If you feel you have too much body hair or you have a few areas where you would prefer not to have hair growth, there are effective methods for its permanent reduction and removal.
Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) and laser therapy are two methods that can achieve permanent hair reduction. Laser and IPL treatment can permanently reduce large and small areas of body hair. The areas that can be treated include the face (except near the eye), upper lip, chin, bikini line, neck, chest, back, stomach, legs, armpits and around the nipples.
The procedure involves focusing a laser beam or IPL device onto an area of your skin. The hair follicle absorbs the light and heats up, destroying the hair and preventing re-growth.
The procedure using laser therapy is most effective on those with light skin and dark hair and is not suitable for everyone, especially if you have very dark skin. IPL is suitable for a wider range of skin and hair colours than laser therapy. An individual treatment of IPL or laser therapy will thin out the hair, so for best results you will need a series of treatments.
The consultant will take you through all the risks and benefits associated with this type of procedure and it is important to talk through your expectations with your consultant before the procedure.
Next steps
For more information on laser hair reduction, to arrange your initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, or to book a free cosmetic nurse appointment, call our cosmetic surgery team on 0800 434 6644 or enquire online.
