For nearly 10 years now, medical lasers have been used for such things as tattoo removal, clearing up acne scars and other blemishes, and removing dark spots on the skin. Now they are increasing being approved by the FDA and used for such things as wrinkle removal, tooth whitening, and hair removal.

Is it really permanent? Many laser hair removal providers tout their processes as painless or permanent. The FDA says there must be enough evidence to support those claims and it is actually giving some manufacturers authorization to state permanent hair reduction but not removal. Be careful if you select a provider who says their process is permanent and painless. If you have the manufacturer and model number of the laser, you can directly call or write the FDA to see if they have approval for medical use.

Still, laser hair removal can be a great option for anyone wanting to remove unwanted hair from anywhere on their bodies. It works for both men and women, and is more effective if the hair is noticeably darker than the skin.

How does it work? As laser light passes through the skin, it is converted to heat and is absorbed by the pigment melanin in the hair follicle, effectively disabling the follicle itself and thus preventing further growth. Some clinical trials have been successful in preventing hair re-growth for up to two years, making laser hair removal one of the longest-lasting hair removal methods.

There are a number of advantages of laser hair removal over other forms of hair removal such as waxing, sugaring, depilatory creams, tweezing, etc. For one, the procedure is non-invasive, and does not require creams or needles. Another benefit is that the light beams can move quickly, and effectively treat larger areas in a small amount of time. And don't forget the long-term results.

Although most insurance policies will not cover laser hair removal procedures, it pays to shop for price as well as methodology. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported an average single treatment cost around $388. Many areas require multiple treatments to gain the maximum benefit, so the cost can add up. That should be weighed against the cost of alternative methods of hair removal which would have to be done more frequently.

If you suffer from unwanted hair, that hair is dark, and your skin is at least a few shades lighter than your hair, you should look into this long-lasting hair removal method.