Fast facts

Laser hair removal

What it is: Laser hair removal is intended to permanently remove hair from a specific body area, using a high-tech laser device that delivers quick pulses of energy to target dark hair follicles. 

What it addresses:  Dark hair in targeted areas including:

- Underarms
- Legs
- Back
- Chin

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Question

Laser hair removal vs. electrolysis - Which is best?

Can someone reccomend, which process works best. Laser hair removal or electrolysis?

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Asked by: curly
Dallas

Answers (2)

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1
December 26, 2008

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis for unwanted hair

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Laser hair removal is clinically indicated for permanent hair removal or permanent hair reduction.  This cannot be said for electrolysis, which provides a temporary reduction in hair follicle growth.

Second, unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal targets many hair follicles at once, thus expediting treatment time in individuals.  Electrolysis works one by one on hair follicles.

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2
October 21, 2008

if the hair has pigment, LHR will be better

John E. Gross, MD
John E. Gross, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

We have had the candela gentle lase for hair removal, and also an aesthetician for electrolysis available for the last couple of years.  Patients that used to get electroylsis are so mauch happier with LHR.

Laser hair removal in many patients can be almost permanent(there may be some minimal regrowth over many years requiring perhaps yearly "maintenance" tx).  The more pigment the hair has the better and quicker the results will be. The energy created by the laser seeks the pigment in the "root" of the hair and heats up the follicle. Unfortunately if there is no pigment,  grey or blonde hair it doesnt work.

In those patients with blond or gray hair electrolysis may be helpful. Electrolysis isnt permanent and will require maintenance tx.

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