Laser Hair Removal for Men
Common questions, concerns, and information for men who are interested in laser hair removal.
Typical Male Patients
Men who want to reduce or eliminate hair do so for a wide variety of reasons, both practical and cosmetic.
Male patient, prior to treatment. This patient commonly experienced painful ingrown hairs in the neck area as a result of shaving. (Actual patient.)
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Picture of the actual laser hair removal treatment. (Actual patient)
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Prior to the laser hair removal treatment, a topical anesthetic can be applied to the area being treated. This minimizes discomfort. (Actual patient)
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Male patient immediately after second treatment. Some temporary redness and bumps occur in the treated areas, which typically disappear in a few days. (Actual Patient)
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Some men want to remove hair due to excessive pain involved with ingrown hairs, foliculitis, and razor cuts.
Some men (such as firefighters, policemen, military personel, and athletes) must adhere to strict grooming standards, and wish to reduce the time spent on shaving and constant neck trims.
Other men have so much hair that they can be embarassed removing clothing or being seen in a swimsuit.
Some of the most requested areas of hair removal for men include the back, face, neck (front and back), chest, the pubic region, although just about any area can be treated.
About the Treatment
Many men are surprised at how simple the actual laser hair removal procedure is.
An average treatment typically begins with the application of a topical anesthetic to the area being treated, so discomfort is brought to a minimum. During the treatment, the patient is given protective glasses to wear, as the eyes are very sensitive to the laser.
The technician then introduces the patient to the laser appliance (which is usually shaped like a laser gun with a small crystal at the end). The technician then applies the device to the areas of the skin being treated, and turns on the laser. At this point, much of the hair immediately "pops out". The procedure is repeated to cover the entire treatment area.
Is it painful? What does laser hair removal feel like?
Since pain is most often reduced by topical anesthesia prior to treatment, most men typically describe the pain involved with laser hair removal as mild.
In general, areas with more hair, or thicker hair, are "felt" more. These areas typically give a small "popping" sensation when the laser is applied to them. In areas of low hair growth, some men report this sensation as "tickling".
Is it safe?
Yes, laser hair removal is typically safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there may be exceptions.
How many treatments are necessary?
A common misconception about laser hair removal is that one treatment will remove all hair, and this is simply not true. As hair grows in cycles, a course of 3-5 treatments (one each month) is typically necessary for effective laser hair removal.
How does laser hair removal compare to waxing, shaving, and electrolysis?
There are many options for hair removal, and each has benefits and drawbacks - including laser hair removal. See our laser Hair Removal Comparison chart to compare and contrast your hair removal options.
After the treatment
After the treatment, patients can immediately leave the office as there is no recovery time involved. Over the next week, some patients may experience mild or light burns, discoloration, or bruising in the treated area. In rare, extreme cases, small blisters may temporarily form.
As many of the treated hairs tend to work themselves out of the skin over the course of a week, there is the potential for these hairs to temporarily appear as small bumps.
Actual before and after photos
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Chin area, before. (Patient)
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Chin area, after. (Patient)
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Consult a qualified San Diego doctor to find out if laser hair removal is right for you.
More information and free consultations
If you have more questions about hair removal, arrange for a free consultation with a qualified San Diego laser hair doctor.
If you are interested in learning more about the technical/scientific aspects of laser hair removal, please see the laser hair removal wikipedia entry.
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