Hi, I have been to a clinic to find out about LHR removal.
I am a male with quite a hairy back, and am hoping to get it done on this area. I have been told I am a good candidate for LHR.
The laser type being used on me will be an epi-touch alexandrite laser. The only thing I am worried about are long term effects of LHR, have they been looked at by anyone?
I think LHR is similar to electrolysis in that they both kill the hair follicle correct? I am convinced electrolysis is safe, since it has been around for a long time, but it would be too time consuming and costly for my back.
I was wondering what the differences between the two methods are? Please let me know if you have any knowledge to share.
They both “destroy” tissue that nutures a growing hair. Laser hair reduction can disable several hair follicles at once and elctrolysis is hair by hair. Both proceedures require hair to be GROWING. Both take about a year and a half if performed correctly with skill and special techniques. Electrolysis, when performed by a skilled electrologist using a good brand computerized epilator and a properly selected probe can proceed speedily, but is not as fast as laser. You will need more time on the table with electrolysis. With laser you get reduction. There will be areas that are bald and areas that have hair. With electrolysis, all hair can be removed.
With either proceedure, it will not be cheap, fast or painless. I’m talking about several thousands of dollars. The last man’s back I did with electrolysis cost about $5000.00 using MicroFlash/ PicoFlash thermolysis. He was very, very hairy. I believe close to one hundred hours were logged over 14 months for electrolysis, with a few cleanups in months 17 and 20. He’s flying high now and doesn’t need me. From what I have heard, laser can cost as much and I have been told that 12 or more sessions are needed for a man’s back, as this is a tough area to conquer. Laser providers, correct me if I’m wrong.
Laser is safe according to the medical community and published reports. There has not been an epidemic of skin concerns reported concerning skin cancer if that is what you were wondering about.
Thanks for your replies in this and my other topic pdeco1 and dfahey.
I am 22 years old. I do not appear to be going bald, but I think that I might in the future, since it is in the family. Please let me know why you asked this question.
Do you know if there are there any doctors who are skeptical of LHR or is it almost universally accepted as being safe?
It is a good idea to get a consultation with an electrologist (or several, if you have more than one in your area) and one with an LHR clinic and compare the costs and time to completion.
Depending on the amount of hair, and amount of hair you have that laser can treat (it won’t work on light hair) it might be more cost effective to go with electrolysis. Also understand you will still have some hair leftover after laser you will need to have removed with electro.
There are pros and cons with laser. Before making a decision, make sure you read the laser FAQ on this site.
LHR has been around since the mid 1990s. It is 100% safe. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise.
At 22 years old there is a strong chance that you will continue to grow back hair. You are young and full of testosterone. LHR can only destroy the hair that is currently growing. You can/will get amazing results, but you could need touch up treatments down the road.
The same testosterone that attacks hair on male scalps, causing male pattern baldness is the same testosterone that causes excess hair growth in other areas.
Find a practitioner that has experience removing male back hair.
Safety is not an issue with LHR. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise as mentioned. What I would be most concerned with is that your hair is coarse enough for laser. How coarse and dark is the hair on your back? That will determine how good your results area. Laser works best on dark coarse dense hair, so that type of hair will get the best results. Of course, finding someone with the best machine for your skin type and lots of experience is very important as well. Please read the FAQs here. You’ll find that you’ll need to check out at least 4-5 clinics before you make your decision. And you need to start looking for clinics based on what type of machines they have.