Laser Hair Removal – Finding The Best Laser For Safe, Effective, Affordable Hair Removal
Thursday, October 29th, 2009(PRWEB) — Laser Hair Removal. Finding The Best Laser For Safe, Effective, Affordable Hair Removal. Medical Spa and Laser Hair Removal Expert in Raleigh, NC Provides Guidelines.
Laser Hair Removal: A Guide to finding effective, safe fast and affordable laser hair removal treatments. Raleigh Laser Hair Removal and medical spa expert Kile Law Provides guidelines for choosing the appropriate Laser Hair Removal system.
Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA clearance in the mid 1990s. Older generation lasers were very slow, very painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and very light skin. Today, lasers can work on all skin colors and some lasers are even safe for treating tanned skinned.
Which laser to choose? -Spot size
The spot size of a laser determines how much skin area can be covered per laser pulse. Lasers with larger 
spot sizes (18 mm)can cover more area much more quickly. For example, a laser hair removal treatment of the back or full legs could take as long as 2 hours with older lasers. Today, these areas can be completely treated in less than 20 minutes. The spot size not only determines the speed and comfort of the treatment, but the efficacy as well. In the April 2004 issue of Derm Surgery, a peer reviewed medical study showed that lasers with an 18 mm spot size (exclusive to the Candela GentleLase www.candelallaser.com ) was more effective at removing hair than lasers with smaller spot sizes.
-Cooling systems
Each laser has a different way of cooling the skin. Some lasers use a topical cooling gel, others use a chilled tip. The most consistent, comfortable and safest way to cool the skin is with a Dynamic Cooling Device or DCD. Lasers equipped with a DCD cooling system are so effective in providing cooling to the skin that no topical numbing creams are necessary.
-Light Sources
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Systems are not lasers. They can remove hair, but recent peer reviewed medical studies show that most lasers are much more effective in treating unwanted hair than IPL systems
Choosing a Laser Hair Removal Center
Board Certified Physician
Many laser hair removal centers today operate without a physician. It is important to be certain that a board certified physician is on the premises or available in case of a concern. To determine whether or not a physician is board certified, go to www.abms.org. Board certified plastic surgeons can be found at www.plasticsurgery.org
Possible complications:
Complications with newer laser hair removal systems (built in 2002 or later) is not common, particularly if the laser is equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device. It is important, however to determine how the laser clinic handles potential complications. Is there a physician available to examine the problem and prescribe medications if necessary?
Packages of treatments
Laser Hair Removal works on hair while it is in the growth phase only. At any given time, between 20% to 40% of the hair on any face or body area may be in a growth phase. Multiple treatments are required for complete clearance of the hair. However, each person may respond slightly differently. Laser hair removal centers should charge for just one treatment at a time. A reputable medical office or medical spa offering laser hair removal will offer individual treatments and not insist on payment of multiple treatments up front.
Pricing:
Because lasers for hair removal are much faster today than ever before, prices should be lower as well. An office offering laser hair removal can charge less for a laser hair removal treatment of the legs taking just 20 minutes vs. a 2 hour treatment with an older generation laser. Avoid centers offering specials” on treatment packages, particularly if there is pressure to buy because a “special” is set to expire.
Consultation:
A complimentary consultation should be available for you to visit the facility, meet the laser technician and experience a spot test with the laser.
When considering a hair removal laser treatment, consumers should ask the following questions:
1) Is this laser FDA approved for hair removal on my skin type and hair color?
2) What is the spot size of the laser? In order for a laser to perform quickly and most effectively, it should have an 18mm spot size
3) Is the laser equipped with a dynamic cooling device (DCD)? This is the safest and most consistent method of cooling the skin. It ensures patient safety and comfort.
4) Is there a board-certified physician on site? A facility without appropriate medical supervision may not be the safest environment for a laser procedure.
5) Are treatments sold in a package or one at a time? Businesses that want your money up front may not have the confidence that their laser will perform effectively. A client should be able to pay for treatments as needed without paying all at once.
6) Are complimentary consultations and spot tests available? You should be able to meet the technician and experience a pulse or two before committing to a treatment.
To learn different laser hair removal techniques, please visit Aesthetic VideoSource. Their new Laser Hair Removal DVD shows 2 different doctors procedures for effective laser hair removal.
