Function

• Laser hair removal uses a pulsating beam of light--a laser--to remove unwanted hair. The laser's heat damages the hair follicle, which stops future growth. While laser hair removal is more effective than purely temporary methods, such as shaving, waxing and tweezing, there is no guarantee that your results will be permanent, according to MayoClinic.com. Generally, you will need several hair removal treatments, and then you will need to maintain periodically the treatments. People typically use laser hair removal to take off hair on their legs, armpits, bikini area, chin and upper lip. But, laser hair removal can work on almost any area.
  
  

Significance

• The best candidates for laser hair removal are light-skinned people with dark hair, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Because the laser beam targets the pigment in the hair; blond, gray and red hairs are more difficult to treat. It is also more difficult for dark-skinned people to receive benefits from laser hair removal. If you have a tan, you are better off waiting for the tan to fade before going in for treatments.
  
  

Considerations

• If you decide to use laser hair removal, discuss with your doctor if you will be a good candidate. Your doctor will review your medical history to make sure you aren't taking certain medications. If you take Retin-A or Accutane, for example, you can't undergo laser treatment. Your doctor will also discuss the benefits, risks and costs of the procedure.
  
  

Features

• If you choose to have laser hair removal done at a doctor's office or a hair removal clinic, the doctor will press a laser instrument to your skin. You may feel a stinging sensation, kind of like someone is snapping a rubber band on your skin. The procedure can take several hours if you are doing a large area like your back, or a few minutes if you are doing a small area like your upper lip. After the procedure, you may experience some redness and swelling for a few hours. You may need up to four to six treatments for optimal results and maintenance treatments every six months to a year.
  
  

Types

• Another option is to purchase one of the U.S. Federal Drug Administration approved at-home laser hair removal devices. These devices work the same way as the kinds the doctors use. They use laser light to target your hair follicle. People generally buy the at-home versions to save money and for the convenience of being able to do this in your own home.