Electrolysis Vs Laser Hair Removal- Treatment, Benefits And Side Effects

With so many different methods of removing unwanted hair available these days, one is spoilt for choice, but the question is, ‘Which one is right for you?.

Deciding on the best treatment can be a herculean task, but I have taken the time to look into electrolysis and laser hair removal to give you some insights into both methods.

Laser hair removal is a medical treatment that uses a focused beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair, while electrolysis uses electric current to remove unwanted hair.

During laser hair removal, the pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs the laser light. Heat from the conversion of light energy affects the skin’s tube-shaped sacs that house hair follicles.

The damage inhibits or postpones the growth of new hair.

While laser hair removal effectively inhibits hair growth for prolonged periods, hair removal is usually not permanent, while electrolysis provides permanent hair removal.

Multiple laser treatments are needed for the initial hair removal process, and more treatments can be required.

Laser hair removal is beneficial for all skin types, though people with light complexions and dark hair tend to benefit the most from it.

Electrolysis Vs Laser Hair Removal

While laser hair removal temporarily slows and thins hair, electrolysis does permanent laser hair removal and fully prevents hair growth.

Electrolysis can be used on any type of hair or skin, however, people with a light complexion and dark hair are most suited for laser treatment. It is believed that both are safe in the long-term for health purposes.

Which is Best?

Both electrolysis and laser therapy produce longer-lasting results than shaving.

However, electrolysis appears to function the best. The outcomes last longer. In addition, electrolysis is less risky and less invasive than laser hair removal, and it doesn’t require ongoing treatments.

The drawback is that electrolysis needs to be done over a longer period of time.

It cannot simultaneously cover large areas like laser hair removal can.
How soon you want to finish the short-term hair removal process may influence your decision.

In contrast to laser hair removal, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supports electrolysis as a long-term fix.

Benefits of Electrolysis

Electrolysis is so versatile, with more long-lasting results. It can help with all skin and hair types in inhibiting the growth of new hair.

Additionally, electrolysis can be used to any part of the body, including the eyebrows.

Risks and Side Effects of Electrolysis

Although minor side effects are frequent, they usually disappear in a day or two. The most typical sign is a little redness from irritated skin. Swelling and pain are not common.

Scarring and infection from the procedure’s non-sterile needles are potential serious side effects.

The hazards can be reduced by visiting a dermatologist who is board-certified.

Electrolysis Vs Laser Hair Removal cost

The entire cost for a larger area, such as the legs, might range from $2,000 to $10,000.

This is a loose estimate of the total cost, which may depend on the location and personnel handling the treatment.

 

Laser Hair Removal Before Treatment

Choose a specialist who has experience with laser hair removal for your skin type and is board-certified in a specialty like dermatology or cosmetic surgery if you’re interested in the procedure.

If a physician assistant or registered nurse performs the procedure, make sure a doctor will oversee it and be there while it is being done.

Before undergoing laser hair removal, schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine if this is the best course of treatment for you.

The following is likely what your doctor will do:

• Analyze your medical history, being especially mindful of drug use, any history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal attempts.
• Go over the potential dangers, rewards, and expectations, as well as what laser hair removal can and cannot achieve for you.
• Capture pictures for before-and-after comparisons and long-term evaluations.
• During the appointment, talk about a treatment plan and any related costs.

Typically, laser hair removal is a paid service.

Additionally, the physician will give thorough instructions on how to prepare for laser hair removal:

One of them is avoiding the sun

Avoid the sun whenever you can, both before and after the treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every time you step outside.

Making your skin lighter

Steer clear of any sunless skin care products that darken your skin. If you have a recent tan or darker skin, your doctor may also advise using a skin whitening cream.

Steer clear of other hair removal techniques

At least 4 weeks before to treatment, the hair follicle shouldn’t be affected by electrolysis, waxing, or plucking.

Refraining from taking blood thinners

Find out from your doctor which medications, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications, you should not take before the procedure.

Shave the affected region

The day prior to laser therapy, shaving and trimming are recommended.

It removes hair that is above the skin and could burn the skin’s surface, but it leaves the hair shaft intact beneath the skin’s surface.

Laser Hair Removal During Treatment

To protect your skin and reduce the danger of side effects, a cooling device on the laser’s tip or a cold gel may be used, depending on the type of laser.

Your skin will be treated by the doctor using a portable laser instrument.

When the physician activates the laser, the beam will pass through your skin and reach the hair follicles.

The intense heat from the laser beam kills the hair follicles, stopping the growth of new hair.

Pain, such as a warm pinprick, may be felt, and the gel or cooling device will likely cause you to feel cold.

A small area, like the upper lip, might just require a few minutes of treatment; taking care of a bigger area, such as the back, might take up to an hour.

Laser Hair Removal After Treatment

You may experience redness and swelling in the initial hours following laser hair removal.

To relieve any discomfort, apply ice to the injured area.

If you get a skin reaction right away following laser hair removal, the doctor could prescribe a steroid lotion to the affected area.

Avoid sunlight and tanning beds for six weeks after laser hair removal, in between appointments, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day.

Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

The patient’s skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and compliance with pre- and post-treatment care all influence the chance of negative reactions.

The following are the most frequent adverse effects of laser hair removal:

skin inflammation:

Following laser hair removal, temporary discomfort, redness, and edema are likely.

Usually, the symptoms and indications go away in a few hours.

A shift in color:

The removal of laser hair may cause the afflicted skin to lighten or darken.

These changes may be permanent or just temporary.

The people most at risk for skin whitening are those with darker complexions and those who don’t protect themselves from the sun either before or after treatment.

A shift in the texture:

If laser hair removal results in burns, blisters, crusting, scarring, or other issues, the skin’s texture may change.

Rare but probable side effects include increased hair growth surrounding treated areas or graying of treated hair, particularly in darker-skinned individuals.

Laser hair removal is not recommended for the eyelids, brows, or adjacent areas owing to the potential for significant eye injury.

Maintenance & Therapy

Two to six treatments are typically needed for laser hair removal.

The space between treatments will change based on the area.

On areas like the upper lip, the treatment might need to be repeated every four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly the hair grows.

The treatment can be repeated every 12 to 16 weeks on the back and other areas of the body where hair grows slowly.

For each treatment, you will wear specific goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam.

An assistant may shave the area once more if required.

Your skin may receive a topical anesthetic from the doctor to lessen any discomfort while receiving treatment.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Within a few days to a few weeks, your hair will start to fall out.

It could appear like the hair is still growing because hair growth and loss cycles occur naturally, which makes it typically necessary to receive multiple treatments.

When administered to newly growing hair follicles, laser hair treatment is most effective.

Results are quite erratic and unpredictable. Hair removal usually lasts several months, perhaps even years, for most people.

With laser hair removal, permanent hair removal is not guaranteed. Normally, hair regrows lighter in color and with a finer texture.

If you want to permanently reduce your hair, you might need maintenance laser treatments.

Laser Hair Removal Machines

Both for personal and business use, there are many hair removal devices available.

For the removal of various types of hair, there are many machine types.

Other Related Laser Hair Removal News

Brazilian laser hair removal

Brazilian laser hair removal is a cosmetic operation that removes hair from the pubic area, including the labia and perianal region, by using laser light energy.

A focused light beam is used to target the hair follicles in the process, damaging them and reducing hair growth in the treated area.

Clearstone laser hair removal

‘Men and women can receive the very best laser hair removal and cutting-edge skin care treatments at Clearstone Laser Hair Removal & Med Spa’, according to its website.

Bikini laser hair removal

Permanent hair reduction via laser hair removal in a bikini enables you to acquire the silky, seductive skin of your dreams.

Braun laser hair removal

With 3 straightforward power settings (normal, gentle, and extremely gentle).

This Braun laser hair removal technology is now available for comfortable and effective use, even in delicate areas.

Groupon laser hair removal

According to its websites, ‘there are unlimited discounts at Groupon facilities around the world’.

Laser hair removal NYC

There are many laser hair removal centers across New York City that promise a wholesome laser hair removal experience.

Renova laser hair removal & med spa

The best laser hair removal facility in Houston is Renova Laser & Medspa.

‘We are a practice that puts patients first and strives to give our visitors the greatest aesthetic treatments’, according to its website.

Laser hair removal for men

Some guys heal more quickly from laser facial hair removal than women do because of the larger density of oil glands in men.

Men frequently want laser hair removal for their faces, backs, chests, legs, and private areas, particularly if they participate in sports like swimming.

Milan hair removal

According to customer reviews on its website, ‘your Milan team will know your name and grow to know you throughout the process, so you’ll never simply be a number or another face’.

‘They’ll understand your objectives and the significance of laser hair removal to you’.

Laser hair removal near me

Find deals on discounts at facilities near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does laser hair removal last?

How long will laser hair removal’s effects last?

For months or even years, the majority of people don’t grow hair.

Probably not as noticeable after some of the hair regrows.

For the area to remain hair-free, a patient may need to have follow-up laser treatments.

Is laser hair removal permanent?

Permanent hair removal is not promised by even the best laser hair removal product.

Normally, hair regrows lighter in color and with a finer texture.

You may need more laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

A laser hair removal treatment typically costs $285. However, it is crucial to remember that costs might vary greatly, depending on a number of factors.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Although laser hair removal is safe, it can occasionally result in adverse effects like pain, irritation, and long-lasting red skin.

Additionally, home laser removal is safe, but it might not be appropriate for everyone, especially those who are pregnant and those with specific skin types.

There is no proof that laser hair removal contributes to skin cancer.

How does laser hair removal work? 

It isn’t long-lasting. It takes consistent treatments to stop hair from growing back.

Everybody has a varied requirement regarding the quantity of sessions.

For example, you could need a session every 4 weeks to eliminate facial hair and every 6 to 8 weeks to remove body hair.

Laser hair removal may not be 100% effective in getting rid of hair.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

On skinnier areas, such as the top lip and temples, the laser may feel a little more painful.

To put it into perspective, laser hair removal is significantly less unpleasant than waxing and less uncomfortable than getting a tattoo or visiting the dentist.

Conclusion…

Compared to electrolysis, which targets a single hair at a time, laser hair removal is faster since it targets a larger area. If you want a long-term fix, electrolysis might be a possibility.

Additionally, the laser can permanently reduce hair. Both methods can be successful if they are carried out properly.

 

Disclaimer

This information is not meant to replace medical care from a licensed healthcare or beauty expert; rather, it is meant for educational and self-awareness purposes.