You’ve likely seen the advertisements for at-home laser hair removal devices. They cost less than $500 and they promise hair removal that’s just as effective as going to a professional aesthetics center. But are these devices worth the discounted price? Here, we’ll examine at-home laser hair removal and discuss three potential downfalls compared to seeing a qualified aesthetic specialist.
About Home Lasers
The FDA approved at home hair removal lasers for home use in 2008. They work just like the laser hair removal systems at aesthetic centers, but they are far less robust, operating at a fraction of the power.
The devices cover about a square centimeter at a time, and must be used every two weeks for three months to achieve permanent results. The laser can be used on both the body and the face.
Potential Downfalls of the Lasers
While these lasers are FDA approved for home use, they’re not foolproof. Making mistakes with a laser can cause lasting effects to your skin. Here are three potential downfalls of at home hair removal lasers:
1)They are only recommended for certain skin pigmentations. There is more than just one type of laser, and different lasers achieve different results depending on skin tone and hair color. At-home lasers utilize a laser that only works on medium to fair skin with dark hair growth.
If a woman with a darker skin tone or a tan uses an at-home laser, it can cause permanent discoloration of her skin. That means that at-home hair removal isn’t for everyone and that many people will still need to visit a cosmetic service center for access to a laser removal system that will work for them.
2)You have to be committed and careful. When it comes to at-home lasers, you are the technician. That means that you have to be willing to crane over whatever part of the body you want treated for up to a couple of hours each session. Since the lasers cover such a small portion of skin at a time, it’s going to take a while. Plus, you’ll need to be aware of where you’ve been and where you’re going with the laser so that you don’t miss large patches of hair.
3)You will be missing the oversight of a medical professional. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that a qualified technician who is under direct oversight of a physician perform all laser hair removal. A trained cosmetic services professional will help you asses if laser hair removal is best for your situation. They’ll also remind you about important factors that can affect the efficacy of your treatment; like making sure you are always wearing broad spectrum sunscreen and that you’re not tweezing your hair before a session.
Overall, at home laser hair removal systems are only a good as the operator that uses them. Laser hair removal done under a qualified technician in a doctor’s office is still the safest and best way to go. At Accent Aesthetics, we believe that experience and expertise are worth the price when it comes to your body and image. Contact our Gainesville office today to schedule a laser hair removal or other cosmetic service consultation today.