Keratosis Pilaris can be difficult to treat when hair regrows back. Laser treatment has proven successful at minimizing bumps and clearing skin; however it may require multiple sessions before visible results emerge.
Ideal candidates for laser treatments include those with dark hair and light skin, since the contrast helps the laser target follicles more precisely. Patients should avoid shaving or plucking in advance of treatment.
Treatments
Keratosis pilaris may not be permanent, and you can take steps to reduce its appearance and make your skin smoother. Topical creams containing ingredients like salicylic acid, urea and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) may help soften keratin plugs that form bumps on the skin – these treatments are known as “keratolytics.” If necessary, using loofah will also work to scrub off these plugs.
Laser treatments may also provide effective relief from KP. Pulses of light from the laser target melanin pigmentation and convert it to heat that damages hair follicles to prevent future hair growth, thus alleviating inflammation and redness associated with KP.
Your dermatologist can determine the appropriate treatment for your skin by analyzing its type and color, which will help them choose an ideal laser and treatment parameters. They may advise you against shaving, waxing or plucking before laser treatments in order to limit irritation; additionally you may be advised to wear sunscreen to protect the area post-treatment.
Laser hair removal is generally quick and pain-free. You may feel something similar to rubber band snaps against your skin as the laser beam zaps the unwanted hairs away. Treatment sessions could last from minutes up to an hour depending on the size of the treatment area; swelling and redness may arise afterward; you can reduce discomfort by using topic anesthetic before your appointment if desired.
Once treated with laser therapy, keratin plugs will be cleared from your skin leaving behind smooth, clear skin. Your dermatologist may suggest scheduling laser sessions four to six week apart for optimal results and provide aftercare instructions to support healing while optimizing results; such as avoiding tanning beds and the use of sunless skin products as well as possibly receiving lightening cream prior and after laser treatments as necessary.
Side Effects
Laser treatment works by passing through your skin and targeting hair follicles with light energy from a laser, heating up their surface area and stopping new hair growth. Your doctor might use a cooling device or cooling gel on the tip of their laser instrument to protect and decrease discomfort for patients; some might experience tingling sensations or sunburn-like sensations during or immediately following their treatments; these effects usually subside within days after therapy has ended.
At a laser session, your physician will press a handheld laser instrument against your skin to activate it and may cause a warm pinprick sensation; this should generally not be too uncomfortable. He or she may also provide topical anesthetics like numbing cream to reduce any pain and irritation associated with the procedure.
Once your laser treatment has been completed, it’s essential that you follow your dermatologist’s post-treatment instructions to reduce risks such as temporary skin discoloration – this usually resolves itself over time. Your dermatologist will let you know when it is safe to resume a normal skincare routine such as exfoliating and moisturizing three times weekly on the area treated by laser.
After laser hair removal for keratosis pilaris, it’s often wise to avoid hot showers and baths as hot water may irritate the treated area and increase your risk of complications. Your dermatologist should provide or recommend a lotion which you should apply directly after each treatment session to the treated area.
Laser hair removal for keratosis may not be a cure, but it has been demonstrated to significantly reduce goosebumps. Not only will shaving frequency and duration decrease, but in some cases shaving altogether is eliminated altogether! To determine whether laser treatment could work for you, please reach out to one of the Body Details locations nearby and schedule a complimentary consultation session; you may require multiple sessions over time with follow up touch ups needed annually in order to maintain results. Laser treatment offers many advantages to both men and women seeking smoother, softer skin so make an appointment today and find out how laser treatment for keratosis can help achieve desired looks!
Preparation
If keratosis pilaris is bothering you, laser hair removal could be the solution. But before and after each session of laser hair removal therapy begins, extensive preparation must take place in order to achieve effective results or avoid complications. Failing to follow all instructions properly may diminish results or cause complications that impede successful treatments.
Before your first laser session, it is advisable to stop plucking and waxing the area to be treated, since lasers work best when the hair follicle remains undamaged. Shaving can still take place but should not occur too close to your appointment time.
Avoid products that darken the skin as these could prevent the laser’s ability to penetrate the skin and destroy follicles. If you have a very dark complexion or recently used self-tanners, a skin bleaching cream may be required prior to treatment; consult your physician regarding available solutions.
On the day of your appointment, it is best to avoid using creams, oils, makeup, deodorant or sunscreen products that could obstruct treatment. Wear loose, breathable clothing as much as possible in order to minimize friction with healing tissues and minimize friction from rubbing against it as it heals. In addition, try keeping the treated area cool and moist after treatments have taken place in order to decrease swelling and redness.
If you experience any pain or discomfort after treatment, take an OTC pain reliever such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for relief. While recovering, be sure to moisturize frequently with lotion that contains low fragrance and fatty molecules such as cocoa butter for best results.
Prior to receiving laser treatments, it is also vital that you avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for two weeks prior. Sunburn can interfere with the effectiveness of your treatment and keeping the area covered up by wearing a hat and using an SPF 30 is important – otherwise wear an umbrella over any exposed areas if exposed directly to sunlight.
Results
Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is not a serious skin condition, but can be unsightly and embarrassing. While most will outgrow it over time, some individuals choose to treat their condition with medications or other means in order to lessen its appearance and improve skin texture. Although there is no permanent solution, treatments such as topical steroids and laser therapy may help lessen its appearance while improving texture of skin texture.
Traditional treatments for KP have focused more on treating its symptoms rather than its source. Moisturizers and emollients can soothe bumpy textures on skin while keratolytic agents like salicylic acid can unclog clogged keratin plugs that lead to raised bumps of KP. Light-based treatments like IPL broad band laser or the long-pulsed 755nm alexandrite laser may also help decrease KP by dissolving hair follicles to stop future clogging of plugs leading to raised bumps of KP.
Laser hair removal can help eliminate KP by dissolving melanin from hair follicles, thereby stopping their ability to produce new hair growth. Unlike most traditional forms of hair-removal involving shaving, waxing or plucking – which require invasive and often painful procedures – laser hair removal offers noninvasive and virtually pain-free solutions.
Laser treatments work by converting melanin to heat, damaging hair follicles and stopping further hair growth. However, this procedure may lead to temporary redness and irritation after treatment; thus it is wise to consult a certified medical provider.
When selecting a laser technician, it is ideal to choose one who has extensive experience treating various skin conditions – including KP. An experienced provider will have better insight into whether your skin responds positively and can tailor their setting accordingly.
Many patients have reported significant KP improvements after receiving laser treatments; however, multiple sessions may have been needed before seeing any noticeable differences in the condition of their skin. Therefore, it is crucial that any patient seeking to reduce KP rather than eliminate it visit an experienced dermatologist for any necessary laser procedures.
