Laser hair removal is a medical procedure using laser light to eliminate unwanted hair. The laser beam works by beaming a laser light of a certain wavelength through the skin. The laser specifically goes after the dark pigment called melanin in the hair. When the laser beam hits the hair follicle, the heat destroys the hair follicle. It usually takes several rounds of laser treatment to produce longer hair-free periods.

Because the laser targets melanin, it works best on dark hair, particularly dark hair on someone who has fair skin. This type of removal doesn't remove light red, light brown, blonde, or white hair. The procedure should be done by a licensed physician who is board certified in dermatology, or else by a licensed nurse or physician's assistant who is supervised by the physician during the treatments.

This procedure has a number of side effects, most of which are minor. Incomplete hair removal or hair regrowth is fairly common. Sometimes the skin surrounding the area treated darkens temporarily. In people with darker skin, the skin surrounding the treatment area can end up lighter. Any crusting or scabbing from laser hair removal is temporary.

New hair growth may be finer and lighter, and it is possible that new hair may grow in areas next to the areas treated. They can be addressed with further laser treatments. Clients who tan must wait until the tan fades before having laser hair removal, usually a period of four to six weeks.

The length of time laser hair removal takes depends on how large the area to be treated is. With the chin, it might just be a few minutes. But with a larger area, such as a leg, it can take hours. There are no bandages or medications after the procedure, but the skin may be red and swollen for a few hours, and the skin may sting for the first day or two. If the skin crusts over, clients should apply petroleum jelly over the area.

Leonard Dawson is a freelance article writer who writes for Cosmetic Surgery Guru about current issues, technology and news within the cosmetic surgery market.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leonard_Dawson