Laser Hair Removal Treatments Home >> Permanent Hair Removal

The Tale Of The Two
Permanent Hair Removal Methods

Can't stand all the body hair and want a better alternative to shaving, plucking or waxing? You might want to try permanent hair removal.

At this point there are basically two solutions available, electrolysis and laser hair removal. If you can't decide which system is best, let's take a closer look. Here's some info you may need to know before getting zapped either way.

Electrolysis: This process uses electric current to destroy or cauterize the follicle to prevent new hair from growing back. permanently removing hair from your face, underarm or bikini area

Laser Hair Removal: This process uses laser light which targets the dark melanin pigment present in the follicle.

What the FDA has to say about the two permanent hair removal systems?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), electrolysis is considered to be the "permanent" hair removal method between the two. Although laser hair removal is proven to remove it, it is not defined as permanent but more a reduction. Regrowth is reduced by up to 80% after 5-6 treatments.

The Basics: How does either way to get rid of unwanted hair work?

During the electrolysis process, a tiny needle is inserted into the follicle then a small amount of electrical current is applied to kill it. You can use this process on all areas of the body except inside the ear and nose. The number of treatments will depend on the size of the area to be treated, density of growth, possibility of ingrown hair and tolerance to pain.

Laser hair removal uses pulses of light which in return creates heat. It targets the dark melanin of each follicle and the heat destroys it. This method can only be used on fair skin-dark hair patients. You should also avoid tanning before the treatment as well as after.

Q: How does one prepare for treatment sessions?

A: Clean the area to be treated very well. You may exfoliate your skin three days prior to the treatment to get rid of dead skin cells. For laser hair removal treatments, shave the area to be treated but do not pluck. Avoid taking caffeine because this will make you sensitive to pain. Calm your nerves down.

Q: How long does a session last?

A: It depends on the size of the area to be treated. For electrolysis, it takes up 15-30 minutes to treat the upper lip and for other areas it may take longer than that. The same goes for laser hair removal. When treating the bikini area takes about 10-15 minutes.

Q: How long do you have to wait between treatments?

A: For electrolysis, it's usually about 6 to 12 weeks while laser hair removal treatments should be scheduled about 6 weeks apart. Count on 5-7 return visits to the clinic every three months or so.

Q: How much does it hurt? From a scale of 1-10, 1 being hardly noticeable and 10 the excruciating

A: Electrolysis would rank between 9.5 and 10. Laser hair removal starts at 10 then gradually decreases. The more laser treatments you have, the less painful each subsequent one becomes. So they say.

Q: What are the post treatment side effects?

Electrolysis: There will be soreness, swelling and redness. Pigment changes also tend to occur as well as permanent scarring.

Laser Hair Removal: Patients experience some soreness, redness and swelling that will gradually disappear after a few hours. You can apply cold compress of Aloe gels to soothe the treated area. Worst that can happen are blistering and burns.

Q: Hair length required?

A: There is none for either approach to attaining silky smooth skin.

Q: What is the cost?

A: Sticker shock is likely as easily affordable these techniques are not. Especially given they are unlikely to be covered by your medical insurance. It depends on the size of the area to be treated. Electrolysis prices vary from $250 to $2,250. While laser hair removal prices range from $150-$400 per session. Each patient may need six or more treatments and touch-ups might be needed once or twice a year.

Tips From the Pros:

Electrolysis: Don't use rubbing alcohol on newly treated skin. To know how safe the entire procedure will be, ask your electrologist how long they have been doing the procedure. Know all that you can about the procedure before making the decision.

Lasers: If you're not sure if laser hair removal is for you, have your skin tested first. This procedure may not work on dark skin tones and light colored hair. You also need to know the procedure inside out. Always use sunscreen after treatment to prevent sunburn.

After reading this brief overview covering the permanent hair removal options you have you can now make a sound decision. Whether you can handle the pain in the name of beauty or you'd rather stick to the more traditional ways, I can't say. But at least you know more than before, right?

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