You’re considering undergoing laser hair removal treatment to get rid of some unwanted body hair. However, you’re not sure how safe the procedure is and want to learn more about it before you make your decision. Laser treatment is a pretty popular method of hair removal. In fact, it is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the United States. People unhappy with long-practiced hair-removal methods, such as shaving, waxing, and tweezing, often turn to laser treatment for a more permanent solution to unwanted hair.
And laser hair removal is an authorized medical procedure. In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of hair removal lasers for permanent hair reduction.
Here are some questions you may wonder about hair removal before you decide to have the treatment done.
How Does The Treatment Work?
Laser hair removal involves the use of a highly focused beam of light (laser) targeting an area on your body where you want hair removed. The laser emits a light that’s absorbed by the pigment in your hair. The light then converts to heat and damages the targeted hair follicles, which regulate hair growth. It should be noted that the treatment doesn’t permanently stop hair growth, but it drastically reduces it. Common treatment areas include armpits, legs, chin, upper lip, and the bikini line.
It would be a good idea to select a board-certified physician who specializes in dermatology or cosmetic surgery—and has experience with laser hair removal—to perform the procedure. Physician assistants and licensed nurses can also perform the procedure, but a doctor should be onsite to supervise. And it would be wise to steer clear of spas, salons, or other facilities that allow nonmedical personnel to perform laser hair removal.
The laser hair removal procedure generally consists of 2 to 6 treatments. The location of the treated area will determine the interval between treatments.
Prior to the laser treatment, you should schedule a consultation with a physician to determine if it’s the right treatment option for you.
Your hair won’t fall out all at once following treatment; rather, it will shed over a period of days to weeks.
How Safe Is It?
According to MedicalNewsToday, there are no apparent long-term health risks connected to laser hair removal; and the majority of people who’ve undergone the treatment found it “safe” and “well-tolerated.” However, there are minor side effects that some people experience following treatment. The most common side effects are skin irritation and pigment changes. You might experience temporary discomfort following the procedure with some swelling and redness of the skin and perhaps some tenderness. Some have described it as a feeling similar to sunburn. And the procedure might cause darkening or lightening of the skin in the treated areas, but this is usually temporary. The procedure itself, however, is not painful.
Is It Cost-Effective?
According to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the price of a laser treatment session averages out at $285. However, costs can vary depending on the area of the body receiving treatment and the number of sessions required. The cost can be anywhere from $200 to $400 per visit. The location of the treatment center also plays a part in determining the cost.
Where Can I Purchase Equipment?
Laser hair removal equipment can be found at doctors’ offices, spas, and salons. If you’re a medical professional and are looking for a reputable company that offers reasonable prices on laser hair removal equipment, you might want to check out Cosmetic Laser Warehouse; there, you can find high-quality used cosmetic lasers at a fraction of the price of a new one.
And if you’re interested in becoming a medical professional, there’s probably a great RN-BSN program at a higher education institution near you.
