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The Laser Hair Removal System - Is it Right for You?

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Some of us are horrified to discover unwanted stray hairs on our face. Shaving is never a viable solution because the hair grows back thicker and darker. Plucking the hairs hurt. If it is only a few hairs we can usually endure the pain, but if we have a lot of hairs, plucking can be torturous. Unwanted facial hairs cannot be ignored nor hidden like the others. It is there to remind us of its presence every time we look in the mirror. Women suffer the most from these hairs because there is nothing womanly about a hairy chin. When it comes to permanent hair removal there are two systems that a person can elect to undergo. For many years the only choice available was the electrolysis hair removal system. But with breakthroughs in dermatology we now have a new choice available to us that that is the laser hair removal system. They are both systems that can permanently remove hairs, but the treatments themselves are decidedly different.

What is a laser hair removal system?
Here are some of the laser hair removal facts. This treatment is more effective for those with dark colored skin. Dark pigments of the skin absorb the light from the laser and burn the hair follicle. Those with a light complexion can still receive the treatment, but they will not get the optimum result. To remedy this a new type of laser was developed call the Titan. The Titan laser targets the hair follicle photodynamically thereby sidestepping all issues with light and dark colored skin. Not much time is consumed with this type of treatment, since the affected areas are small. For an eyebrow treatment, it usually takes approximately 15 minutes and needs follow up treatments for 4 to 6 consecutive months to achieve the best result. That would be about once a month.

Does a laser hair removal system hurt?
When treated with a laser, there is a feeling of heat and the stinging of a rubber band hitting the skin but it depends on the person's pain tolerance. There are people that may not feel any discomfort during the entire treatment. Courser or darker hair can be more painful to remove, so men may experience more discomfort than women who generally have thinner hair.

What are the qualifications of a laser hair removal system technician?
All practitioners of a laser hair removal system must be certified before they can use them on clients. This is usually a state level certification. Safety is a concern when performing a treatment of the eyebrows because the laser can cause major damage to the eyes. The eyes must be closed and protected with eye shields for the entire treatment. There is also a small chance of having a scar from laser treatment. So you want to make sure that your practitioner is well experienced. The Federal Drug Administration has approved laser hair removal for cosmetic use so any safety concerns can be looked up at the FDA website.

How do laser hair removal systems work?

It can reduce hair volume from 40 to 80 percent but that is only after following a course of treatments and no great reduction in volume should be expected after only one visit. The treatments can be quite expensive, but if you target a small area such as the upper lip then the cost will be more affordable. The Federal Drug Administration has approved some laser systems for the home, but they are only to be used on areas below the neck. As of yet , there are no home laser treatments that have been approved for facial hair.

Electrolysis Versus Laser Hair Removal Systems
Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that is applicable to anyone regardless of their complexion as it targets the follicle directly through insertion. In this process, each follicle has to be treated individually and might take about a minute for each. An eyebrow treatment may take 30 minutes to get the optimal results and it may need 15 to 30 sessions. The patient will feel a stinging sensation with each treated follicle, but it still depends on the degree of tolerance. Electrolysis can result in skin discoloration if it is not done properly. It is best to look for the most experienced practitioner in this area before undergoing this procedure. Electrolysis cost can vary. A single electrolysis session is not as expensive as the laser, but bear in mind that there are more sessions to follow. Depending on the area of treatment the pain factor can be quite high with electrolysis. Laser hair removal is almost painless in comparison.

Do some thorough research before deciding which of the two treatments to use. The best thing to do would be to set up a consultation with a practitioner of each service. Be sure to bring a yellow pad so you can take notes of the pros and cons of each service. You will be able to see the equipment available as well as being able to ask pertinent questions about treatments for your particular unwanted hair problem. After doing so, you should be able to make an educated decision as to which service will be best for you.

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