There are now a host of state-of-the-art laser systems available for hair removal, and this has made the procedure more popular than ever. Lasers work quickly and gently to get rid of unwanted hair, with virtually no downtime. Some doctors refer to the procedure as laser hair reduction instead of hair removal. But how is laser hair reduction different from laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal
Laser treatment for hair is done to reduce the number of hairs on the body. It is not possible to get rid of all the hair at once, because all the hair does not grow at the same rate. In fact, hair grows in phases, and the laser is only able to affect hair in the anagen or growth phase. That’s why it takes several sessions to maximize results.
How it works
The laser emits a focused beam of concentrated light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment), at the base of the hair follicle. The heat energy then damages the hair follicle, and it not able to grow in the future.
Is laser hair reduction different from laser hair removal?
Laser hair reduction vs laser hair removal really has to do with terminology. When the hair follicle is damaged it can no longer produce hair. There is therefore a reduction in the total number of hairs, and the permanent removal of the hair.
Laser treatment commonly gets rid of about 85% of the hair in a specific area, and doctors generally recommend doing a touch up every 2 years or so.
Laser hair reduction is available in Chicago, Illinois, at the Skin Care Center. Call us at 773-296-3636 to set up an appointment. We also have 2 other locations in Lake Forest – 847-234-6121 and Glenview, IL, – 847-901-0252.