Laser Hair Removal Facts & Fiction

By Hiba Bittar, MS, COO

Moki Media

More Beauty Skin Care & Gorgeous Smiles Articles

Laser Hair Removal Facts & Fiction

If you are interested in laser hair removal, you must first understand how it works and the technology and science behind it. Laser hair removal technology is the use of an invisible beam of light combined with a constant source of heat. When the heat penetrates the hair follicle, it destroys its roots disabling its ability to grow hair again, while still preserving the surrounding skin.
Although laser clinics, medical spas and plastic surgeon's offices may use the term permanent hair removal loosely, the FDA only endorses the term “permanent hair reduction” rather than permanent hair removal.
Here is my compiled list of facts and fiction on permanent hair reduction, a procedure that has risen to the #1 requested aesthetic procedure
Fiction Laser hair removal is permanent. Laser hair removal technology provides a permanent reduction of hair growth up to 80-90% of the targeted area in the ideal patient, that is why we cannot say laser hair removal is permanent.
Fact Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments. Hair grows in three stages (growth, regression and resting) and hair must be in the growth stage in order to be effected by the laser's light. Since not all hairs are actively growing at the same time, several treatments are needed to target all hair in the active growth stage. Most areas require 4-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, depending on hair thickness and the area treated.
Fiction Insurance covers laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is an out-of-pocket procedure and is not seen as a medical necessity even when hair growth is related to hormonal imbalance.
Fact Laser hair removal does not work on white, grey or blonde hair. Lasers use laser light to create heat with the goal of targeting the dark melanin in the hair follicle and destroying the hair follicle by its absorption of the heat. Treating white, grey, blonde, light red and even light brown hair with lasers has a low success rate due to the lack of melanin in the hair follicle.
Fiction Any link between cancer and laser hair removal. Laser hair removal devices use radiation that produces heat but do not penetrate far into the skin or cause cell mutation. It is non-ionizing radiation which is defined by the U.S. Department of Labor as “a series of energy waves composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light.” There has been no known connection between laser hair removal and cancer.
Fact Laser hair removal saves money. Laser hair removal may seem expensive but over time laser hair removal cost less. When the cost is stacked up with the cost of continuous waxing, electrolysis, razors or other methods of hair removal, the reduction in cost is mind boggling.
Fiction All laser devices can be used for laser hair removal. There are currently several types of lasers that have been approved by the FDA for laser hair removal. The Alexandrite, Diode and Nd YAG lasers offer versatility in treatment modes with the Nd YAG being the preferred choice of laser when treating darker skin types. Although Ruby lasers and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) devices are still in use for laser hair removal, they are not as effective and have become less popular in recent years.
Fact Laser hair removal is the most state-of-the art method in removing unwanted hair. Lasers offer hair removal in a controlled and efficient manner especially for large areas such as the back and full legs. Hair is removed for longer and indefinite periods of time.
Fiction Laser hair removal is painful. The feeling is not that of pain but discomfort. It feels like rubber bands snapping against your skin and is tolerable to most people.
Simply stated, at the moment, laser hair removal is the most permanent solution on the market offering patients as close to permanent results as they are able to get.
Make your appointment now and be ready for your beach bikini soon.