Laser Hair Removal: Back Hair, Mens, Women And Permanent Hair Removal Cost

It's that time of year again: cleaning the garage, washing out the gutters, planning the family summer vacation and ... laser hair removal? Getting that perfect, tanned, hairless body doesn't have to be a time-consuming morning routine. Throw away those dull razors and shaving creams, laser hair removal isn't just for celebrities anymore.

It's an efficient, time-saving miracle for both men and women that can keep the entire body stubble-free for months at a time, especially in those hard-to-reach areas like the back.

Laser hair removal became commercially available to consumers in the mid-1990's, after a 20-year experimentation period. Laser hair removal systems work by using an intense, pulsating beam of light targeted at all hair follicles in a given area. This can be done for all areas of the body including legs, arms, armpits, backs, and bikini lines. The laser permanently disables the follicles, making it impossible for the hair to grow back. But before rushing out and making an appointment, it is important for the laser hair removal candidates to consult with their doctors, because not everyone is able to undergo the procedure.

People that have a tan due to exposure to the sun or other sunless tanning methods are not eligible to undergo laser hair removal, and must wait until the tan fades away to receive the treatment. Candidates also cannot wax or pluck the unwanted hair for three weeks before the procedure is performed, or they will have to wait until the hair has grown back. Those with light skin and coarse, dark hair are the best candidates for the procedure and will likely have the best results, though it can still be performed on other skin types. This is due to the laser being attracted to dark pigments, which is why lighter hair is not as easily detected by the laser.

The procedure itself is done in many sessions, and certain care must be taken before and after the treatments. Since laser hair removal is only effective on short, visible hair, candidates should shave the area two or three days before the treatment, and allow the hair to grow to a stubble. A cooling gel is rubbed over the area to protect the skin, then the doctor will activate the laser and let the light pass through the skin to the hair follicle, disabling it. The skin chars a little, creating a singed hair odor. It is normal for patients to experience moderate discomfort, less for a small area like the upper lip, but more for a large area like the back, which takes several hours to complete.

After the procedure is complete, swelling and redness can occur for up to 48 hours. The affected areas should be kept moist with petroleum jelly or a light antiseptic. It must be understood that laser hair removal is not 100% effective even on the best of candidates. While the procedure may reduce hair counts 40-80%, it is not a permanent hair removal solution.

Back hair is an area that laser hair removal can prove quite effective. Back hair cannot usually be removed unassisted, and it is a very tiresome task to try to wax or shave a back. Hair follicles on the back sometimes become infected, and can be very itchy and painful when one sweats or is exposed to heat. Using laser hair removal on the back in four to six treatments can come close to permanently reducing the coarseness and numbers of back hair for both men and women, eliminating all discomfort.

Risks of laser hair removal are usually temporary, but in some instances, can be permanent. Darkening or lightening of the skin is common after undergoing the procedure, but will usually go away withing 48 hours. Other serious side effects, although rare, include blistering, scarring, scabbing, and permanent changes in skin texture.

The cost of laser hair removal varies, based on which area of hair is being removed and how many treatments it takes to permanently remove the hair. For a small area like the upper lip and chin, the procedure costs $150-$200 per procedure. For a large area like the back, laser hair removal can cost up to $500 per treatment. In comparison, another permanent hair removal option, electrolysis, can cost up to $8,000 for a man's full back. The process can also take up to 150 hours to complete, and can be quite painful.

Laser hair removal may seem like a lot of money and pain just to get rid of some unwanted hair. But to have smooth, beautiful skin all over one's body, to not be embarrassed about unsightly lines and stubble, and to not have to shave and nick skin everyday for a few hours of hairless bliss, is truly priceless.


Sources:
"Laser hair removal." Wikipedia. 5 June 5 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_hair_removal
Laser hair removal: Zapping unwanted hair. MayoClinic.com. 1 Sept. 2006. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 5 June 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/laser-hair-remova l/HQ00981
Garden, Jerome. "Laser Back Hair Removal." Hair Removal Journal. 14 Jan. 2007. 5 June 2007. http://www.hairremovaljournal.org/treat_backhair.h tm