There are three types of Electrolysis machines used today.

Galvanic Electrolysis Machine

Named after Luigi Galvani the Galvanic electrolysis machines convert the body’s own water and salts into lye. The lye then kills the hair at the hair follicle and is pulled out by tweezers.

Thermolysis Machines

The Thermolysis electrolysis machines were developed in the 1920s and kills the hair by using a short wave frequency to create heat that kills the hair follicle.

Blended Electrolysis Machines

In 1948 Art Hinkle combined the Galvanic and Thermolysis electroysis machines to create a third type of machine that delivers a double whammy to the hair follicles and uses both heat and lye to destroy the hair.

These three basic types of machines have been the basis of electrolysis hair removal since these machines were first invented. The hair is removed by placing a probe at the growth center of the hair follicle at the surface of the skin.

If the point of the probe pierces the skin infection could result and therefore it is essential that the electrolysis technician be well trained. Electrolysis can also be uncomfortable and can cause temporary redness and swelling around the follicles where the hair was removed.

Home Machines

Home electrolysis machines started becoming popular in the 1960s and 1970s and are still used by some people today. These machines have both benefits and disadvantages over having electrolysis in a salon. While some people swear these machines are easy to use and provide money savings and other benefits, others feel that the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. Here are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of these systems.

Advantages of Home Electrolysis Machines

    * Home electrolysis machines may prove convenient to people living in places where electrolysis is not widely available such as rural communities.

    * Since you are doing the treatments yourself, you can schedule the treatments at your convenience not that of a salon.

    * You can remove as few or as many hairs as you wish at one time without having to pay for extra sessions. People who have a low threshold may only want to remove a half dozen hairs on any given day. This would be quite costly if done at a salon.

    * Saves money overall.

Disadvantages of Home Electrolysis Machines

    * Home electrolysis machines have less voltage than salon machines so there is less chance of permanently removing hair.

    * If you are using a home electrolysis machine that has a probe and you are not trained there is a greater risk of puncturing the skin which can lead to permanent skin damage and the increased risk of infection.

    * Temporary side effects may be worse and last longer than if you had a skilled professional doing the electrolysis.

    * Extremely time consuming

    * Working on certain areas may be difficult and awkward.

    * Some people find home electrolysis more painful than having this type of hair removal done by a professional.

How Do Home Electrolysis Machines Work

Most home electrolysis machines contain the machine, cotton swabs and either a pencil like probe or an electricity conducting gel. When the probe reaches moisture inside the hair follicle the machine lets off a sound letting you know it is sending the electrical current.

You then hold the probe in place the required amount of time (usually ten or twenty seconds) then pull out the hair with a pair of tweezers. If the hair does not come out you can repeat the process again, but, only try to remove the hair twice. You then move on to the next hair and the next.

Best Electrolysis Machine

While most experts recommend against the average person using a home electrolysis machine due to lack of training they do suggest that if you are going to purchase one then you need to buy one that works like the ones used by professionals for the best results. This means that you are going to want a probe that you place in the hair follicle.

The One Touch systems seems to gain the best reviews, and do seem to work most like the salon type machines. However, even people who use and like these machines caution that you need to use the lower settings and practice on an area of the body that is less sensitive than the face or other areas.

These users are quick to point out that using too high a setting can result in scabbing and even scarring and that these machines can, depending on the person, be uncomfortable or simply painful. They also point out that you will be spending a lot of money on probes as the probes damage easily.

If you are considering buying a home electrolysis machine and have never had electrolysis before it might benefit you to have at least one professional treatment before-hand to discover if electrolysis is something you even want to try on your own. Although most home electrolysis machines are very reasonably priced, electrolysis is not for everyone and knowing before you purchase a machine, could save you money.

Technorati Tags: electrolysis, electrolysis hair removal

You’d love to have laser hair removal but one treatment is too expensive and you’ve read that often times one treatment isn’t enough. Enter the home laser machine and to your surprise an entire machine costs less than a single treatment at your dermatologists or that local health spa. You’d like to get one but, you want to know if they are effective.

Home Laser Machines: Not That New

Home laser machines have been around for a few years now. The early models of these machines were not very effective at all leaving much to be desired in the way of hair removal.

However, with new technological advances these machines are much more effective at removing hair than the old machines especially in areas where the hair is not too dense. While this may seem like good news there are some things you should consider before rushing out and buying a home laser machine.

How Hair Laser Removal Works

The first thing you need to understand is how hair laser removal works. The laser machine produces intense light rays that focus on the pores and hair follicles and burn them including the roots of the hair. Any machine that can burn the roots of your hair, can burn the skin itself. This is not a process to be taken lightly or one that is completely without dangers.

For years doctors have advised people who consider laser hair removal to choose a dermatologist or laser technician that has been trained to use these machines properly. There have been many cases cited where people have had laser hair removal treatments done by people who lacked training and experience and have suffered burns sometimes severe from these treatments.

Now these machines are being put on the market where they are sold for home use to be used by the average person who more than likely has no experience or training in laser hair removal. As if that wasn’t bad enough you will more than likely be giving these treatments to yourself meaning you would have to use a mirror to treat that underarm hair or bikini line which would only increase the chances of things going wrong.

What this means is that you could possibly have burning and scarring in very sensitive areas of your body. Only you can decide if the risk is worth it.

The Other Side

Proponents of these home laser machines, which usually consists of the companies that manufacturer and sell them are quick to point out that home laser machines don’t have the light intensity of the machines at your dermatologists office and that they come with clear directions for use.

All this is true, however, having a less intense light may only make matters worse as people giving themselves these treatments may tend to use them overlong in one area. And while clear directions may save these companies from liability should you burn yourself, those directions are not going to ease your pain and suffering.

Keep in mind that while these home laser machines are more effective than those manufactured a few years ago they still are not as effective as the high tech laser machines used by dermatologist or the local spa which means that in order to get the same effect in the same amount of time people will have a tendency to over use these machines in order to achieve the results they desire. You have to decide if that is a risk you are willing to take.

Consider your options carefully and if you decide that you can’t live without that home laser hair removal machine then talk to a skilled professional and get some pointers on how to use one of these machines. Do your homework to find the safest machine and follow the directions to the letter. Do everything you can to reduce the risks it might just save you some pain and possibly a medical bill or two.

Technorati Tags: home laser hair removal, laser hair removal at home

The truth is, just how safe is it, depends on various factors and there are some risks involved that every one should be aware of. Here is what you should know about the risks of laser hair removal.

Who Is Doing The Removal?

Laser hair removal technicians are not required to have any special training or experience. Unless you do a little research before selecting where and who does your laser hair removal you may find yourself in the hands of someone who has only done the procedure a few times at most.

This could put you at risk for laser burns which in some cases can be quite severe. However, if the technician is well trained there is far less risk and if you are burned the chances are the burns will be minor.

So, before scheduling that hair removal appointment take the time to ask the technician what training they have had in laser hair removal, how many they have done and whatever else you feel you need to know in order to ensure that the person removing that unwanted hair knows what they are doing.

You might also want to check with the Better Business Bureau and see if there have been any complaints filed against the company doing the hair removal and if so whether those complaints had anything to do with the hair removal process itself.

Check For Rates

Laser hair removal is an expensive process. While a business advertising very low rates for this procedure may seem like a good deal the truth is that it may be a sign that their help is unskilled or they simply do not take the time to do the procedure correctly.

Those companies that offer drastically reduced hair removal rates may also be offering drastically increased risks to you as well. If the rates seem too good to be true then it is probably wiser to by pass the company.

Risks Involved With All Companies

No matter where you decide to have your laser hair removal done, there are some risks that are simply inherent in the process. These risks are usually not serious but, you should be aware of them before deciding that laser hair removal is right for you.

Temporary Side Effects

Many people who have laser hair removal suffer from one or more of the following temporary side effects:

    *      Itching

    *      swelling

    *      scabbing

In addition, keep in mind that pain is relative. While some people may experience only a slight burning sensation others may feel as though they suffered a serious sunburn for a day or two so be sure to ask the technician what you can use to alleviate the discomfort that you may feel prior to the procedure. One danger of having laser hair removal may be that people undergoing this procedure often use a numbing cream to prevent the discomfort.

Keep in mind that some people can have reactions to the ingredients in numbing creams and there have been cases reported where the overuse of such creams have resulted in death. However, please note that in both cases where deaths have resulted from numbing creams this cream was applied at home and not by the company doing the laser hair removal.

Other side effects of laser hair removal that have been reported is that in some cases the skin in the area where treatment occurred either became lighter or darker, giving a splotched appear ance to the skin. The other complication, as mentioned before is burns which is more common in people with dark skin since darker pigment absorbs the heat easier than lighter pigment.

For the most part laser hair removal is a safe process with very few risks and side effects. However, knowing what to expect and making sure that the person performing the laser hair removal is a professional will help to ensure that you get that hair removed as painlessly and as risk free as possible.

Technorati Tags: laser hair removal risks

Laser hair removal is becoming a popular, permanent solution to repeated body waxing, sugaring or Brazilian bikini wax. This procedure removes hair permanently over several sessions with the laser.

Are You a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

oFor best results, your hair should be darker than your skin. Fair skinned people with dark hair are the best candidates for this treatment.

oDark skin will absorb too much of the laser’s energy. This can be damaging to the skin and the results will not be good.

oPeople with red or blonde hair may not respond well to treatment. The light color of the hair may not absorb enough energy to deaden the follicle. The results can be unpredictable.

oYou should not have this procedure done if your skin has a suntan. Avoid tanning for at least a month prior to treatment to give your tan time to fade. Don’t tan until after all your sessions with the laser.

Hair Removal Process

Light energy from the laser penetrates the skin and deadens the hair follicles. This process inhibits future growth from the follicle. The process works best if your hair and skin tones make you a good candidate for the procedure. The result is permanent hair removal and an end to painful waxing, shaving or the continual use of hair removal crème.

Several sessions are generally needed. The hair follicles must be in the growth stage to be deadened by the laser’s energy. Since not all hair follicles are ever in the growth stage at one time, more than one session will be needed to treat all follicles. The length and number of sessions needed will depend on the size of the area being treated and your individual response to treatment.

The procedure is generally not very painful. The pain has been described by patients as similar to the sensation of having a rubber band snapped against the skin. The pain is said to be less than that experienced with a Brazilian wax. Most people handle the sensation with no problem at all. If you have a very low pain threshold and are bothered by the sensation, a numbing crème can be applied prior to your session with the laser.

In most states, regulations require this procedure to be done by a licensed physician, who has been trained in the use of lasers. In some states a RN or Physician’s Assistant can operate the laser under the supervision of a physician. This is a medical procedure and you shouldn’t shop around for the best price. Instead, look for the most highly trained and experienced physician in your area. Ask for references and speak to other patients about their experience. This equipment can be damaging in the hands of a poorly trained person.

Cost of Hair Removal

The cost of this procedure is generally charged per session. Most clinics charge a few hundred dollars for each session. The total cost will depend on the number of sessions your skin requires and the area of the body being treated. Larger areas, such as the legs and back are more expensive, as they take more time.

Sessions can last from fifteen minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated. Most people achieve total hair removal in three to five sessions. Although this procedure can be costly, you won’t have to pay for other hair removal procedures in the future. If you add up what you pay every month for other products, you will find that the procedure will pay for itself in a few years. Many find the results well worth the initial cost.

About The Author

Erica Bosworth is an experienced contributor to http://www.laser-hair-removal-tips.com an online guide. The publisher is also focusing on tips about laser hair removal ( http://www.laser-hair-removal-tips.com/ ).

Technorati Tags: laser hair removal

FDA approved since 1995, Laser Hair Removal has improved the quality of life of thousands, especially female with male pattern hair growth. Removal of unwanted hair by laser is a major advance over treatment such as electrolysis. It has brought hope to several individuals with hair growth in areas where they cause embarrassment. There are certain things you should know about this form of treatment. Some are listed below.

1. What is Laser Hair Removal? It is a laser beam targeted at the hair follicle. The high intensity ray of light gives off heat energy. The laser tracts along the hair shaft, heating it and leading to thermal damage to the follicle while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the concentration of melanin in the hair. It is more effective in dark hair, less effective in brown or ginger hair and will not work on white, grey or platinum blonde hair. As the laser travels along the hair shaft, there must be hair present. It is, therefore, not recommended to pluck unwanted hair before treatment. Similarly since laser hair removal works on the melanin level, dark skin or tanned skin need special treatment.

2. Cost depends on the size of the area that needs treatment. The larger the area, the greater the cost. In the USA, the average cost per session is $450 and in the UK, the cost may vary from £45 to £450. Treatment may be for several sessions in a year because hair will re-grow. The re-growth, however, will be slower and the hair thinner. Mr. David Gault, Plastic Surgeon, reported 80% reduction of upper lip hair growth after 6 months.

3. What you should find out: Make sure you know as much as you can about Laser Hair Removal. Choose a clinic that offers free consultation so that you can assess suitability and what is on offer. Find out before hand how much it will cost you. Make sure you know whether a medical practitioner will be on the premises during your treatment. Check that your assigned therapist is suitably qualified and experienced.

4. How safe: Laser is a pure high beam light. It does not cause cancer. It only penetrates up to the dermis of the skin. It is dangerous to the eyesight. You will probably use goggles to protect your eyes during treatment. The skin can be darkened by laser because of the melanin concentration. Too much exposure can leave the skin with paler patches that slowly fades away. Over heating can cause blistering and rarely scarring especially in darker skin and people with recent tans. The paler you are before treatment the safer and better the treatment.

You should not have laser hair removal if you are sensitive to light or have any infection on the area to be treated. You should not have treatment if you had isotretinoin as acne treatment in the last year.

5. Is Hair removal permanent? Laser hair removal and electrolysis are considered the only permanent hair removal treatment. Although laser hair treatment is promoted as permanent by the industry, this is not strictly the case. It cannot stop the unwanted hair from re-growing. It will, however, slow the re-growth so that it can take several months or years. The re-growth will consist of thinner hair.

6. What happens during treatment? Depending on the types of laser beam system and the area to be treated, you may be required to wear goggles. Laser hair removal treatment can cause stinging or the area may tingle. The time taken for a session depends on the size of the area and can last between 15 and 45 minutes. The area concerned will be treated roughly once a month for between two and eight months. Not all lasers are the same and results may vary with different systems. Before you embark on Laser hair removal, make sure you do your homework.

7. What types of Laser Hair Removal are available? There are various types available. The Ruby Laser is the oldest. It is not suitable for dark skinned or tanned people and only covers a small area. The Alexandrite Laser is the fastest laser available. It is used on light to olive complexion. It is the most popular type because it can cover large areas of the body. The Diode Laser works better for dark skin and is not as effective in lighter skin. It is fast and covers large areas during treatment. The Long Pulse Nd:Yag Laser can be used on all skin types. It is fast and covers large areas. Patients, however, tend to experience more discomfort during treatment. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not really Laser but will have the same effect as laser on the hair follicles. It is more difficult to use and needs greater skill.

About The Author

Dr. Phil Hariram has a special interest in Laser Hair Removal. He has seen amazing changes in the lives of people following this continually improving state of the arts treatment. His website http://www.thelaser-hair-removal.com has the latest info and news releases.

Technorati Tags: laser hair removal

Laser Hair Removal Manhattan
 by: Kathlene Capelle

Women (and men) have been trying to get rid of unwanted hair for centuries. Shaving, plucking, waxing and chemical dilapitory agents have been used by literally billions of people for thousands of years. Yet in Manhattan, the latest trend in hair removal promises long lasting, less painful results than any of these methods.

Both the trendy and not so trendy flock to the new laser hair removal treatment centers in Manhattan to receive the latest technology in smooth, hairless skin. The procedure is described as safe, using a very low level laser beam. The laser’s energy enters the pigment inside the hair follicle. As the energy heats the pigment, the hair’s root is destroyed but the surrounding skin remains unharmed. The follicle is also “deactivated,” reducing regrowth.

For most, the procedure takes from 15 minutes to just over an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated. The process is virtually painless, with most patients experiencing a slight stinging sensation. Of course, the more sensitive the area, the more likely that some unpleasant sensations will occur. For the more sensitive areas, a topical numbing cream may be used.

Since hair grows in cycles, it may take several sessions to remove all of the hair in an area, but once the treatments are completed the results are extremely long lasting. Not only are the treatments quick and painless, but they are surprisingly affordable as well.

There are many laser hair removal clinics in Manhattan. Choose one that uses an FDA approved laser specifically designed for hair removal. Different lasers are used for different skin types, so check to see if the laser used by the clinic is right for your coloration. Make sure that your technician is certified and fully trained on the equipment being used.

Interested to join the “in crowd” in Manhattan and try laser hair removal? Not only will you be surprised at the great, long lasting results, but you’ll be in on the newest grooming craze to hit New York in decades!

About The Author

Kathlene Capelle is a writer for beauty tips and advice. Her site has information on laser hair removal, permanent hair removal, waxing and other hair removal methods. Please visit http://www.Hair-Removal-Central.com.

Technorati Tags: laser hair removal

Laser Hair Removal Fights Public Enemy Number -1: Body Hair
 by: Robert J. Ailes, M.D.

As Americans everywhere are shaping up for the spring, hitting the gym and donning lighter clothes, they want to feel confident at the beach or pool without the unnecessary stress of worrying about embarrassing shaving bumps, razor burn, or worse – stray hairs which become very visible in bright sunlight.

Traditional hair removal techniques such as shaving, waxing and tweezing only provide temporary relief and may actually stimulate hair growth and cause skin infection. Electrolysis, while effective, often requires years of ongoing treatments and is particularly painful. Laser hair removal offers four main advantages: 1) comfort, 2) speed, 3) accuracy, and 4) long-term effectiveness.

Laser hair removal is soaring in popularity – last year in the US there were almost 2 million procedures performed. Today it ranks as the fastest growing non-surgical cosmetic enhancement procedure and is second only to Botox in numbers of treatments. Ideal Image (www.idealimage.com) the nation’s leader in the laser hair removal industry has performed over 100,000 laser hair removal treatments. The most common procedure seen for women in the US is facial hair while men are seeking a remedy to their hairy backs.

So with salons and spas racing to add laser hair removal to their menu of services, how can you be sure you’re selecting a clinic that not only offers effective removal of the hair, but also employs the highest safety measures? Below are tips to finding the right laser hair removal place for you.

First, ask questions:

Who supervises the laser operators and how are they trained? Can you take a tour of the facility and meet the staff? Is the website informative? How many procedures have they performed? Will they perform a test spot on your skin for the area you would like to have treated? Will they provide you with a list of their customers who you can speak to first hand to ask questions about their experience at that facility?

Find out how many lasers they have.

Many places offering laser hair removal have a one-size-fits-all mentality and use the same laser on all patients. A reputable clinic should have multiple lasers so they can customize and tailor treatments to individual hair and skin types. Also, they should require you to complete a detailed medical history form to be sure there are no contra-indications to your laser treatment.

Next find out who performs the laser hair removal:

State regulations vary across the US. It’s as important to know when to use the laser, as it is when NOT to use it. A handful of states limit the practice to physicians. Consequently not much laser hair removal is done in those states. While some laser procedures should be done only by a physician, laser hair removal is not one of them. It is a simple procedure of exceedingly low risk. Even when the procedure is performed in a doctor’s office, you will rarely find a doctor actually doing the procedure. On the other hand, some states have virtually no minimal requirement for practitioners of laser hair removal.

Medical professionals such as nurses, advanced nurse practitioners and certified physician assistants, under physician supervision and using physician-written protocols, best do the procedure. Practitioners should be trained by the laser manufacturer. In addition to manufacturer training, Ideal Image provides a comprehensive two-week training program for all treatment providers.

Know the risks:

Generally the highest risk associated with laser hair removal is mild sunburn. However, the laser center should provide you with an ‘Informed Consent’ form, detailing everything you need to know about your procedure, and they should take time to answer all your questions.

The senior reviewer for the FDA’s office of device evaluation, Richard Felton, indicated that in the last decade, the agency had record of only 60 consumer complaints; most of those were complaints that the procedure didn’t work.

Are you even a candidate?

Most people who complain laser hair removal doesn’t work weren’t appropriate candidates to begin with. Choose a clinic that offers a free consultation to determine if the procedure is right for your hair and skin type. Laser hair removal is most effective on light skin with dark hair but, with the appropriate laser, can also be done on dark skin as well. Since the laser beam is attracted to melanin, the pigment in brown and black hair, it’s not usually effective on blond, gray or red hair.

About The Author

Robert J. Ailes, M.D. Director of Research & Development and Corporate Medical Director for Laser Hair Removal Services at Ideal Image Development Corporation based in Tampa, Florida. Laser Hair Removal at Ideal Image is making shaving and waxing seem obsolete with their safe, comfortable and cost-effective hair removal procedures. Visit http://www.idealimage.com/ for further information.

©2001-2006 Ideal Image, Inc. All rights reserved

Copy may be re-used or reprinted in whole or in part as long as credit is given to author and all hypertext links are maintained as shown.

Technorati Tags: laser hair removal

Laser Hair Removal Versus Electrolysis

While electrolysis has been around for many years, laser hair removal is becoming a viable option for many. We’ll take a look at both methods of hair removal and help you determine the best for your situation and needs.

The newest hair removal method to be put on the market is laser hair removal. Since advancements of all types of procedures using lasers have become more and more advanced in recent years, it is no surprise that lasers are now being used to remove hair. A wavelength of energy is omitted by the laser, working to kill the hair from its base.

The most appealing characteristic of laser hair removal is that after a small number of treatments your hair should be completely dead and you will never have to worry about hair on that specific portion of your body again. Laser hair removal treatments can be spread out farther than other types of hair removal treatment since the laser hair removal process slows the growth of hair.

Laser hair removal may seem like the most appealing hair removal procedure but there is a downside. Since laser hair removal is a relatively new procedure and can be high in demand compared to the number of specialists licensed to practice the procedure, the cost of laser hair treatments can be relatively high. In comparison to the other methods of hair removal, laser hair removal is by far the most costly.

A method similar to laser hair removal but that has been around much longer is that of electrolysis. When removing hair by electrolysis, the technician uses a needle that projects an electric current into the hair follicle, killing it at the root. By sending the current directly to the root of the hair follicle it prevents hair from growing back in the same spot.

Although it may take longer than laser hair removal, electrolysis is another way to permanently remove hair in a certain area. Like laser hair removal, this takes a number of repeat appointments for treatment. Electrolysis often requires treatment for anywhere up to a year to a year and a half for the hair to be completely removed. Like laser hair treatment, electrolysis can cause some discomfort and pain during treatment when the electric current is killing the hair follicle but it should not last longer than a few minutes after the treatment h
1000
as ended.

With both treatment methods a viable option, laser hair removal provides the most obvious benefits. You’re able to spread out treatments and require fewer sessions to achieve the same results as electrolysis. That said, you’re only problem may be finding a practitioner with an opening in her schedule!

By: Mark Bensen -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Laser hair removal is becoming cheaper and more available nationwide. Local practitioners and laser hair removal cost information can be found at permanent laser hair removal clinics.

Technorati Tags: laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is an advanced method for getting rid of excessive hair growth on your body. Previously the standard method for hair removal was electrolysis, which could only treat one hair at a time. One of the greatest breakthroughs of laser hair removal is that it can treat multiple hairs at the same time.

This alone was a huge step forward as it greatly sped up the hair removal process. What used to take hundreds of hours can now be done in a fraction of the time and with greater effectiveness.

You may wonder, though, what precisely is the process that the laser uses on hair? A laser is merely a beam of light, its strength rooted in the narrow band of wavelengths it generates.

Years of research and scientific studies discovered the wavelengths that, when concentrated on hair, destroyed the hair shaft(s). The lasers were then developed to not only perform hair removal, but also do it safely and with a minimum of discomfort.

THE KEY TO LASER HAIR REMOVAL: WAVELENGTHS

The wavelengths used by the laser in hair removal treatments are absorbed by the melanin, or pigment, in the hair itself. The precise targeting on those certain wavelengths eliminates the hair, leaving your skin unaffected. All the energy is focused on the hair shaft.

The laser’s wavelength focus is made even more precise by the fact that the laser can be adjusted for your individual case and treatment. Your body and your hairs have unique characteristics. Therefore they respond best to a certain subset of those wavelengths that eliminate hair. The plastic surgeon or his staff will adjust the laser to fit your specific case and get you the best results possible from your hair removal sessions.

Although there is heat generated by the laser, there are cooling attachments, which counter it during the session. They also negate any heat that is produced within the hair shafts as they are treated. This is yet another advancement in cosmetic technology that has made laser hair removal very popular and easy to undergo.

About The Author

Article written by J Cook, courtesy of Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery, offering Laser Hair Removal in Honolulu, Hawaii:

http://www.drshimching.com/skin/skin_hairremoval.html

Any reprint or use of article must contain the above link and credit.

Technorati Tags: laser hair removal

The Truth About Laser Hair Removal

The removal of unwanted hair with lasers has rapidly gained popularity. However this form of treatment is not for everyone and it is important that consumers become educated as to the different and competing hair removal procedures available.

Some procedures still in use are outdated, whilst some are more suitable for certain hair and skin colors.

What are laser hair removal requirements?

It is most important that the surrounding skin is lighter than the hair. Also very dark skins absorb excessive laser energy which is not ideal.

Patients with light hair and tanned skin should not consider laser hair removal treatment.

However if you have dark hair and a tan, you must wait for the tan to fade before having treatment. Note that you will require several treatments depending on the body areas, and although relatively cheaper that electrolysis, laser hair removal costs could exceed $1000.

How much will laser hair removal cost?

This depends on the size of the area being treated. Top treatment centers average around $500 a session, and generally four treatment sessions are prescribed.

Whole back or leg areas will cost a lot more, whilst small upper lip areas could be cheaper. You would need to have an individual assessment by the laser center for more exact costing.

What is the effect of skin color on laser hair removal?

Light skin:
Easier to perform
Fewer treatments
Better and faster results

Darker skin:

Slower results
More sessions
Greater expertise required
Individualized treatment required

What is the effect of hair color on laser hair removal?

Dark hair:

Absorbs more laser energy
Easier to treat
Coarse dark hair gives best response

Light hair:

More difficult to treat
Blonde or red hair is very difficult to treat
Multiple treatment sessions are required
Results are variable

How many treatments are required for laser hair removal?

A single laser session could result in long-term hair removal, however multiple treatment sessions are usually required for best results. This is mostly due to the fact that hair grows in cycles and individual strands
1000
are not all in a growth phase at the same time which is when laser hair removal is most effective.

What body areas can be treated with laser hair removal?

Anywhere except next to the eye. The most requested areas are:

The face
Upper lip
Neck
Chest
Periareolar
Underarms
Back
Abdomen
Bikini line
Legs

Are laser hair removal results permanent?.

Hair removal techniques such as waxing, shaving, and plucking all have temporary results. Some newer lasers show positive evidence that laser hair removal produces permanent hair reduction after each treatment on an accumulative basis. However results can be individually variable, even using the latest lasers.

Some Important Laser Hair Removal Considerations.

There are no guarantees. Exact laser hair removal results for each individual patient are unpredictable, particularly with regard to the number of treatment sessions required.
It is highly recommended that you choose quality over price when selecting a laser hair removal clinic. This procedure is an exact science, and the best results come from the centers with the most experience.
Properly performed laser hair removal is effective in the vast majority of cases. It is usually only those with blonde or red hair that do not respond well.
Laser hair removal is not compatible with tanning as it will reduce it’s effectiveness and increase the number of sessions required.
Some light or dark skin pigment changes may occur and persist for months, but these are usually temporary and very rare in untanned patients with fair skin.
Rarely blisters and burns may occur, especially in dark skinned patients.
As beta carotene darkens the skin, it’s consumption should be avoided for several months prior to treatment.
African-Americans and those with dark skins can take heart that new lasers and techniques available at specialized laser hair removal centers can now provide effective laser hair removal for most patients, no matter what their skin type.

Latest Advancements In Laser Hair Removal

Lasers for hair removal from tanned and black skin have continued to advance with new long wavelength multi-pulse lasers.

Specialized laser clinics can offer at up to three different laser hair removal technologies for optimal treatment of different skin and hair types:

multi-pulse alexandrite
single-pulse alexandrite
multi-pulse Nd-Yag lasers

Skin cooling techniques should be used before, during and after the laser pulse as the best way to keep discomfort at a minimum during the laser hair removal session.

All laser hair removal settings must be determined for each individual patient’s hair and skin color, as well as for the location and coarseness of the hair to be treated and the patient’s reactions.

It could be dangerous to use topical anesthetic creams or solutions excessively. Better to avoid them completely if possible, particularly whilst the proper laser settings are being initially determined.

By: Shandyl

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Shandyl is webmaster, author and publisher of numerous articles on many web sites. For more information visit Laser Hair Removal

Technorati Tags: laser hair removal