Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, offering fast and efficient way to rid oneself of unwanted hair growth. Unfortunately, however, laser removal can be expensive.
Under medical insurance policy, elective cosmetic procedures like Botox injections aren’t covered, so many individuals seek financial solutions such as personal loans to cover the expense.
Cost
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulses of light to destroy hair follicles and prevent further growth. It’s an alternative to shaving and waxing, which only remove the tips of hairs without their roots being addressed. Laser treatments take only minutes and are much less painful. They leave skin looking smoother than shaving or waxing did and leave behind no raggedness that might mar its appeal; but as this does not completely prevent future hair growth it may need regular sessions for best results.
Laser hair removal costs can depend on several factors, including location and area size being treated. Larger areas will cost more, depending on type of laser used and price; furthermore, who performs treatment can have an effect; typically a dermatologist licensed to perform laser hair removal may cost more than an esthetician or other cosmetic technician.
At your initial consultation, the practitioner will go over your procedure with you and can provide a quote tailored specifically to you. He or she may recommend multiple sessions in order to achieve long-term results, and each time around the area will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared for laser light treatment – the skin may even be shaved if necessary and numbing gel may be applied as necessary; additionally you’ll be provided with goggles to wear during each procedure while laser light will be directed onto it.
Sometimes you may require six or more treatments to achieve the results that are satisfactory to you. Although hair will generally not reappear after your last session, it may still return slowly over time and require regular maintenance appointments in order to prevent its return. In such instances, annual maintenance appointments are essential in keeping hair away from returning.
Though most health insurers do not cover laser hair removal, you could utilize your flexible spending account to fund it. Though initially it will cost more, over time you will save money in terms of less razors or wax needed from salon visits.
Benefits
Laser hair removal offers several clear advantages over time, chief among them saving money over the long term. According to studies, women spend thousands annually on waxing and shaving products – once you complete a series of laser treatments they’re gone forever! Additionally, this procedure enhances your skin, leaving it smooth and flawless for added benefits!
Laser light targets pigment in hair follicles and converts it to heat, damaging them and eventually stopping their production of hair. You must attend regular treatments over several months for best results; each session should be painless and safe; any discomfort that might occur should pass quickly afterward.
Laser treatments don’t cause as much surface damage than other methods, however you should still limit sun exposure after laser hair removal sessions for several days and use moisturizer and face mist products to keep your skin from drying out.
Laser treatment not only removes unwanted hair but can also reduce ingrown hairs, creating an even complexion and helping with issues caused by hair growth like folliculitis and discoloration.
Before beginning treatment, your doctor will clean and shave the area to be treated, before donning protective eyewear and starting the process. They may apply topical numbing cream before the laser beam aims at your face – this may be especially helpful on sensitive spots like upper lips or bikini lines.
Once your treatment has concluded, your skin may appear reddened and swollen for approximately 24 hours before returning to its previous state. During this time, it is recommended that you refrain from visiting gyms, saunas and hot showers and wear sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF protection when heading outdoors. If any adverse side effects appear or persist beyond 24 hours please seek medical advice immediately from a dermatologist.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal for the face uses laser light to safely and effectively eliminate unwanted facial hair. The light absorbs by melanin present in hair shafts, then converts that energy to heat which destroys follicles preventing new hair growth. While multiple sessions may be required to achieve desired results, laser removal treatment is generally much less painful than shaving or waxing.
Laser hair removal for facial areas is usually considered cosmetic treatment and will likely not be covered by health insurance plans. However, if performed for medical reasons (like reducing sweating or itchiness), coverage may apply; in such instances it would be wise to consult your doctor and insurance provider beforehand for more details.
Before opting for laser hair removal, it’s essential to consult a trained specialist about all your available options. They will assist with selecting the most effective procedure to fit your individual needs while creating a personalized plan within your budget. Furthermore, they’ll offer information regarding both potential risks and rewards of laser hair removal treatments.
As part of the laser hair removal process, protective eyewear will be provided. Furthermore, prior to receiving treatment with laser therapy it’s advised that patients refrain from performing procedures like plucking, waxing and electrolysis which disrupt hair follicles and prevent effective laser treatment from taking place.
Some patients may experience temporary side effects following their session, such as redness or swelling. These typically are only minor side effects that should subside quickly afterwards. Rarely, blisters and scabbing may develop; these instances should only occur under extreme circumstances.
Laser treatments carry an increased risk of infection compared to traditional hair removal methods like waxing or tweezing, because heat from laser beams destroys hair follicles which causes inflammation on skin surface resulting in irritation or swelling; some medications may also trigger side effects as a reaction.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, make an appointment at one of the clinics in Murray Hill, Manhattan or your local area to meet with a specialist and discuss potential risks and benefits with you before custom tailoring a plan that best meets your skin tone and hair type.
Preparation
Laser hair removal for the face is generally an easy and safe procedure when performed by an experienced and qualified laser specialist. However, you should take certain precautions and preparation steps prior to beginning a session – such as not using sun beds or exposing treated areas directly to sun for at least two weeks prior to using sunscreen with SPF 30 protection if exposed directly in sunlight; using facial scrubs or chemical peels two days beforehand would also be wise.
Prior to your procedure, it is wise to forego plucking and waxing for at least six weeks prior. The laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in hair shafts; therefore if hair bleached from root removal occurs or removed bleached it won’t be targeted by its light beam. Shaving 24 hours prior is also essential as this reduces thermal damage risk to skin.
At the start of a laser hair removal procedure, you will lie on your back while wearing protective goggles to shield your eyes. Your practitioner will mark the areas to be laserd with a pencil before shaving any existing hair in preparation for applying a numbing gel and laser treatments to destroy hair follicles; once this has occurred, those areas won’t grow hair anymore and eventually fall out.
Once hair removal has occurred, your skin may feel cold and numb for several minutes afterward. Mild redness and swelling may occur; usually this resolves within several hours but could last several days; should symptoms continue, taking a hot bath may help alleviate their severity, or applying moisturizing cream directly onto affected areas may provide temporary relief.
Laser hair removal should be treated as an ongoing process that may take multiple sessions before permanent results can be seen. This is because laser treatments destroy hair follicles that need time to die off, with hairs likely shedding and sometimes appearing like continued growth during this process.
