure was discovered by accident in the 1970s by a scientist working with laser technology. The scientist inadvertently exposed his arm to the laser, only to notice that the hair had been removed and did not grow back. There were no negative effects of the exposure and laser hair removal continued to develop into the gold standard for hair removal.

When performed properly by a well-trained skincare professional, laser hair removal is considered a safe procedure. Any regrowth of hair is lighter and finer in texture and the procedure is especially helpful in removing large areas of unwanted hair. Lighter skinned, dark haired individuals are considered ideal candidates for laser hair removal, while dark skinned patients or those with blonde, red or gray hair may not be as successful.

Possible complications associated with laser hair removal include burns, lesions and long-lasting discoloration, although these complications are often the result of improper application of treatment. For this reason, it is important to seek a qualified individual to perform this treatment. In some cases, regrowth of hair may be patchy or patterned and some may not respond well to treatment, even if they are considered an ideal candidate.

While people have different thresholds of pain, some patients find laser hair removal painful and patients are encouraged to discuss this possibility with a skincare professional. Eye protection may be used to protect the eyes from accidental exposure to the laser light. The procedure may be expensive, so talk to a skincare professional for specific pricing information. Most treatments range in price from $150 to $600.

Laser hair removal is performed using one of several types of lasers. These include the alexandrite, ruby, diode and ND, and LP ND YAG lasers. For more information about these types of lasers, consult an experienced skincare professional or laser technician in the field. Also discuss the various factors that the technician may control or adjust to make the treatment more comfortable or effective for patients.

The technician may control the pulse length of the laser, as long-pulsed lasers are often considered the safest option. The energy level or fluence may vary depending on the patient's skin type. The delay, or the time in between pulses, may also be adjusted to determine how long the skin and hair have to cool. Spot size may also be adjusted, as this affects the speed and penetration of the laser. The appropriate spot size will allow the laser to reach the hair at the depth it grows. The larger the spot size, the deeper the penetration. Technicians may also use a variety of cooling options from gels and sprays to a cooled tip that is pressed against the skin.

Interested patients are strongly encouraged to discuss laser hair removal with a qualified skincare professional in the Baltimore community. This is the best resource for further information relating to laser hair removal and other skin rejuvenation treatments.

Learn more about laser hair removal in Baltimore, Maryland.

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