Permanent hair removal is the goal of many patients plagued by unwanted bodily and facial hair. Although it is certainly possible to remove hair without regrowth, it is not simple to achieve. In fact, permanent hair elimination is one of the most subjective treatments in the aesthetic industry, with patients experiencing a diversity of results ranging from incredible and satisfying to virtually completely ineffective and temporary.
This guide helps patients to navigate the hair removal industry and to find the best value from their chosen treatment.
Permanent Hair Removal Defined
The idea of truly permanently ending hair growth, in particular areas of the body, means forever. While there are many treatments which affect the hair follicles for extended periods of time, there are few which allow the possibility for truly lasting and enduring hair elimination in a given region.
Hair follicles are the structures which produce hair and they are cyclical in their functionality. This means that at any time, only some follicles are active and growing hair, while others are dormant.
Using most hair removal methods, only active follicles can be ideally treated, forcing the patient to spread the therapy out over many sessions, in order to ensure that all follicles will eventually be subject to the chosen treatment.
This can take weeks, months or even up to a full year in some cases, since hair growth patterns are extremely individualized.
Hair Removal Methods
The modern versions of hair removal which are indicated for permanent treatment of many patients (not all) are greatly limited. These modalities include:
Electrolysis can provide long lasting or permanent hair reduction, but takes a long time, since one follicle is treated at a time. Additionally, multiple sessions must account for follicle activity, in order to achieve full coverage. This can be an expensive and painful proces,s with dozens of sessions needed for some areas of the body.
Laser hair removal, including IPL therapy, is faster and more efficient than electrolysis and requires fewer treatments to complete. However, follicle growth patterns must still be accounted for and treatments must be spaced out to achieve lasting regrowth prohibition.
Permanent Hair Removal Results
Patients rarely know in advance just how effective a particular type of hair removal will be. Results vary greatly depending on may factors and hair regrowth can begin soon after treatment, after an extended break or never again.
It is difficult to predict with accuracy how well particular methods of hair removal will work, but experimentation is not too cost prohibitive or risky.
Patients who are truly interested in permanently removing hair from their bodies or faces should talk to their dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, since these professionals have the experience to guarantee the very best results possible.
Although permanent hair elimination may take a commitment of time, effort and money, it is well worth the process for patients who achieve lasting and excellent results.
