Laser Hair Removal for Men
First off, laser hair removal for men is often sold as "permanent" hair removal. It's not. Rather, even with multiple treatments, you should think of it as permanent hair reduction. Here's what the FDA has to say about the matter: "… may not claim that laser hair removal is either painless or permanent… [laser hair removal] intended to effect stable, long term, or permanent reduction… does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area." And with that said, let's set lasers to... smooth.
When it comes to hair removal, men accounted for 176,630 of the procedures performed in America in 2007, that according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In terms of popularity among men, this places male body hair removal just behind BOTOX® and Microdermabrasion. Why so popular? Well, one reason is because, let's face it, while a full head of hair never seems to goes out of style, a full body of hair hasn't been popular since the 1970's. Another reason is that, like women, even men can grow tired of the constant shaving. And, unlike women, we're not much into depilatories (creams, gels), plucking, waxing or tweezing. Besides, all of those methods for removing unwanted and unsightly hair can be both time consuming and costly.
With laser hair removal for men, it's possible to zap and permanently reduce unwanted hair on the:
- Face, including the chin, upper lip and ear lobes
- Neck, back and shoulders
- Chest
- Arms (including the underarms), legs and hands
- Pubic area
During the procedure, the laser targets the pigment in the offending hair follicle, while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. In the past, laser was most effective on men with light skin and dark hair, but thanks to technological advances, laser hair removal can often prove effective on a wide variety of skin types and hair colors.
So... the cost of laser hair removal? The table below has the answer, along with a lot more important information concerning male body hair removal.
The Guy's Guide to Plastic Surgery for Men
Laser Hair Removal |
|
|---|---|
| The Numbers: | 176,630 male body hair removal procedures performed in the United States in 2007 (Source: ASPS) |
| Objective: | To reduce the appearance of unwanted hair practically anywhere on the body except around the eyes |
| Benefits: | Smoother skin, free of unsightly hair |
| Duration of Procedure: | From just a few minutes, up to about an hour |
| In/Outpatient: | Outpatient |
| Recovery: | Minimal, although you should avoid sun exposure for a few weeks following treatment, as well as apply sunscreen when outside |
| Cost of Laser Hair Removal: | $466(Source: ASPS. National average, 2006. Physician fee only.) |
When it comes to hair removal, men should keep two last things in mind: because of the growth cycle of hair, several treatments may be needed to achieve desired results; and, there are some risks associated with male body hair removal. Men can minimize these risks by adhering to their plastic surgeon or dermatologist's instructions.
Find a Plastic Surgeon in your area now.