The Ultimate Guide to Laser Hair Removal
Last fact-checked: 25 February 2020
Laser hair removal is a permanent way to free yourself of unwanted hair over a series of sessions. Typically, you will need between three and eight sessions. Those looking for treatment can save on the cost of one or perhaps two sessions (as part of their overall course), while others based in the southern states in American can easily head over the border to Mexico to have it done over several months.
Discover more with Medical Departures, including what laser hair removal entails and where you can have it done for less.
Am I Suitable for Laser Hair Removal?
If you are embarrassed by your facial or body hair, or just want to remove it permanently instead of having to shave or wax then laser hair removal is an option.
The treatment has come a long way since it first appeared on the market, but it is only effective for certain skin types and hair colors:
- Light skin and dark hair is the best because the laser targets the pigment in the hair
- If there is little pigment (as is the case for grey, white, blond or red hair), the laser cannot ‘see’ it and therefore it won’t work.
Hairs grow in different cycles and the laser treatment is only effective for hairs in the active stages of growth. Dormant hair will be unaffected, but it will reach an active phase again, which is why several sessions are needed.
What Kind of Body Hair Can I Have Removed with a Laser?
The treatment can be carried out practically anywhere on your body; the most common areas are the bikini line, legs, underarms, chin area and upper lip.
What Is Involved in the Procedure for Laser Hair Removal?
A test treatment will be carried out on a few hairs before the procedure begins properly. The practitioner will examine the area(s) to make sure there are no adverse reactions, and the laser may need to be adjusted. Once everything is satisfactory, the treatment will begin.
You will be given goggles or shields to protect your eyes from the laser beam, and the hairs that are to be treated are trimmed to a few millimeters because the light will be able to penetrate to the root more effectively if the hair shaft is shorter.
The laser treatment is not painful, but it may be a little uncomfortable, and you may be able to smell burning hair.
What Is the Recovery Time for the Procedure?
Your skin around the treated area(s) will feel hot and red for a short while. It may help to apply soothing creams, anti-inflammatories or ice packs to the area to reduce the inflammation.
The redness will dissipate quickly and even after one treatment you should notice a reduction of hairs and smoother skin.
The recommended interval between treatments is four to eight weeks, and you will usually see new hair growth from the dormant follicles between treatments. In due course, there will be less and less hair growth between your treatments until it stops permanently.
What Is the Cost of Hair Removal Treatment Abroad?
The price of hair removal treatment varies depending on how many sessions you need and, of course, where you go. You can generally save at least 50% on the cost in places like Mexico, Thailand and the Philippines.
Get started now by checking our prices (and a whole lot more info) at our verified clinics in these two popular destinations for laser hair removal:
How Do I Book with Medical Departures?
Easily book directly via our clinic listing pages to guarantee the best prices online. You can also speak to a member of our Customer Care Team who can give you a free quote or answer any questions you have about undergoing laser hair removal abroad.
Sources:
Laser Hair Removal. Mayo Clinic. 22 January 2020.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555
Sinclair, Rodney. Thinking of laser hair removal? Here’s what you need to know. The Conversation. 1 August 2019.
https://theconversation.com/thinking-of-laser-hair-removal-heres-what-you-need-to-know-113561
Da Silva, Chantal. Thousands Of Americans Are Crossing The Border Into Mexico Every Year To Get Affordable Medical Treatment. News Week. 18 May 2019.
https://www.newsweek.com/thousands-americans-cross-border-mexico-affordable-medical-treatment-each-1426943