What to Know About Laser Facial Hair Removal

Many women today are faced with a problem, that until a few short years ago, they were embarrassed to admit they had: the problem of unwanted facial hair. This was something that their mothers and grandmothers never talked about, either they used some type of method in order to rid themselves of the problem, or even if noticeable, they politely ignored it and never made reference to it. For years the methods used to hide this highly visible problem ranged from hot waxing to simply plucking each hair with tweezers, aside from that the only other option offered was shaving and hoping make up would mask the rest.

Thanks to medical science, there is now a much more permanent method of dealing with this problem: Laser Hair Removal. Once upon a time lasers were something from Science Fiction movies, but now they are a reality and one that has been put to several good uses, such as removal of unwanted facial hair. I know there are a lot of people wondering; "how does facial laser hair removal work, and what are the side effects and risks?" I would like to offer you my first hand knowledge of this, having known people who have used this method.

The treatment itself is very simple and done in the physician's office. The time it takes for the appointment itself is the same as a standard doctor's appointment. Do be aware that the facial hair removal laser treatment is not simply a onetime visit however, in order for these results to become permanent and completely remove the unwanted facial hair; it may take 4 to 7 treatments for permanent results, depending on the amount of hair being removed. The reason this treatment requires multiple applications is for two reasons: (1). Human hair does not grow at one set rate, in other words, each hair grows at its own rate. For this reason it takes multiple treatments in order to reach all of the hairs. (2). Although some follicles may be dormant, not producing hair, they are still capable of becoming active. If there are any inactive follicles the treatments will stimulate them to produce hair. Once the hair breaks the skin's surface the laser sends a pulse to the follicle and completely kills it, insuring no possibility of hair re-growth.

The facial hair laser removal treatments consist of an application of numbing liquid, basically liquid Novocaine, to the facial area to be treated. After given a few minutes to numb the area, the treatment begins, depending on how much area is to be covered and the coarseness of hair will depend on the size "wand" to be used. It works much like a camera flash, it is placed on your skin and flashed, and you feel a tingling as the laser singes the hairs exposed. It is very important when dealing with the facial area in this manner to remember to close your eyes, your attending physician will give you a pair of eye covers to prevent any issues with this.

After the treatment is completed you will experience redness in the area treated, as well as a discomfort akin to a slight sunburn. It's important to remember not to pull or remove the hairs treated, you'll notice in a day or so, as the redness disappears, so too will the hairs. They will begin to fall out, not to return.

This treatment is very safe and very effective and if given the choice I am sure many people would choose to do it again. Your dermatologist can provide you with more information.

If you enjoyed this article and found it helpful or interesting, be sure to check out my curling irons, laser hair removal prices, and male laser hair removal articles.