Hitwise Top 10 Medical Site
  Search for Doctors    specialty zip code  
Return to: Home » Health Articles : How IPL Laser Hair Removal ...
Sponsored Link
Richard Buckley, MD
Advanced Dermatology-Pocono Medical Care
Milford, PA
  • BOTOX® Injections Treatment
  • Juvederm tm
  • Sculptratm
About the Doctor

Advertisement
Bookmark and Share

Laser Hair Removal Cost & Profile

  • Avg. Cost: $423
  • Candidate: Unwanted hair on face or body
  • Length: 1-2 hours Depends on area
  • Treatments: Multiple sessions
  • Results: Ongoing
  • Back to work: No downtime

 Compare Procedures

Common Questions & Answers about Laser Hair Removal

"I have about a dozen scars on my shins due to chemical burns (from Nair Hair removal cream) and electrical burns due to bad electrolysis. All of the scars are small (about pea sized) and shallow rather than raised, and are very discolored--brownish purple while I am very fair skinned. I've tried silicone sheets to reduce the scarring, but it hasn't worked at all. I REALLY want to get rid of the discoloration, and would love to get rid of the shallowness, also, but it's the discoloration that bothers me more. What type of surgery (dermabrasion?) could help with with these scars, and what's a rough estimate of the cost? I hope you can help me. I can't go another summer in pants every day, but I can't bear to wear shorts with all of these ugly scars. Thanks for any help you can give me. Carla"

Laser Hair Removal Doctors Near You

Photo Thomas Wright, M.D., F.A.C.P., R.V.T.
Saint Peters
Photo Renaissance Plastic Surgery,
Saint Peters

Get the Beautiful Living Newsletter

Minimally Invasive Surgery (BOTOX®)

Free monthly newsletter of up-to-date Minimally Invasive Surgery (BOTOX®) stories with unique perspectives directly from doctors and patients.


We Value Your Privacy!

Search: 

How IPL Laser Hair Removal Works


Advertisement

Waxing, shaving and electrolysis are often tedious and time-consuming ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, but there is a permanent hair removal option available. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy has been used for several decades as a skin rejuvenation treatment, but the same technology can be used for laser hair removal procedures, offering a permanent and painless solution for getting rid of unwanted hair on the face or body.
 
The treatments work on most skin types and the total cost of treatment may be far lower than standard hair removal methods. Here’s what you need to know about the IPL laser hair removal procedure:  

The IPL Laser Procedure

IPL can be used on any part of the body, including sensitive areas such as the bikini line, stomach, underarms and upper lip. The treatments can be administered on both men and women who want to achieve smoother and sleeker skin without waxing or electrolysis.
The IPL laser hair removal device works by emitting a spectrum of light and heat energy directly into the hair follicle, effectively breaking down the hair and slowing down hair growth. The light is powerful enough to heat up darker skin tissues but leaves lighter skin completely unaffected. 
 
As the hair follicle becomes weaker, the hair grows back at a very slow rate and eventually, does not grow back at all. Most people require a series of 6-8 treatments to completely break down the hair and disable the cells. The treatments are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, but more stubborn areas such as the underarms, chest and back may require more treatments at 6-week intervals.

Benefits of IPL Laser Hair Removal

IPL laser hair removal treatments are virtually painless and do not have any major side effects. No anesthesia is required to perform the procedure, but some skincare specialists may use a light anesthetic on very sensitive areas. Any redness or swelling that occurs after the treatment will disappear within a few hours. Other benefits of the IPL laser hair removal procedure include:
 
  • Lower overall cost than a lifetime of waxing, shaving or electrolysis
  • Little or no downtime
  • Quick and painless procedure
  • Few side effects

Drawbacks of IPL Laser Hair Removal

While the IPL laser offers several benefits, there are some risks involved. Results may take longer than expected, so a series of ongoing treatments may be required until desired results are achieved. Some skin types may develop light pigmented spots or hypo-pigmentation from the intense laser; this is typically irreversible, although some people notice that dark skin spots fade after a few weeks or months.
 
Coarse, light-colored hair is typically the easiest to remove, while dark-colored and thin hair may require more than the average number of treatments to achieve desired results. Doctors and laser hair removal specialists must take precautions when treating darker skin or tanned skin because this skin type does run the risk of burning and extensive skin damage.
 
IPL laser hair removal offers several benefits for people looking for a permanent way to get rid of unwanted body hair, but the treatment may not be suitable for all skin types. Learn more about laser hair removal treatments in our information guide, or consult with a laser hair removal specialist in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for this innovative treatment.

Published: 01/23/2009, Last Updated: 01/23/2009

By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers

Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.





Laser Hair Removal Surgery Information Guide

Basics of Laser Hair Removal
"I've heard about the surgery and I'm looking to learn a bit more about things like cost, whether it's right for me, and what options I have."
  1. Laser Hair Removal Basics
    Unwanted hair can cause sufferers to feel unattractive and less confident. For some temporary solutions like shaving and waxing are not adequate, leaving them to turn to laser removal. Learn whether or not this option is right for you along with typical costs.
Details of Laser Hair Removal
"I already know some basic things about the surgery and I'm ready to research some of the details and maybe ask some questions."
  1. How the Face and Body Age... and how we can combat the telltale...
    Age, smoking, diet, sun exposure, and other factors all contribute to changes in physical appearance. Learn what can be done to reverse these changes.
  2. A Lifetime Skincare Plan
    How your skin can look its very best, no matter what your age.
  3. Laser Hair Removal Before & After Photos
Ready for Laser Hair Removal
"I've pretty much finished by research on the surgery and I think I'm ready to find and meet with a doctor to get started."
  1. Find Doctors around Saint Peters, MO
  2. Find Doctors In Other Cities
  3. Patient Financing
    Think you'll need help paying for your surgery? Almost anyone is a candidate for easy financing of up to 100% of the surgery costs.
After Laser Hair Removal
  1. Recommend Your Doctor
Featured Articles & News Related to Laser Hair Removal
"What other related things might I like to know?"
  1. 10 Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Predictions for 2005 from ASAPS
    The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) predicts trends in plastic surgery for 2005.
  2. Looking Glass Gloom: What happens when your mirror tells lies?...
    Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) affects about 1% of North Americans, but for these patients, psychiatric help is a more effective treatment than what a plastic surgeon can offer.
  3. Picture Perfect: Before and After Photos-- Can You Trust Them?...
    How can you be sure that the before and after photos you're looking at aren't false or misleading? Learn what to look for and what questions to ask.
  4. BOTOX Reaches Top Ranks of Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures...
    According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures accounted for 10 million treatments in 2007; here's a closer look at the top five.
  5. Top Six Treatments at the Medical Spa
    Whether you’re looking for skin rejuvenation procedures or dermal fillers, you’ll find several options on the menu of services at the medical spa. Here are just six treatments you can look forward to:
  6. Tax Rebate Check in the Mail? Five Cosmetic Procedures to Splurge...
    If you’re in dire need of a makeover or cosmetic enhancement, your dream may not have to wait much longer thanks to the 2008 economic stimulus package. Here are five cosmetic procedures that cost an average of $600 or less.
  7. Ready for the Beach? Cosmetic Enhancements for the Season
    Are you ready for swimsuit season? If you need to zap away cellulite or get rid of unwanted hair, consider these top treatments before heading into summer.
  8. Extreme Makeovers for Summer – Are You Ready for Yours?
    Are you ready for summer with that beach-ready body? If you need some help beyond your diet and workout routine, a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure may help you look your best this season.
  9. How to Take Care of Skin After Laser Hair Removal
    Since your skin can become overly sensitive after laser hair removal treatments, you'll need an action plan to help it repair itself with ease. Here are some simple ways to keep skin healthy and help it heal.
  10. Electrolysis or Laser Hair Removal? How to Make the Right Choice...
    Shaving and waxing aren’t your only options for getting rid of unwanted hair, and both electrolysis and laser hair removal can offer near-permanent results. How do you make the right choice?
  11. On a Tight Budget? Affordable Treatments at the Medspa
    With the slowing economy, cosmetic surgery may seem like a luxury. Still, you can find several affordable treatments and procedures at the medspa; here are a few options.
  12. Best Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair
    If you’ve been looking for ways to get rid of unwanted body hair and improve your skin’s texture, consider some of these popular options:
  13. How IPL Laser Hair Removal Works
    Waxing, shaving and electrolysis are time-consuming ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, but there is a permanent hair removal option available. Learn how the IPL laser hair removal process works, and if you're a good candidate for treatment.
Browse All Articles

Related Subjects and Keywords: laser hair removal  ipl  ipl hair removal  intense pulsed light  permanent hair removal  hair removal  IPL  


Search: 


Advertisement

Dissatisfied with our Health Articles? Have a health article suggestion?
Tell us how we can improve.