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Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis

Laser Hair Removal - Electrolysis - Pulsed Light Hair Removal

Risks - Article - True Story - Laser Types

Before and After Photos - by Location

Laser Hair Removal - Short-term hair loss will occur in most patients with laser hair removal, but the degree of long-term hair reduction will vary among patients. Permanent hair loss occurs most often in dark hair, which has a high concentration of melanin whereas gray, white and blond hair would need to be re-treated to maintain hair loss. This will also vary depending on area being treated.

Electrolysis - Electrolysis can result in permanent hair removal, however electrolysis is very time consuming, requires numerous treatments, is not practical for large areas and can be painful.

Risks: Photosensitive patients or previous problems with laser treatments are at higher risk with the laser. Also, patients known to form keloid scars and other scarring are more prone to scarring after laser hair removal. A surgeon should also inquire about your health history to identify possibly endocrine disorders, allergies, medications, infections in area and/or herpes simplex. Usually the laser leaves a mild sunburn-like sensation, which typically disappears in 2-3 hours. Some mild redness may persist for 2-3 days, but not enough to require dressings.

Your surgeon will need to identify your skin type. The Fitzpatrick Classification System is the most commonly used and is based on pigmentation and tanning. The lower the skin type, the less melanin in the skin and the less risk of epidermal damage during laser hair removal. Because melanin in the skin will absorb laser energy intended for the hair shaft and follicle, the risk of inadvertent epidermal damage increases with darker skin.

Preparation : Laser hair removal works best when the hair is one to two millimeters in length. You can't tan prior or during treatment. No waxing either, just shaving in between if necessary.

Anesthetic: A topical anesthetic is recommended, but local anesthesia is not needed.

Post-op: No specific care is needed after the treatment.

Hair Removal Experiences Legs - Bikini

My Laser Hair Removal Experience - Legs
by Monyeen

I had always had a problem with shaving my bikini area and getting bad red bumps, ingrown hairs, and severe razor rash, so I decided to start to look into getting laser hair removal. I found a company about 45 minutes from me and decided to call to set up a consult.

The first question I got asked is when is the last time that area has been in the sun? Well, it was July!!! And I’m a sun lover and on the boat all the time. I was informed that I needed to be out of the sun for eight weeks before they would do the consult on me because at the consult appointment they would do “test” spots to see how my hair/body reacted to the treatment. I was told to shave the morning of the consult and do not wax the area for the whole time that I’m doing the treatments. So for the next eight weeks I wore my board shorts while on the boat to stay out of the sun and kept sunscreen on the area too.

Finally, I get to go for the consult. They inform me that laser hair removal works best on light skin and dark, coarse hair. So bikini area is one of the best places and shows the best results. I get changed into a little pair of disposable underwear and the technician comes in to “examine” me. She looks so see how much hair I have and then decides to do four test spots on me with four different levels on intensity on the laser. OUCH. I was informed that six treatments would be all I would need, and every treatment lasts 15 to 20 minutes and they are spaced out to about four to six weeks, whenever I feel I have enough hair growth for another treatment (because the hair grows in cycles). I was also prescribed a topical numbing cream to get filled to take the “edge” off for my treatments.

After five weeks I went back so they could check the test spots and see what level I reacted best to. And THEN we started the first treatment. She puts a gel on your body in the area so the laser gun moves smoothly over your skin, much like an ultrasound. Thank goodness for that numbing agent, because it STINGS!!! It felt like it was described to me, like somebody pulling a rubber band back and slapping it against your skin, time and time again, and you even smell the hair burning sometimes. But the length of time it lasts is short. This was an intense treatment and the ride home I was on fire. But once you get home, you sit with ice packs on the area for relief and that helps tremendously! You’re red and you are slightly scab for the next few days. And you are allowed to shave in between treatments, just no waxing.

After about one week, I thought it didn’t work and it was a waste of my good money. Well, then at two to three weeks, boom, all of a sudden the hair started falling out, and I was so excited!!!

After six weeks I felt I had enough growth for my next treatment and went through that same process again for a total of six treatments. This was two years ago that I had this done and have about a 95% reduction in hair growth in my bikini area. The hair that has grown back is very fine and very sparse. When I do shave, I do not get rashes or ingrown hairs anymore. And I find that I only shave maybe once a week, if I feel up to it. I could go back for probably one or two more treatments and that would hopefully get rid of the rest of the hair, I just haven’t done it yet, but I do plan to.

Melanie's Laser Hair Removal Experience - Bikini Area

You will go 4 - 6 times about 6 weeks apart. You have to go in the time they want you to to follow the hair growth pattern. If they don't remove it at a certain stage it might grow back.
With mine she put an ice pack on the area for a bit and some gel stuff (I think) and started lasering. It's quick and hurts a bit especially in the more tender lower areas.

The laser gets really hot, I guess it destroys the follicle with heat so it kinda burns your skin a bit. It feels kinda like a hot rubber band hitting your skin if you can imagine that. Right after it's red and bumpy (like after waxing). I put Polysporin on it for a couple day afterwards. As it heals it got really itchy as well, but try not to scratch or it'll get irritated.

I noticed a 70% decrease in hair growth the first time. I had 5 treatments and a year later I had a touch up. I haven't had to shave. I paid about $1000.00 (Canadian). But, I don't have to shave anymore. I don't have ingrowns or have to let it grow in order to wax. It's really worth it.

~Melanie (Forum Handle: Cloe10)

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