Laser hair removal is a great way to reduce unwanted body hair. It is a quick, relatively pain-free procedure that is much longer lasting than shaving, waxing, or plucking.
The treatment works best on people with a contrast between skin color and hair color, because the pigment in the hair helps the laser light to identify and destroy the follicle easily. Some hair growth will regrow after laser treatment, but it is usually much lighter in color and less dense than before.
If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking unwanted body hair, laser treatment may be the right option. It’s a more permanent way of eliminating unwanted body hair and can save you money in the long run compared to the costs of razors, waxing creams, and other skincare products.
The laser beam penetrates the pigment and converts to heat, which permanently stops the hair follicle from producing new hair. The process is called photothermolysis. The procedure is a safe alternative to other hair removal methods. You will only have some slight side effects, including a redness in the treated area and a feeling of prickling or itching.
A trained technician will apply a topical anesthetic to the treated area before laser treatment, so you won’t feel any pain during your appointment. You should also shave the day before your treatment to make sure that there are enough hairs to be targeted by the laser.
You’ll only need a few laser sessions to see significant results. Each session will take about 15 minutes for smaller areas, such as the lip or chin. It’ll take a bit longer to treat larger areas, such as the legs or arms. However, each session will only take a small fraction of your time, so you can fit them into your busy schedule.
Another advantage of laser hair removal is that it’s a more precise method than shaving or waxing, which can leave some parts of your body with uneven coverage. It also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs, which can cause bumps and itching. Plus, it’s safe for most skin types and colors, including dark skin tones.
Although laser treatments aren’t considered permanent, they can provide a significant reduction in unwanted body hair and can be a great choice for those who want to get rid of unwanted body hair completely. Even if the hair does grow back after your laser treatments, it will be finer, lighter, and less noticeable.
Unlike other hair removal methods, laser treatments are very quick. You can have a full session done during your lunch break, and you’ll only need annual touch-ups to maintain the results.
Areas treated
When it comes to laser hair removal, it is important to choose a licensed professional. Many salons will perform this procedure, but it is best to visit a doctor or a clinic that specializes in it. In addition, it is also important to avoid sun exposure before your treatment, because it can make the procedure less effective. Lastly, you should limit plucking and waxing, because these can damage the hair follicles. Using an exfoliating scrub two to three days before your appointment can help prevent the formation of ingrown hairs and pseudo-folliculitis.
During the treatment, your skin will be protected with goggles or protective glasses. A topical anesthetic may be applied to reduce any discomfort. The doctor will then use the laser on the targeted area, focusing on the hair follicles. Once the hair follicles are damaged, they will stop producing hair and your body will no longer have the ability to grow it. The number of sessions needed will vary by area of the body, but the results are usually permanent.
The bikini line and pubic area are commonly treated with laser hair removal. These areas require multiple treatments to achieve smooth, hair-free skin. Depending on the rate of hair growth, these treatments might be performed every four to eight weeks. However, it is important to note that laser treatment can cause hair to grow back in the future.
Most patients require between six and eight laser hair removal sessions to obtain permanent results. After completing the initial treatment series, most patients will only need touch up treatments once or twice a year. It is important to note that the hair follicles need to be in their growing phase for the laser to target them. Therefore, if the hair is already bald or nearly bald, the process will take longer and may require more treatments.
Some common side effects of laser hair removal include itching and red or pink skin. The itching usually lasts a few days. You might also notice what looks like new growth, but this is only temporary and will be addressed during your next session.
Results
Laser hair removal is an efficient way to remove unwanted hair. However, it takes multiple treatments before you see results. If you don’t take the proper precautions, the procedure can damage your skin. You should only allow trained specialists to perform the treatment. This will ensure that your skin is safe from burns and scarring.
Laser treatment uses selective photothermolysis to destroy the dark target matter (melanin) in the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin. The light energy is absorbed by the follicle and heats it, which disables the follicle from producing more hair. In contrast, the rest of the skin is unaffected and remains cool.
The treatment is not painful. You may experience some redness and swelling immediately after treatment, but these symptoms usually fade within a day or two. You can use a cold compress to reduce any discomfort. It is also important to avoid sun exposure after treatment and to follow your dermatologist’s post-treatment instructions.
A typical session lasts for about 30 minutes. You can expect to have anywhere from a few to eight sessions, depending on the area and your hair growth. You should be able to notice less and less hair growing in the treated areas with each subsequent treatment.
During the procedure, the laser device emits a high-intensity light. The laser device is placed over the follicle, which is then targeted with the beam of light. The laser’s energy is absorbed by the pigment and destroys the follicle, leaving no space for hair to grow.
When the laser targets the follicle, it releases a plume of smoke and vapor that has a sulfur-like smell. The vapor causes a slight burning sensation that is not painful. The laser also emits a vibration that helps to break up the hairs.
It is recommended to shave the day of your appointment, as it will help the follicles absorb the energy more easily. You should also avoid waxing and tweezing before your treatment. This will give you the best possible result and prevent your hair from growing back too quickly.
Side effects
Laser Hair Removal is a safe treatment for most people. It only affects the target follicles and does not harm surrounding skin. However, some individuals may experience mild unwanted side effects after the procedure. These side effects usually do not last for more than a few days. Some of the most common side effects include red, itchy skin and swollen follicles. Some people also experience skin crusting in the treated area, which can result in scabbing or scarring. To prevent these side effects, it is recommended that people moisturize the affected area after the procedure and protect it from sunlight.
During the treatment, a cooling device is placed on the skin to reduce the heat from the laser. This helps to prevent burns and other skin complications. Some individuals also feel pain during the treatment, but it is usually tolerable. There are also some hair colors that do not respond well to laser treatment. This includes red, grey and blond hair. These types of hair are not effectively treated by laser because they do not contain enough pigmentation to absorb the light energy from the laser.
People who have dark hair and light skin complexions get the best results from laser treatment. However, the success of laser hair removal depends on the melanin content of a person’s follicles and the ability of the skin to absorb the light energy. Individuals who have light skin complexions should avoid tanning before laser hair removal.
Individuals should also refrain from shaving the treated area before their appointments. Shaving removes the surface of the skin and opens the pores for the laser to treat. In addition, they should avoid waxing or plucking hair in the treated areas. People should also discuss their medical history with a practitioner to ensure that they are good candidates for laser treatment.
Those who are pregnant or nursing should not undergo laser hair removal. This is because the treatment has not been proven to be safe during pregnancy or nursing. In addition, those who have a medical condition such as keloid scarring should avoid the treatment as it may cause severe skin damage.