Being of Italian descent and having dark hair, it is no wonder why actress Alyssa Milano would undergo laser hair removal. Being a female in the limelight you have to be at your best. Milano actually told Esquire magazine in 2006 that it was the worst pain in the world and she much rather have tattoo removal. Yet, being a female celebrity and having to be at her best meant no mustache or beard…so she continued the removal process. Other female celebrities who have looked to laser hair removal include all of the Kardashian sisters. Kim, Klhoe, and Kourtney Kardashian were all shown on their E! reality show, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” visiting an American Laser Center in spring 2008.
And females are not the only ones going for laser hair removal these days. Christopher Knight, formerly of the “Brady Bunch,” removed hair around the ears, neck and cleaned up the eyebrows as well. Knight was shown on the hit series “Dr. 90210″ in 2007 getting his hair removed, even in his nose!
All the celebrities are doing it, what about us average people? Is it just for the rich? While it can run you a good amount of money, it has fantastic results and is affordable compared to other cosmetic procedures. If you are looking to get rid of those nasty stray hairs on the neck or perhaps the peach fuzz on your face, laser hair removal may be for you.
What Laser Hair Removal Entails:
A plastic surgeon can perform the laser hair removal procedure. This procedure involves a pulsating light beam which helps to remove the hair. The light beam aims for the pigment found in hair or what is known as melanin. The heat from the light hits the hair follicle and slows down the growth of hair.
It needs to be done several times so that the individual is hair free for a longer period of time. The person will never be hair-free forever but it will last several months. The permanent laser hair removal procedure is not common.
The laser procedure is not painful but can be uncomfortable. It seems uncomfortable because hair follicles have nerves located near them. When the light is pulsating the follicle, it is also pulsating and irritating the nerve endings. Depending on the length of the procedure and the client, anesthetic cream is readily available. The cream is rubbed on the area approximately one hour before the procedure.
Who Should Go for Laser Hair Removal?
Practically anyone can get their hair removed by the laser hair procedure. Best results are shown with patients of lighter skin complexions. For those with darker skin complexions, a longer light beam is used to kill the hair follicle.
Some conditions which may make the patient a less likely candidate for laser hair removal includes:
- A client with dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. The hair removal may cause additional lesions on the skin.
- A client with an active bacterial or viral infection.
- A history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring
- Clients with tans may not get the most effective hair removal and may actually result in scarring.
- Clients who have taken Accutane are recommended to wait at least one year until undergoing laser hair removal. Scars have actually been linked to this drug and laser hair removal when used together.
As with any medical procedure, consult with you physician and plastic surgeon before undergoing the laser hair removal surgery. This will help you weigh your options.
What are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
The biggest benefit is the actual removal of unwanted hair. By removing the hair with the lasers, there is now no need to shave, wax, or use bleaches. This means no bumps, ingrown hairs, stubble, peach fuzz, or itchy skin.
After a procedure, the client is recommended to return for another procedure every four to twelve weeks or as needed. This allows for a longer lasting hair-free neck, face, arms, or any other body part you may have the procedure done on.
Along with the hair removal comes a higher level of self-esteem and a better feeling of oneself. Imagine how you would feel being covered in unsightly hair? Being a female, especially hurts one’s self-esteem if they have unwanted hair growth.
