Laser hair removal can provide the solution you’ve been seeking if you want a smooth bikini line or are tired of shaving and waxing your armpits. Light from a laser is absorbed by dark pigments in hair follicles, then converted into heat that destroys them, stopping future growth and stopping any future treatments from being necessary.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective treatment for eliminating unwanted body hair. As one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatments in the US – with over one million procedures performed annually – laser hair removal stands out as one of the safest yet most sought-after minimally invasive cosmetic procedures available today. Unlike shaving, tweezing or waxing which merely temporarily stops growth; laser hair removal uses high intensity light beams into the skin which targets all the hair follicles at once to eliminate new growth; this quick yet painless procedure requires little downtime or downtime due to no downtime afterward. Lasers emit intense light into your skin which targets pigment within hair follicles which then collapses completely thus stopping further production of new hair. Lasers can be used on many parts of the body including legs armpits chin and underarms.
Prior to treatment, it is crucial that all hair follicles be in their anagen, or growth phase for laser therapy to work effectively. Furthermore, exposure to sunlight can make the treatment less effective.
Topical anesthetic may be used to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Once comfortable, patients lie down while their practitioner uses a hand-held device to move a laser across the desired area – its cooling effect soothing their skin as it moves. Goggles must be worn during this step to protect their eyes from direct light exposure.
Most people require two to six laser hair removal sessions for effective results. While the hair may fall out during these sessions, keep in mind that it will return, possibly thinner and lighter in color. Also important when selecting a doctor to conduct laser hair removal on your specific skin type.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses pulses of intense light to selectively target and destroy unwanted hair growth on the face or body. The laser selectively targets pigment and heats hair follicles without harming nearby tissue or leaving behind scar tissue. Compared with shaving or waxing, which may leave skin raw and itchy afterwards, laser treatment provides more consistent and longer-term results.
As part of your laser hair removal session, we first prepare the treatment area by cleaning and applying topical anesthetic. Next we use the Gentle Pro Dynamic Cooling Device to minimize discomfort. Finally we wear protective eyewear for your safety and comfort during treatment.
Laser light is directed with precision across hair follicles targeted by a technician and, within moments, emits multiple pulses that disable each follicle and stop future hair growth. Depending on your comfort level and treatment area (face, bikini line), you might feel a sting similar to snapping of rubber bands; depending on whether or not any sensitive areas were included (ie: bikini line).
Once all treated follicles have been disabled, they won’t grow back; however, your hair may begin to return less dense or sparse over time as your hormonal balance adjusts again. To maintain optimal results for maximum longevity and safety, we advise annual maintenance treatments.
Electrolysis aims at individual hair follicles; laser technology works on multiple at once for maximum effectiveness in hair reduction and stubble-free skin. Laser hair removal offers an effective alternative that will simplify beauty routines while increasing confidence with no more razoring and waxing needed! Want to learn more? Reach out and give us a call – you may just discover just how effective our laser technology truly is!
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal appears safe, with no long-term health concerns associated with it. Some individuals do experience some side effects post-treatment which range from minor to serious; most of which will subside within several days or weeks of completion of therapy. It is essential that when selecting a practitioner to conduct your laser treatment that they possess an official registered number certifying they meet standards in training, skill, insurance coverage and insurance cover for treatment; they should also perform a patch test prior to beginning any full treatments on you skin.
As part of your laser session, protective eyewear will be provided to shield your eyes from its bright light. The process is relatively quick and can take only minutes or up to an hour depending on the size and location of the area being treated. While some might experience mild burning sensations upon contact with the surface skin area being treated, this is normal and will not harm them in any way.
Your skin may appear slightly discolored after laser hair removal, but this will fade over time. Your doctor may suggest soothing creams or ointments to ease post-treatment discomfort and sun protection is crucial; use broad spectrum sunscreen daily.
Keep in mind that laser hair removal does not completely eradicate all unwanted hair; repeat sessions will be necessary to stop new growth from sprouting back up. Your doctor can advise you as to the frequency of treatments, although most patients find once every month is sufficient for facial hair and 6-8 weeks for body hair.
As your hormones change during gestation, many pregnant women experience unexpected hair growth that may require laser treatments – although embarrassing at the time, it should disappear naturally after giving birth.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?
Laser light emits wavelengths that absorb pigment found in your hair. The energy stored within this pigment is converted to heat that destroys its source follicle and prevents future hair growth.
Treatment is generally pain-free; however, depending on the size and area being treated it could take up to an hour. Aloe gels, skin creams or ice packs may help ease any discomfort that might be felt after the procedure has concluded; additionally direct sunlight should be avoided in these areas for several hours post treatment and you may experience redness or swelling due to this procedure.
At your consultation, we will provide an estimate of how many laser hair removal treatments will be necessary to achieve the results that you are after. This estimate will depend on factors like thickness and color of hair in the treatment area as well as growth cycle at time of appointment – most people require six-8 treatments, though others may require less or more sessions than that.
At our clinic, we will also outline what to expect during your treatment. Fortunately, laser hair removal is typically painless; if uncomfortable with its sensations however, we offer topical anesthetics to minimize their annoyance.
After attending several Laser Hair Removal sessions, you should notice that the hair in your treatment area has significantly thinned and lightened. Any new growth that does reappear tends to be much lighter and finer compared to before; often eliminating shaving altogether! For optimal results, we may suggest touch-up appointments every few months in order to keep your body hair-free – particularly crucial in areas like your chest or back that frequently face sun.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Unwanted hair growth can be embarrassing and require time-consuming and laborious methods of removal such as shaving or waxing to address. A laser and IPL treatment could provide permanent hair reduction that eliminates these methods altogether, saving time and effort!
Laser light energy is absorbed by melanin, an intense pigment found deep within hair follicles of skin. Melanin determines the color of your hair; more melanin produces darker locks while less melanin results in lighter locks. When targeted by laser light, melanin can be destroyed from within its follicles and prevented from producing further hair growth; laser treatments have been proven safe for all skin types including those with dark pigmentation.
Laser treatments may not work effectively on individuals with red or white hair, and one laser pulse won’t eliminate all hair follicles in the treatment area; each follicle varies in its growth cycle; those remaining active will become finer and lighter over time.
Before receiving laser hair removal treatments, it is recommended to wait four weeks after plucking or waxing an unwanted area before shaving with a new blade before each treatment session. You will wear protective eyewear during treatment sessions in order to protect from light exposure; then your practitioner will apply topical anesthetic and begin the treatment process.
John Ayala, MD provides state-of-the-art cosmetic enhancement for facial, breast and body features at his practice in San Antonio, TX. With expert technical ability and artistic aesthetic, he delivers natural-looking results while offering compassionate bedside manner to ensure patients get only top quality care. Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation session and begin reaching your aesthetic goals!
