Electrolysis versus laser removal: Which treatment works better?
Electrolysis versus laser removal are two procedures that work by targeting hair follicles located under the skin’s surface.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, laser hair removal has increased by nearly thirty percent since 2013.. Although electrolysis is gaining popularity, it is not as common as laser therapy.
Learn about the advantages, dangers, and other details for every process by continuing to read.
Expectations regarding laser hair removal
The idea is to cause enough harm to hair follicles to markedly inhibit the creation of new hair. While laser therapy produces longer-lasting results than at-home hair removal techniques like shaving, the results are not permanent. For long-term hair removal, several treatments are required.
Benefits
With the exception of the eye region, laser hair removal can be performed almost anywhere on the face and body. This increases the procedure's applicability.
There is also little-to-no recovery time involved. Normal activities can be resumed after every procedure.
You may notice that new hairs are growing, but they are growing finer and lighter in color than previously. This means that when there is regrowth it won’t look as heavy as before.
This procedure usually works best if you have both fair skin and dark hair.
Side Efects and Risks
Among the possible side effects of laser hair removal are:
blisters
inflammation
swelling
irritation
pigmentation shifts (light areas on darker skin typically)
Redness
swelling
After the operation, minor side effects like redness and irritation usually go away in a few hours. If your symptoms persist beyond that point, you should consult your physician.
Rare side effects include skin texture changes and scarring.
By making sure you only receive treatment from a board-certified dermatologist, you can reduce the chance of adverse effects and irreversible skin damage.. Some people ask "If you ask yourself, "What is the best laser hair removal near me?” It is not recommended to use beauty salons or home laser hair removal.
Followup and Aftercare
Your dermatologist could use an analgesic ointment prior to the treatment to lessen pain. See your doctor about using over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines if you're still in discomfort. In cases of extreme pain, your doctor might also recommend a steroid cream.
Common symptoms like redness and swelling can be reduced by treating the afflicted region with ice or a cold compress.
You will require follow-up treatments since laser hair removal inhibits hair growth rather than eradicating individual hairs. Frequent maintenance procedures will further enhance the outcomes.After every laser hair removal, you should also avoid being in the sun as much as possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Sunburn is a possibility because of the procedure's increased sensitivity to the sun. Apply sunscreen on a daily basis.
This kind of treatment requires follow-up consultations. Up to six follow-up treatments are often necessary for most patients every six weeks. After the first laser hair removal session, this aids in halting the growth of new hair.
Cost of laser hair removal
Insurance does not cover laser hair removal since it is regarded as an elective cosmetic operation.. The overall cost of laser hair removal varies based on how many sessions you need. Your dermatologist is the person with whom you can also discuss a payment plan.
The cost-effectiveness of at-home laser hair treatment may be alluring, but its efficacy and safety have not been shown.
What to expect from electrolysis
Another method that dermatologists use to remove hair is electrolysis. Additionally, it stops hair development. An epilator device is inserted into the skin to carry out the procedure. It inhibits the growth of new hair by using shortwave radio frequencies in hair follicles. This results in existing hairs falling out and harms your hair follicles, preventing new development.
Benefits
Electrolysis is quite flexible and yields outcomes that are more durable. It can assist in preventing the formation of new hair on all skin and hair types. Additionally, electrolysis can be used to any part of the body, including the eyebrows.
Side effects and risks
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. Pain and swelling are rare.
Scars 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.
Aftercare and follow-up
Because electrolysis destroys hair follicles, the results are said to be permanent. In theory, damaged hair follicles stop new hair from growing.
These results aren’t achieved in just one session.This is particularly true if you're having the operation done on a big area, like your back, or on the pubic region, which has thicker hair growth.You won't require any more treatments once the hair has grown out. No maintenance is required with electrolysis.
Costs
Like laser hair removal, electrolysis isn’t covered by insurance. The size of the treated area and the number of follow-up appointments necessary determine how much you pay. A few physicians bill on an hourly basis. Electrolysis may need more treatments than laser therapy, but the cost each visit is lower.
At-home epilators are available for sale, but these aren’t as effective as professional devices.Furthermore, the FDA does not regulate the safety of these equipment.
Which is best?
Electrolysis versus laser therapy: both produce longer-lasting effects compared to shaving. But electrolysis seems to work the best. The results are more permanent In addition, electrolysis is less risky and less invasive than laser hair removal, and it doesn't require ongoing treatments.
The disadvantage is that electrolysis requires more time to complete.Unlike laser hair removal, it cannot cover huge areas at once.. Depending on how soon you want to accomplish short-term hair removal, your decision may vary.
Prepare your research in advance and discuss the best course of action with your dermatologist.