Cosmetic procedures are not new. People have always wanted to look their best and have searched for new ways to remove or diminish the appearance of things they do not like on their face and body. What is new is the sheer volume of options available to those who want to change something about their appearance.
Innovation and technology have led to amazing new ways to improve your appearance. Let’s look at hair removal. At first, if you wanted to remove hair from parts of your body, it required the use of a razor. Razors are effective but not always the thing you want to be using in tender parts of your body that you may not be able to see very well.
Next came waxing. Waxing can give you the desired look and the results last longer than shaving. However, for some areas, you are going to need help to get it done and the procedures can be painful. Now we have new ways to remove unwanted hair, including electrolysis and laser hair removal.
With all of these choices, it may be difficult for you to decide exactly which method of hair removal best meets your needs. If you are considering seeing a professional to have the hair removed, you may be asking yourself, “electrolysis versus laser hair removal, which is right for me?”. Read on to learn more about how each procedure is done and the pros and cons of each. This information should help you to decide which method to choose.
What is Electrolysis?
The electrolysis procedure involves removing unwanted hair one strand at a time. A very thin probe is inserted into the hair follicle. Electricity passes through the probe and into the hair follicle to destroy the growth center of the hair.1 Once the probe is withdrawn, the hair is removed with a tweezer.2
Electrolysis is a permanent way to remove unwanted hair. It may take several procedures before the hair follicle is completely destroyed, but eventually, you can be sure no more hair will grow. It is also painstaking as each follicle must be treated individually.3
Electrolysis Pros and Cons
As with many things, electrolysis offers those who choose it an upside and a downside. Learning about electrolysis pros and cons will help you make an informed decision as to whether this is the right procedure for you.
Pros of Electrolysis
- It is permanent. Once you have completed the series of procedures, hair will never grow in that area again.
- It is versatile. Unlike many cosmetic procedures, electrolysis can be used on any part of the body.
- No recovery time. You can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.
- No harsh chemicals that may damage your skin.4
Cons of Electrolysis
- Requires many repeat visits. For coarse hair, like that around the bikini line, it may take as many as 30 treatments before the hair is permanently removed.
- Treatments may be long. If you are having large areas of hair removed, like from your legs, each treatment may take a very long time.
- Pain or discomfort. Some patients report pain and/or discomfort during and after the treatment.
- Risk of infection. The risk is small, but infections do sometimes happen. You can reduce the chances of developing an infection by using a board-certified and reputable physician who will properly sterilize the probes and other equipment between treatments.5
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
The laser hair removal process uses a laser to heat hair follicles and damage them so that hair will not grow. It is not considered a permanent solution for unwanted hair because the hair follicles may heal and begin to grow hair again. However, once the series of treatments are finished, you can expect to be free of hair for months if not longer.6
Hair laser removal treatments are much shorter than electrolysis treatments because the laser can treat multiple follicles at once. The series of treatments is also usually shorter with most patients only needing four to eight laser treatments to complete the procedure.7
Laser Hair Removal Pros and Cons
Pros of Laser Hair Removal
- It is precise. The lasers quickly target dark hairs.
- It is faster. Each laser pulse takes only a few milliseconds and can target many hairs. Treatments for small areas, like above the lips, may only take a few minutes.
- Lighter, less dense regrowth. While laser hair removal is not permanent, you may find that the hairs that do grow back after treatment are lighter in color and thinner.
- Short treatment series. Most people achieve the desired results in less than ten visits.8
Cons of Laser Hair Removal
- Not very versatile. It is not safe to use lasers to remove hair near the eyes. Also, the laser targets dark colors so people with dark skin or light hair may not have much success with this procedure.
- Higher risk of adverse reactions. These include redness, swelling, blisters, and scarring, most of which are temporary.
- It may cause photosensitivity. Patients should avoid exposure to the sun for at least 6 hours after treatment.
- Potential for serious side effects. The risk is low, but some people have had serious adverse reactions to the numbing agent that is applied before laser hair removal treatments.9
Still Unsure?
If you are still unsure about which of these hair removal options to choose from, visit myskintreatment.com. Here you will find more information about hair removal techniques as well as answers to many of your other skin-related questions.
SOURCES:
- Hi.edu: “Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Understanding the Jobs.”
- WebMD.Com: “Electrolysis for Hair Removal.”
- WebMD.Com: “Electrolysis for Hair Removal.”
- MedicalNewsToday.com: “What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal Versus Electrolysis.”
- MedicalNewsToday.com: “What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal Versus Electrolysis.”
- Hi.edu: “Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Understanding the Jobs.”
- Hi.edu: “Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Understanding the Jobs.”
- MedicalNewsToday.com: “What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal Versus Electrolysis.”
- MedicalNewsToday.com: “What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal Versus Electrolysis.”
