How do you know if your laser hair removal is working?

Most patients remain hairless for months or even years. When part of the hair grows back, it's likely to be less noticeable. To keep the area hair-free, the patient may need maintenance laser treatments. If you're interested in laser hair removal, choose a doctor who is certified in a specialty, such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery, and who has experience in laser hair removal for your skin type.

If the laser passes too quickly over the skin, the laser energy will not be absorbed properly. Beware of spas, salons, or other facilities that allow non-medical personnel to perform laser hair removal. The pigmentation of the hair follicles must be dark enough in relation to the skin so that the laser can locate the hair follicles and burn them. For best results, it is essential that the patient follow the proper preparation protocol before a laser hair removal treatment.

The Food and Drug Administration considers these household laser hair removal devices to be cosmetic, not medical, meaning they don't receive the same level of scrutiny as other medical devices. If you choose to use a home laser hair removal device, follow the instructions that come with the device to help reduce the risk of injury, especially eye injuries. If hair growth is the result of a hormonal imbalance, laser hair removal may not work at all for excess facial and body hair. Repeated treatments are often necessary because hair growth and loss occur naturally in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the regrowth stage.

But now, that's not the case, thanks to new technologies that expand the range of laser hair removal possibilities. This yin-yang balance prevents women from growing so much facial hair (and other types of hair). However, there are no comprehensive studies that compare the effectiveness of these devices with laser hair removal performed in the doctor's office. After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don't use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your doctor.

The further away the patient is from the ideal laser hair removal profile, the more difficulties they will experience.