By: Timothy Jones, MD

Patients who want to reduce unwanted facial hair have two popular, FDA-approved options to choose from: laser hair removal and electrolysis. While both men and women have achieved good results with both, there are several factors to consider before deciding which one is best for you.

Basics: How They Work

Laser hair removal in St. Louis, MO works by directing light energy into the pigment of the hair follicle and damaging it to stop hair production.

Electrolysis is designed to stop hair from growing by inserting a thin needle into each individual hair follicle and directly applying electrical current to the root in order to kill it.

Comparison: Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis

Results

Laser: Laser hair removal in St. Louis can reduce hair production by 40%-80%. The light targets pigment in the hair follicle, so this approach is most effective for people with light skin and dark hair, although newer laser systems have adjustable settings that make them for a wider range of patients.

Electrolysis: According to some practitioners, electrolysis removes hair more permanently than laser, but results are often compromised by burning, scarring, and other less welcome results.

Procedure Length

Laser: Usually, 4-6 treatments are required, spaced at least a month apart to treat all active hair follicles. Depending on area being treated, each laser hair removal procedure in St. Louis, MO will last about 15 minutes.

Electrolysis: Because hair follicles are individually treated, a single procedure may last 30 minutes or more, and anywhere from 15-30 procedures are needed to achieve desired results.

Risks

Laser: After treatment, some swelling and irritation of treated areas is normal, although this will generally fade quickly. Although the laser energy is designed to pass through the skin without affecting it, darker skin will tend to absorb more of the heat.

Electrolysis: This method is commonly associated with burning and skin discoloration, especially if the device is older. Skilled practitioners can often avoid this, although much of this risk depends on your healing tendencies.

Note that the skill and experience of the doctor performing the procedure is just as important as the selected hair removal method.