Laser hair removal is considered as a long-term, innovative solution to excess body hair. Laser technology is used to drastically reduce the amount and thickness of hair on the body and leads to a permanent decrease in hair growth. Laser hair removal eradicates the need for shaving, waxing and epilating and can dramatically change the way people look and feel about themselves.
How does laser hair removal work?
The treatment works by using high-tech intensive laser beams to destroy the hairs on the skin�s surface; over time, after a few sessions, the follicles become permanently damaged, which prohibits hair growth in the future.
What does the treatment involve?
The area where the treatment is taking place is numbed prior to the procedure to reduce pain. The laser is then held above the skin and the intensive rays of light are shone onto the specific area of skin.
How long does the treatment take?
Some procedures take only few minutes, while some may last up to an hour. The length of the treatment session generally depends on the area of the body you are having treated, the amount of hair growth and the thickness of the hair.
Does laser hair removal actually work?
Many patients find that their treatment is very successful, especially those who have had the treatment done recently, as technology is constantly evolving and results ever-improving. However, there have been numerous cases where patients have experienced significant re-growth within a fairly short period of time; this was more common when patients visited clinics that didn�t have a good reputation or had the treatment when it first came out. In general, nowadays, most patients that visit reputable clinics are really pleased with their results.
Does the hair fall out immediately?
Although a significant quantity of hair will fall out soon after the first session, it may take a while for the hair to disappear completely, especially in areas where the hair growth is considerable. Most patients require a series of treatments to produce optimum results.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions you need will depend on a number of different factors; these include the area you are having treated, the density of the hair growth and the thickness of the individual hairs. Below is a general guide:
- Bikini line- 6 sessions
- Upper lip- 8 sessions
- Armpits- 6 sessions
- Neck- 8 sessions
- Back- 4 sessions
Who can benefit from laser hair removal?
Anyone that is worried about the appearance of the hair on their body or face can benefit from laser hair removal. The treatment is quick and relatively painless and it can produce permanent results. Some people feel very conscious about their body hair and this can affect the way they feel about themselves, as well as the way they interact with other people; permanently removing the source of anxiety can boost their confidence and provide them with a much more positive outlook on life.
Many people also have hair removal because they are fed up of waxing, shaving or using other hair removal methods; people that are prone to hair growth often struggle to keep on top of their hair growth and battle daily to keep their hair under control; even if they are not really bothered about the way the hair looks, laser hair removal can save them lots of time and allow them the time and flexibility to do other things.
Is laser hair removal widely available?
Laser hair removal is available at a large number of clinics right across the UK. You can find clinics near to your home town by going online and using a search engine or looking in a telephone directory.
Which parts of the body can be treated?
All external surfaces of the body can be treated using laser hair removal. The most popular areas of the body are listed below:
Men:
- Shoulders
- Back
- Neck
- Face
- Upper arms
Women:
- Underarms
- Bikini line
- Upper lip
- Lower legs
How much does laser hair removal cost?
The cost of laser hair removal treatment varies according to where you go for the treatment, the area you are having treated and the amount of hair growth (this will determine how many treatments you will need). As a general guide, patients can expect to pay prices similar to those listed below (these prices are per treatment; patients should be aware that they may require a large number of treatments)
- Upper lip: £40-£50
- Chin: £40-£50
- Armpits: £40-£50
- Hands and feet: £40-£50
- Bikini line: £50-£60
- Chest: £80-£100
- Shoulders: £80-£100
- Back: £170-£200
- Arms: £170-£200
- Legs: £250-£300
Is laser hair removal painful?
Most patients feel that laser hair removal is less painful than other hair removal methods such as waxing and epilating; however, some patients may experience pain, especially if the treatment is being carried out on more fragile areas of skin such as the upper lip and the bikini line. If you are really worried about the pain associated with this treatment, you can ask for an anaesthetic cream to be applied to the area to numb the skin and prevent any pain.
Are there any side-effects?
Common side-effects include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Numbness and tingling
Less common side-effects may also include:
- Scabbing
- Bruising
- Infection
- Discolouration of the skin
Many patients experience only mild side-effects that usually wear off within a couple of days. Permanent side-effects may include a change in the colour of the skin. Complications are rare but patients should be aware of all the risks associated with the treatment before they agree to have it.
Will laser hair removal cause scarring?
Any procedure that involves the use of a laser carries the risk of scarring; however, the risk of permanent scarring resulting from laser hair removal is very low.
Will I need to take time off work?
Although some patients choose to have time off to have the treatment done, it is not essential because the treatment is quick and painless and the side-effects are generally very mild.