The Good & The Bad About Laser Hair Removal
When speaking of laser hair removal, there are basically only two kinds. Both types employ heat that is generated by a high intensity light source. First, is the IPL or Intense Pulsed light model. It uses a xenon tube to generate high intensity light. Then there are the actual lasers that use diode laser light emissions to generate the light. Both styles are referred to as laser because they use light as their energy source. They perform the same function of using light to generate heat that is repeatedly applied to the hair follicle. The repeated heating disables the follicle resulting in permanent hair removal.
Laser hair removers have been around since the mid 70s. Recently, the devices have become small enough to be available to the general public for home use. This style is known as the Personal Laser Hair Remover. The Personal Laser Hair Removal System is accepted as safe by dermatologist and these home units have the same success rate at permanent hair removal as the laser treatments provided by your physician.
Photothermolysis or heating through light energy is the principle behind laser hair removers. The laser light specifically acts upon the hair follicle by passing through the skin. By re-applying the laser, the heat from the light will inhibit the follicle resulting in permanent hair removal. Light skinned, dark haired users are the ideal candidates as the laser more easily penetrates the skin to act on the follicle. Men and women alike have successfully used laser hair remover on most parts of their bodies.
Multiple treatments are required for permanent hair removal. The number of treatments varies with the individual and the type of device used. You can expect to see results after as few as two treatments and permanent hair removal after as few as five treatments. This again varies from person to person depending on the skin color and type of hair being removed. Each treatment is spaced by between two and 10 weeks depending on each individuals response to the treatment. Normally, you will wait until the hair you have treated falls out until you apply the next treatment. Normal side effects during treatment include redness, swelling and itching of the treatment area. Most user report little to no discomfort.
The cost of the device can range from $200 to $1000 and will vary with the type and number of accessories (replacement lamps etc.) included in the set. The size of the application area will also vary with the larger lamps costing more as they can treat a larger area decreasing the time required for each treatment.
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