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We specialize in laser hair removal in the Boston area. To make the best-informed decision about getting laser hair removal done, we know that clients would like some questions answered up front.
Here’s a basic overview on the most frequently asked questions put forth to us. Please read these articles and feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
What is laser hair removal, how is it done, by what other names is laser hair removal called?
Laser hair removal is done by projecting a wavelength of length upon a certain darkened area (ie, a hair growth region) to cause the effect of making that area not grow hair again, but what makes this use of laser technology and targeted directed light most effective in hair removal treatment is that is doesn’t damage surrounding areas. In other words, to try and keep this simple without getting all WEBMD on you…laser hair removal directs light towards hair growth areas to stop those areas from growing hair again, with a re-emphasis on the fact that it’s a good method for hair removal because the surrounding skins areas don’t get damaged due to the targeted directed nature of this technology.
Laser hair removal is also known as laser epilation and/or laser depilation but epilation and depilation refer to “hair removal” and any terms that precede epilation or depilation would we describing types of hair removal.
Example: Laser hair removal is also known as laser epilation, and/or laser depilation.
Example: Laser hair removal is sometimes also confused with IPL hair removal/epilation. IPL used flash lamps and Intense Pulsed Light but doesn’t use a laser but employs a different type of light to remove hair.
Some confusion from the FDA about classifying permanent hair removal methods:
The FDA has approved certain permanent hair reduction methods and technologies and laser hair removal falls into that category. Permanent hair reduction is different form permanent hair removal because reduction implies slowed hair regrowth whereas removal implies gone forever…
The FDA considers electrolysis as the only approved permanent hair removal method and that’s been confusing some people because they come to us wanting permanent hair removal but not via electrolysis, but by laser so we have to explain all this to them to cover our bases.
How long does laser hair removal take, and is it permanent or not?
How long your hair removal via laser treatments takes is dependent on body parts size (legs versus chin) and the person’s skin tone and hair growth density and other factors…
Is it permanent will you have to get treatments once a month for years on end?
Using analogies again, the best way to look at this is to compare it to getting a hair cut, but only once a year. The way laser hair removal works for most people is,
- Initial consultation
- Several sessions of treatments are scheduled
- Follow up after treatment schedule ends
- Schedule yearly or bi-annual maintenance checkup/treatment
Laser hair removal safety concerns: Mainstream DIY versus Professional treatments
One thing that should be mentioned about laser hair removal is the safety concerns, and one way to allay your concerns is to remember that people are trying this at home with at-home hair removal devices, then it’s obviously going to be even safer when done by professionals. We like to use analogies when explaining this to our clients, and one analogy we use is the teeth-whitening example. At-home teeth-whitening devices are sold and used, and it’s safe, and just like with teeth whitening, laser hair removal is also safe, and best results ensue when done via professionals. The fact remains that if the government and other regulating bodies are going to allow people to self-treat for hair removal, teeth whitening or anything else, then they will probably try to have the public’s best interests in mind when allowing certain products to be purchased. The downside to this safety concern is that the devices that are available over the counter to the mainstream public are not industrial strength, and won’t work as well as the equipment seen in doctor’s and dentists’ and dermatologists’ offices.
This is common sense though and we know that watered-down consumer-strength self-treatment products versus industrial-strength professional equipment is the balance that needs to be made in order to safeguard the security of those who want to take their hair removal, teeth care and any other matters into their own hands.
Visit Our Blog for more information on hair removal treatments.
