The first approved laser system was the Nd:YAG, which required the skin to be waxed first to remove the unwanted hair and therefore, causing the follicles to open. This is necessary for the laser to reach the follicles, next a light absorbing, carbon based lotion need to be applied to the skin. The laser heats the lotion that has reached the hair follicles, which causes damage to the follicle, but leaves the skin undamaged.
While the Nd:YAG method is still in use, there are newer, less time-consuming laser/IPL hair removal methods available. These methods uses pulses rather than a continuous laser light beam to warm up the follicles. The newer methods also remove the need for waxing of the skin as well as for the application of the carbon-based lotion. The use of the pulse allows the follicle to be heated more quickly while exposing the skin to lesser amounts of damaging heat.
While laser hair removal treatments offer great results that last, it is fairly expensive, especially when compared to hair removal methods that need to be done on a more frequent basis. For example, to remove facial hair, the series of treatments that would be needed will cost approximately $1,000, depending upon where you live. More involved procedures, such as back or legs will be around $5,000 for the series of treatments. However, many patients see this as an investment that in the long run will save them time, pain and money.