Laser Hair Removal

There have been tremendous advances in the use of lasers for the removal of unwanted facial or body hair.

Lasers produce intense light that is absorbed by the pigment in hair called melanin. The melanin absorbs the light and heats up. This heat damages the hair follicle without hurting the surrounding tissue. The damaged hair follicle stops producing hair or replaces thick adult hair with a fine, light-colored hair (vellus hair).

Traditional hair removal methods, such as waxing, shaving, and plucking, remove only the hair shaft. This leaves the hair follicle in place to grow new hair. Electrolysis delivers an electrical current to each follicle that can lead to permanent hair removal. However, it is painful and slow and usually requires multiple treatments over months or years.

Before laser hair removal
Before Laser Treatment		 After laser hair removal
After Laser Treatment

Laser hair removal is a safe, effective, and convenient alternative to those methods. Lasers can treat large areas quickly, often in the time it takes to shave. Improvements may be seen after only one treatment, but repeat treatments are usually required to achieve desired results.

During treatment, you will experience mild to moderate discomfort similar to being snapped by a rubber band. Most patients tolerate the procedure without anesthesia, but anesthesia may be recommended for sensitive areas. This may include a numbing cream applied to the skin one hour before treatment.

Beforelaser hair removal
Before Laser Treatment		 Afterlaser hair removal
After Laser Treatment

After treatment, the area may appear swollen and feel like a mild sunburn.

Results of laser hair removal depend on several factors, including:

  • Hair color—Lasers are most effective for dark hair. Light hair lacks sufficient melanin to absorb the light and heat up the hair follicle.
  • Hair thickness—Thicker hairs respond better than thinner hairs.
  • Skin color—Previously, only fair-skinned people could be treated with lasers for hair removal. Now dark-skinned individuals can also be treated, but gentler and more numerous treatments may be required to deliver the same results.
  • Body area—Arms, legs, underarms, and hair in the bikini area respond best to treatment. Facial hair (chin and lip) tends to be more resistant.

People of all skin colors and hair types will benefit from some delayed hair re-growth for as long as 6 months after one treatment. However, because not all hair follicles are active at the same time, multiple treatments are usually needed to remove all hair from each area. Most people require 3–6 treatments, 4 to 6 weeks apart. After the initial round of treatments, your doctor may recommend maintenance treatments once or twice per year.

Along with mild side effects, some people may experience scarring or changes in skin color, although these changes are rare and usually resolve quickly. You can minimize these risks by carefully following your pre- and post-treatment instructions.

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Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

© 2010 Vivacare.
Last updated August 23, 2010.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

Additional Resources

Laser Hair Removal
More Information
Hair Excess (hirsutism)
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