Facial Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal, along with the xenon flash uses of intense pulse light therapy, are recent and effective hair removal methods with results comparable to electrolysis but less expensive . Facial laser hair removal is done to remove  unwanted facial hair, especially in women for which other solutions like shaving, plucking and depilation can be messy and temporary, and for which permanent methods like electrolysis might be time consuming and painful.

Facial hair removal:

The face is the one of the most resistant areas for permanent removal of hair. Temporary methods like shaving and chemical depilation can cause scarring and infection of the hair follicle. Permanent methods like electrolysis need a skillful electrologist and the procedure is painful. So the ideal treatment for facial hair removal is by laser therapy.

Facial laser hair removal  is similar to laser hair removal in any other part of the body. But the number of sessions and the duration of each session vary. One important advantage is the patient can attend the clinic even after shaving, whereas in other methods, hair should be present at least in the form of stubble for effective treatment.  But all other forms of hair removal treatment should be stopped at least one month prior to laser treatment.


Sessions and duration:

The number of sessions and the duration of facial laser hair removal vary.

Sessions:

  • Face - 6 sessions
  • Upper lip - 6 sessions
  • Chin - 5 sessions

Duration:

  • Full face : 5 -30 minutes
  • Upper lip:1-10 minutes
  • Chin : 1-10 minutes
  • Upper lip and chin: 1-10 minutes
As with laser hair removal from any other area, multiple treatments should be given for the best results.

This is because different hairs will be in different phases of growth.  Some will be in a resting phase and might start to grow later. All these hairs of different phases should be treated. It is ideal to give multiple laser treatments in intervals of two months between each session.

The Nd: YAG is the most effective laser as it gives good results in people with all skin colors unlike other lasers which are effective only if the skin is lighter and the hair darker.

Summarizing the characteristics of facial laser hair removal:

Laser hair removal is the most efficient method of hair removal with the results comparable to electrolysis. But when compared to electrolysis,
  • It is cheaper
  • Can be done easily
  • Not as painful as electrolysis
  • Less expensive
  • Multiple treatments needed
It´s not a 100% permanent hair removal method and no such treatment exists.
Since facial hair in hirsutism may indicate a serious underlying problem, along with the facial laser hair removal therapy, treatment should also be aimed at the underlying cause.


This page was last updated on June 20, 2006


 


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