LaserAway

Laser hair removal sees more and more patients each year. Laser hair removal is superior to older methods such as waxing, shaving and plucking and can lead to permanent hair removal. Although the number of people who undergo laser hair removal grows annually there still seems to be more questions than answers and many people are in the dark about what the treatments involve and what actual results they can expect.

When you go to a laser hair removal clinic a technician or nurse will first evaluate your hair and skin type to determine the results you can realistically expect. Each clinic has unique machines and different machine have different types of lasers that can provide better results for different skin and hair types. It is important to know that not all lasers work equally well. Some machines that use pulsed light lasers can target multiple follicles and can treat larger areas of skin faster. If a clinic you visit says you are not a good candidate, you may want to visit another clinic that may have different lasers and be able to provide different results for your hair and skin type.

How Effective Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal has about a 90% success rate. A full series of treatments will treat most hair and usually causes the remaining hair to become finer and sparser. The hair does not immediately fall out after treatments but will generally be gone in 1-2 weeks. In an average of 5-6 sessions spaced over the span of several months, patients can see more than a 75% reduction in hair growth. Specific results will depend on each person’s skin and hair type. Some patients achieve results that last for several months or years, while other patients never have to shave again.

Does It Hurt?

Patients time and again compare the sensation of the laser to the snap of a rubber band and different machines afford different levels of sensation. Treated areas may appear red or swollen after treatments but this usually subsides in the matter of a few hours to a few days.

Cost

A lot of people worry about the cost of laser hair removal treatments. The cost of laser treatments is proportional to the size of the area you wish to treat. Treating an area like the upper lip or the under arm will cost far less than the treatment of the back or legs. Laser hair removal treatments are not covered by any health insurance plans but many clinics offer attractive financing plans.

Patients interested in laser hair removal should contact a licensed laser hair removal center or clinic and schedule a consultation. The Internet is a good place to do research but an actual meeting with an expert will provide you with realistic expectations and a better understanding of what can be done for you.

Laser hair removal has proven to be one of the most efficient options for permanently removing hair. The results of shaving, waxing or plucking cannot even compare and to administer electrolysis to areas such as the legs or the back would take far too long. The one thing that often makes people hesitant about laser hair removal treatments is the cost. Many people are unsure of the exact cost and only hear other people that that it is always expensive. There are a number of factors that come together to determine the actual cost of laser hair removal treatments.

One of the main factors in determining the price of laser hair removal services is the location of the clinic. Laser hair removal prices in Beverly Hills are obviously going to be higher than laser hair removal prices in Carlsbad. The price at any given location is determined in part by the average rates across the country but can be more influenced by the relative prices in the area. If a provider offers the same services for to low of a price, people will worry that the services are less effective and may not go, however if the costs are too high, people will definitely not go. So it is in providers’ best interest to match the prices of competitions in their area.

Another factor is the type of facility offering the treatments. Prices will be different when services are offered at clinics, medspas, dermatologist’s offices and cosmetic surgical providers. Cosmetic surgeons generally charge the highest rates, along with dermatologists, but the treatments will not necessarily be any better and these providers often use the same equipment as is used at clinics and medspas.

Another major factor in cost is the patient’s own physiology. The area the patient wants treated will play a significant role in determining the price. The larger the area, the more the laser will be fired and the more the cost will increase. Small areas like the upper lip will cost much less than the bikini line or the legs. The patient’s hair and skin type will also affect the efficacy of treatments. Darker hair and lighter skin respond better to the wavelengths of hair removal lasers and those with dark hair and light skin often show the best and longest lasting results. Patients with darker hair and light skin will require fewer treatments because each treatment will accomplish better results.

A final factor that may play a role in determining the final cost is the time each session takes. Just as with surface area, the time each treatment takes is directly proportional to the number of times the laser fires and can be a good indicator of how much the treatment will cost. Some providers charge by the time it takes to perform the procedure while others may charge based on the area, based on the density of the hair or based on the number of times the laser is fired.

Regardless of how the provider charges, it is a good idea to know ahead of time what to expect in case you feel you can get a better deal if you are charged in another way. Some providers will give the patients the option while others simply offer package deals based on one of these options. A personal consultation is the best way to determine how much treatments will cost for your skin and hair type and to get an estimate that is as specific as possible based on the doctor’s review of your body and the area you are concerned with. 

Back when developer A.W. Ross first envisioned that the 1.5 miles strip of Wilshire Boulevard would rival downtown Los Angeles, he had to wait patiently for his automobile-centered design to take root. Patience paid off, and the “Miracle Mile” is a highly traveled, high traffic area. As the cliché goes, good things come to those who wait.

How is Laser Hair Removal Like the Miracle Mile?

Both require patience and commitment to achieve optimal results. You won’t have to wait as long as Ross did for his pay off, but it will take some time to achieve permanent hair reduction. How much time? That depends on the size of the area, the color, coarseness or thickness of your hair and the type of lasers your physician must use to keep your skin safe. A number of sessions is always needed, and it’s important that you follow through with all of them to achieve optimal results.

Hair Grows in Cycles

Ready for another analogy? Much like North America’s seasons, your hair also has phases of growth, rest and regeneration. When a laser targets a hair follicle, it must do so while the follicle is in its growth phase. If your hair happens to be in its resting state, the laser treatment doesn’t work, and the hair grows back. Your doctor understands this cycle, however, which is why he or she will recommend spreading your sessions out so that you are more likely to hit the hair in any given area at the right time.

Lots of Hair Equals More Sessions

It’s only logical that areas with excessive amounts of hair, or hair that’s very thick and course, will take more sessions to achieve long-lasting results. If you frequently plucked or waxed these areas, you may need more time with the laser, as these hairs need to come back into their growth phase. In addition, if you have darker skin your physician must use a laser with a longer wavelength, which doesn’t always produce the same results as lasers with shorter wavelengths. You may need more sessions to become hair-free.

Big Rewards

So maybe you had to see your laser hair removal doctor once a month for six months; it might be worth it to be able to stroll down the “Miracle Mile” and try on swim suits or clothes that expose skin you would normally cover up because you were self-conscious of your hair growth. Laser hair removal does more than remove hair – it removes worry, hassle and a lot of time spent shaving, waxing or plucking.

In Los Angeles it seems as if everyone is tan. With the sun almost constantly shining, it’s hard to avoid getting some color while you’re outside. If you’re considering laser hair removal, however, you might want to stay inside. Why? Laser hair removal works more effectively with lighter skin tones. Though darker skin tones aren’t impossible to work with – trained laser surgeons can use a combination of lasers and techniques to avoid discoloration – there is some risk of skin damage with the procedure.

Los Angeles Brings Out the Best in Laser Surgeons

Let’s face it…with Hollywood within its limits, the Los Angeles area is rife with beauty and cosmetic experts. In fact, some of the world’s best cosmetic and aesthetic surgeons practice in the area. With competition like that, Los Angeles’s laser hair removal surgeons need to be on top of their game. What this means for you is that you can find highly trained specialists that can work with darker pigmented skin with less risk of side effects.

How a Tan Affects the Laser

Skin and hair get their color from melanin, or pigment. Tanning releases melanin into the skin cells to protect them from the sun’s rays. Darker skin tones naturally contain more melanin than lighter skin tones. The lasers used for laser hair removal are designed to target melanin in the hair follicle. The laser creates heat which travels down the hair into the follicle, disrupting its growth. However, the laser doesn’t have the ability to discern between melanin in the skin and melanin in the hair. Your doctor must choose the correct lasers and set them to the correct frequencies to ensure your skin is not affected.

Possible Risks

What happens when the skin absorbs the laser rather than the hair? Burning and blistering can result, as well as scarring if burns aren’t treated properly. Fortunately, technology has advanced enough to make the laser hair removal procedure safer for patients with darker skin tones. A laser’s wavelength can be adjusted; the longer the wavelength, the safer it is for melanin-rich skin.

Experience Pays Off

Make sure your Los Angeles-based laser surgeon has a great deal of experience using a laser on your skin type. Talk to this physician about the types of lasers used in his or her practice, and what types are best for your skin. Ask to speak with other patients to get first-hand feedback before you decide to undergo laser hair removal.

Your face is important, especially if you live in Southern California. It’s almost always the first part of you someone sees, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Whether you are dating, going for a job interview or greeting a customer at a store, how you look plays a big part in how people react to you. If you have unwanted facial hair, particularly if you are a woman, you may not feel you look your best and have to hide or shave your hair growth. Fortunately, laser hair removal in cities like Lake Forest provide a solution to unwanted hair.

Hirsutism

Though men may enjoy growing facial hair, for women it’s not considered attractive. Unwanted hair growth in females, particularly in male pattern areas such as the face, chest or back, is technically known as hirsutism. This hair is usually thick and dark, so you have to shave, pluck or wax often. These methods can actually lead to ingrown hairs and infections, making them less appealing than alternatives like laser hair removal.

Lasers on the Face

You might not hesitate to use lasers to remove hair on your legs or back, but what about your face? The delicate skin in this area and the fact that you show this part of your body to everyone you meet may make you think twice about getting it done. In Lake Forest, however, you don’t have to worry. Laser hair removal is an effective and safe way to permanently reduce hair growth on your face. The Lake Forest and Southern California area are blessed with talented physicians who specialize in laser hair removal. The more experience your doctor has, the better your results will be.

Results

Lasers work most effectively on darker hair, as the lasers target pigment or melanin. If you have lighter hair, the treatment will not work optimally.  According to the Hair Removal Journal , with laser hair removal on the face you may need more sessions as well as yearly maintenance trips to ensure hair removal is long-lasting.

Hormonal Causes

Sometimes hirsutism is caused by hormonal imbalances, or excessive male hormones in the female body. If you are a woman who is experiencing male pattern hair growth, see your doctor before undergoing laser hair removal. If the cause is hormonal, your doctor may have other treatment options available to halt hair growth. However, hirsutism can occur without the help of androgens. In these cases, laser hair removal might be right for you.

When the sun is out and the weather is fine in Laguna Woods, you likely think about donning shorts, t-shirts or even a bathing suit. Laser hair removal makes your wardrobe choices easier because you never have to worry about having too much hair. Typically, laser hair removal is a high reward and low risk procedure, though there is always a risk of burns and scarring using laser technology. Lasers produce a concentrated form of heat radiation that can injure skin cells. If a laser hair removal procedure is done correctly – using the right lasers, finding the proper wavelength and the skill of the treating physician – the risk of side effects diminish.

Selection is Key

The type of laser your laser hair removal doctor uses is one of the key components to a safe, effective session. The correct laser set to the right wavelength is paramount to allowing the laser to pass harmlessly through the skin and target the melanin, or pigment, in your hair follicles. Why? The laser’s job is to attack pigment, thereby interrupting the hair follicle’s ability to produce more hair. If the attending physician chooses the wrong wavelength and you have darker skin, for instance, the laser can focus on some of your skin cells instead, leading to burns and potential scarring.

Types of Lasers

There are generally three types of lasers used for the laser hair removal process in Laguna Woods. The Alexandrite, the Diode and the Nd:YAG lasers are all FDA-approved and used most frequently for laser hair removal procedures. The Ruby laser is another that may be used, as it was one of the first lasers invented for laser hair removal, but its short wavelength limits its use to very fair skinned clients. If you have tanned or darker skin, your doctor may choose the Nd:YAG laser, which has the longest wavelength and therefore poses less risk to your skin’s cells.

Do Your Homework

Before you choose a doctor or a medical spa in Laguna Woods for your laser hair removal, be sure to research the equipment they have available. Call the office and ask what lasers they use, and do your own research to discover what skin types with which these lasers work well. You can then schedule an appointment or consultation with the physician, and ask about his or her experience treating your skin type. Be sure to have a clear picture of the procedure, the lasers and the potential side effects before agreeing. Once you feel satisfied with a doctor and the technology, you can begin the process of ridding yourself of unwanted hair.

When it comes to laser hair removal, how permanent is permanent? Well, strictly speaking permanent means lasting or intending to last unchanged indefinitely. Indefinitely is a long time – as in “forever.” Since forever isn’t really measureable in any one of our lifetimes, what does it mean when a process, such as laser hair removal, is deemed “permanent?”

Laser Hair Removal, a “Permanent” Procedure

Laser hair removal is considered permanent because you can achieve near permanent results. That is to say, laser hair removal in Imperial Beach and elsewhere achieves 80 percent hair growth reduction in 80 to 90 percent of patients. Though it’s not perfect, it’s pretty close. Most patients don’t experience re-growth, while a small percentage may have some hair grow back over time. Your doctor will schedule a series of sessions, the number of which will depend on the size of the area you’d like removed, as well as your skin and hair type. You may find that annual maintenance sessions keep hair at bay more permanently.

Why Does Hair Grow Back?

One of the reasons hair may grow back is that the laser procedure was done during the hair’s dormant phase. Laser hair removal works best on hair in its active growth phase, which lasts for years. However, the hair follicle also has a transition and a dormant phase, neither of which allow laser hair removal to be effective.

Another reason hair can grow back is due to its pigment. Dark hair works best for this procedure because the laser is designed to target melanin, or pigment. The laser passes through the skin and seeks out the colored hairs. If a hair is lighter in color, the laser – which targets melanin in the hair follicle – may not “see” that hair follicle. Though it may have some color, it still may not be dark enough to achieve lasting results.

Finding Peace with “Permanence”

So your laser hair removal procedure may not last until the end of time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy 10 to 20 years of not having to shave every day or a few times a week. If you live in Imperial Beach and enjoy wearing a bathing suit year round, have you ever thought how much time goes into shaving? Five to 10 minutes every day adds up over the course of a decade. Skipping your every day shave that lasts ten minutes can save you 60 hours a year! Imagine what you can do with a few extra days every year. Stop shaving and start dreaming.

If you live in the Concord, California area you can find a plethora of people that offer laser hair removal services. The problem is, how do you choose? What credentials does she or he need to have, and what kind of lasers do you need? These are important questions to ask. Fortunately, most doctors will have a website with their professional background as well as links to testimonials from former patients. It’s important to look at those areas, as well as investigate a few others.

Importance of a Physician

According to the Hair Removal Journal, one of the key pieces to choosing a reputable laser hair removal facility is to find out just who is working the laser. Check to see that the office has a board-certified physician on staff, and that the physician either performs the procedure or that he or she supervises the procedure. Many laser hair removal centers offer lower cost procedures, but the physician may not be in the room or even on premises. Lasers are delicate machines, and can cause burns and scarring if not used properly. If you want great results, do some research in Concord to ensure a highly-trained, certified physician is behind the laser.

Laser Type Matters

When laser hair removal first began, they only used one type of laser that didn’t work well on tan or darker skin tones. All lasers for hair removal are designed to seek out pigment, or the melanin in your hair follicle. However, they aren’t designed to tell the difference between the melanin in your skin and the melanin in your hair. Now, however, there are several types of lasers a physician can choose to use. A combination might be right for your skin tone. Call your potential laser hair removal centers in Concord to find out what types of lasers they have, and whether they will work on your skin type.

Patient Testimonials

It’s also important to find out what your peers think of a potential hair removal office or physician. If the website provides this information, read or watch these testimonials. It’s also a good idea to check out dedicated review websites, making sure to read the good and the bad reviews. If you are considering laser hair removal, you want to make sure your skin and your health are in good hands.