Man, Remove That Hair!
Laser Hair Removal
Believe it or not, some men just do not enjoy being hairy. And, some women do not enjoy their men being so cuddly…you know, like a bear. Nothing against hairy men, but it certainly can be a personal issue. BTW, we are not talking about the top of the head. Other areas? Chest, abdomen, neck, face, etc., etc., etc.
Back Hair Got You Down?
The most common area men want laser hair reduction is on their back. This occurs for various reasons but for the most part, it feels “funny” against a shirt, “my girl feels like she is hugging a pillow”, “it looks strange unless I am wearing something”, etc. There also are many athletes such as swimmers and cyclists who prefer the “smooth” rather than the “fluffy” for reduced resistance. For whatever the reason, often it is quite possible to remove, or at least greatly reduce the hair. For those with lighter skin and dark hair…don’t put it off. It is difficult (probably not yet possible) to satisfactorily remove white hair!
Time? Money? Pain?
Unfortunately, there is a bit of discomfort involved in laser hair reduction. For those with lighter skin, the pain is less if an Alexandrite laser is used. However for darker tones and lighter hair, an Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser will need to be used, and this, despite claims, is quite painful. Several treatments are required, but the hair density (amount of hairs) is less each time, so you can visualize the end of the tunnel. This keeps you coming back.
A full back hair treatment can take a solid half hour if the laser is fast, longer for slower units. Since lasers themselves are quite costly, even without the cost of the personnel involved, you can expect to pay well over $1000 for a series of treatments. In this economy however, you may find extra enticing deals, which are worth exploring.
What to Ask
Ask about results. Remember, no matter what you may be told, 100% permanent hair removal does not exist. It may take a long time, but heredity and new cell growthwill encourage its return. Also, don’t ask for an accurate estimate over the phone…the charge may increase once you are seen. Standard treatment series are 4 to 5 sessions. Ask if a “touch-up” is included if the hair is not decreased sufficiently. Ask about discomfort. Some areas can be pre-treated with numbing creams, though I would not recommend this for a full back or abdomen, any area that is large due to the risk of toxicity from the numbing medication. Ask about who performs the treatment and what their experience is. In some states anyone off the street can perform these treatments. Ask how they guard against “burning” you.
Finally, DON’T BE SCARED! Now is the time!
From Dr. Bonnie: When first meeting, my patients tell me they want to look younger, and we talk about their concerns. For most its a sense of not looking as “fresh” as they used to. As we continue to talk, I find many are under incredible stress, and it’s aging them beyond their real years. They’re aware of the pressure, and maybe even of the toll it’s taking. Unfortunately, its not easy to figure out how to get off this energy draining treadmill that’s sabotaging their chance to look great. I ‘ve discovered three common problems that almost all of these patients share, and even went so far as to prepare three separate videos, which have become my “prescriptions”. Each deals with a different problem and shows step-by-step how to eliminate them from your life. I would love to share them with you, and there is no charge. The first is titled “The Dirty Little Secret of Multi-Tasking” and as the title may hint, Multi-Tasking is not helping us save time nor get things done faster. You will also begin receiving My Beauty Tip of The Week every Friday. In it I discuss things just like in the article above and can answer your questions, should you want to ask. It’s also free and you can unsubscribe at any time. I look forward to hearing from you. Dr. Bonnie Bonnie
May, Tuesday 2011 at 10:45 am
How long before the hair grows back typically?
July, Friday 2011 at 9:27 am
When one has laser hair removal, the hair is usually gone for a few weeks, then comes back less. After 4 or 5 treatments, it is usually gone for good.
August, Wednesday 2009 at 8:00 am
Do you own the lasers that you use or do you lease them?
August, Wednesday 2009 at 4:52 pm
We own. I feel it is better to be completely familiar with your lasers and are then able to make sure they are maintained properly.