You may have wondered which is best, laser hair removal or electrolysis? At Advanced Electrolysis and MedSpa, we offer both of these treatments to help people remove stubborn hair and avoid the hassle. Many of our clients may not know the difference between the two procedures or is curious about what procedure is right for them. Because each is so similar, either process may help you achieve results, so here is a breakdown of each. 

Laser Hair Removal

The basis of laser hair removal is that a laser emits energy that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The heat absorbed damages the hair and cauterizes the blood vessels when the hair is attached to the blood vessels. Hair in different parts of the body grow at different intervals and is attached to the blood vessels for only a couple of short weeks. It is why multiple treatments are needed at various weekly increments.

Cauterizing the hair root and blood vessels puts the hair in a dormant state. Over time the dormant hair can be activated due to hormonal changes, medications, and topical irritations. However, when the hair grows back it is found to be lighter. We recommend receiving a touch up laser treatment yearly or utilize electrolysis as the hair sporadically grows back for permanency. Besides potential regrowth, other side effects of using lasers could be redness in the skin, irritation, or slight pigmentation changes in the skin. These side effects usually go away quickly after treatment, but contact your doctor if irritation occurs. 

The downside of laser hair removal is that it does not work best on all hair types. Individuals with blonde, gray, red, white hairs are not good candidates due to the lack of pigment in their hair. All skin types and colors are treatable with laser when using the correct modality. However, those with darker coloring will require additional treatments beyond the typical 6. Those with lighter skin and dark hair are best because a stronger energy level is able to be used. This is due to the fact that the skin will not pigmented to absorb the energy and be damaged.

Electrolysis

The procedure of electrolysis is the only method for hair removal that has been found to be permanent and FDA-approved. Unlike laser, electrolysis destroys the two areas that will activate and feed the hair. A small probe, smaller than the thickness of your hair, is inserted into the opening of each hair follicle damaging the germ cells in the two specific areas with either a small current or heat. By targeting and destroying both areas, the hair will no longer be fed through the blood vessels and will no longer be able to be activated into growth.

When performed by a licensed electrologist there is little to no risk of infection or side effects from the procedure. Individuals may experience a little redness or tenderness after treatment but will slowly dissipate throughout the day. Clients have shared that treatments feel similar to a pinprick. How strong of a pinprick depends upon the area and the sensitivity of the individual.

Those with all hair types and colors can benefit from electrolysis, and it can be used on more areas than what laser hair removal is able to safety treat, even eyebrows. 

Laser Hair Removal or Electrolysis: Which Is Right For You?

Patients who experience excessive hair growth or do not want to deal with the hassle of shaving can benefit from either procedure or a combination of the two.

Laser is quicker and able to treat larger areas in a fraction of the time. Whereas electrolysis is a methodical approach destroying each individual hair follicle through multiple treatments. Individuals dealing with hormonal imbalances may benefit more from electrolysis as the hair follicles will be activated quicker if only laser is used.

The Investment Of Hair Removal

Both procedures have their own affordability. Laser costs depend upon the area and the size of that area. In addition, it will range depending upon the type of laser equipment used. The underarms area range in cost of about $90. If treated properly, 6-8 treatments would be needed for 80-90% clearance. However, it is a quick procedure in comparison to electrolysis in that a whole area is able to be treated in one sitting.

Electrolysis costs are dependent upon the time of length scheduled. The longer the appointment, the greater the cost with the more individual hair follicles treated. Individual sessions vary from 15 minutes at $30 to 1 hour at $90. If a larger area or an area with a larger amount of hair is be treated, sessions longer than 1 hour can be accommodated. Multiple treatments to each individual hair follicle will be needed over a length of time, so it is an investment. However, the outcome of permanency is the weighing factor.

Work With Advanced Electrolysis

We are Northern Utah’s specialty provider for hair removal and advanced skin treatments including cosmetic injections. Each patient that visits our office is given a thorough consultation including a collaboration to address their concerns and needs. The focus at our office is caring of of our patients and providing results. We can help recommend whether electrolysis or laser hair removal is best for your situation. We aim to provide a peaceful environment that helps your focus on taking time for yourself and your health.

Our licensed team at Advanced Electrolysis & Medical Spa works to help you have as much of a pain-free experience as possible and achieve beautiful results. With doctors, electrologists, and master estheticians in our office, all of your medical spa needs are covered. Contact our office in Ogden, UT, to schedule your appointment and get back to a carefree life.