Does laser hair removal work? The laser method for hair removal only became available in mid 1990s. Now, the efficiency of laser method of hair removal is widely accepted and practiced in dermatology clinics, and in homes using devices specifically designed for consumers to use for self-treatment. There are numerous published reviews on laser hair removal and its efficiency in dermatology literature.
As this method of hair removal gains recognition for lasting hair removal there are many questions about its effectiveness. This information explores statistics about laser hair removal, and what you should hope to expect if you decide to have, laser treatments for unwanted hair.
Laser Hair Removal
The FDA has approved laser hair removal for permanent hair reduction. According to their definition, permanent hair reduction is the long-term reduction for hairs that grow back after a treatment regimen. In many patients, complete re-growth of hair occurred on treated areas in the years following their last treatment. This means laser treatments will diminish the total amount of hairs permanently.
Using a laser for hair removal is extremely popular due to its ability to quickly and efficiency, but does laser hair removal work? The efficiency is largely dependent on the laser operators experience and skill. Because hair grows in cycles, repeated sessions are necessary to destroy hair follicles. Therefore, after the initial set of treatments, various patients need touch up treatments to achieve permanent hair growth reduction. Some individuals simply do not respond to laser hair removal. This could occur for various reasons such as an incorrect device is used, the parameters are set to low or the patient is not a good candidate for laser methods of hair removal.
What You Should Know
- An individual who has experience and the proper training should perform the treatments.
- Generally, several treatments are required to achieve lasting hair reduction.
- Dark hair responds the greatest and light hair is least receptive.
Expected Results
- The percentage of hairs removed per treatment varies by location.
- You can expect a 10 to 25 percent reduction in hair growth with each session.
- The hair that regrows after treatment tends to be lighter and have a finer texture.
- The devices are FDA approved and in the majority of cases, they achieve long lasting results comparable to professional laser removal devices.
- Touch up treatments intermittently may be required to achieve the most favorable results.
- Treatments are generally safe but may pose a concern for those who have darker skin or have certain skin conditions.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
There are numerous reasons to believe it does work. The technique uses a laser to damage the follicle where hair grows and the hair is unable to re-grow. Because hair grows in stages, it is quite common for several treatments for visible results. It is true that some have achieved great results with laser treatments while others have been disappointed with their results. It appears that some individuals have better results than others do. The pleasant news is that for the most part most individuals experience great success with hair removal particularly when a professional does the treatments accurately. Actual statistics explain approximately 45 percent of individuals get fantastic results. One thing is certain laser hair removal is definitely better than traditional temporary methods such as shaving.