Laser hair removal can be an effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair. However, some individuals have expressed fears that the procedure might lighten their skin tone during treatment.
Historically, laser hair removal equipment wasn’t sophisticated enough to differentiate between pigment in hair and skin pigmentation – leading to complications like dark spots, blisters and scarring.
What is the process?
Laser hair removal is an extremely safe, efficient, and pain-free method for eliminating unwanted hair. Most patients report no adverse side effects following treatment; however, certain skin types may experience temporary changes to skin color, hypo- or hyperpigmentation, swelling of hair follicles, scab formation, purpura or infection; to minimize risks when seeking laser hair removal treatment it’s important to choose a reliable provider and select appropriate laser settings and types suited for your own unique skin type.
As part of your treatment, you’ll experience some minor discomfort – many patients compare it to feeling like rubber bands snapping against their skin or experiencing sunburn. Over time, as your hair follicles shed and new thinner hair takes its place – any pain should gradually subside over several days to weeks.
Prior to your dermatologist visit, it’s essential that you follow their instructions regarding pre- and post-treatment care. Furthermore, it is advisable that you avoid sunbathing and using self tanner products before your appointment as they could damage skin surfaces. Finally, shaving the area could increase risk.
Laser hair removal is an extremely safe procedure when performed by a licensed and experienced medical aesthetician. FDA-approved, it should generally be suitable for all skin types; however it’s wise to research any potential providers so as to ensure they have experience treating all shades and thicknesses of skin.
Laser hair removal can be performed on any part of the body where unwanted hair exists, including legs, arms, chest, back, neck, chin and bikini line. While all hair colors and skin textures can benefit from laser treatment, it typically proves most successful on those with light complexions and dark hair.
Although laser hair removal is generally safe, as with any medical procedure it requires training and can potentially result in complications when performed incorrectly. People with darker skin tones are particularly prone to experiencing skin lightening and other side effects due to ineffective laser settings or types being utilized; so it’s essential that those interested visit a dermatologist familiar with laser treatments as well as their skin.
How long will the treatment take?
Laser hair removal sessions typically last anywhere from several minutes to an hour or more depending on the size of the treatment area. Before each session begins, skin will be cleansed and some patients may receive numbing cream; this is helpful when treating small areas that can be sensitive. Next, a technician will hold taut the skin before applying pulses of laser energy pulses that target unwanted hair removal – many patients describe the sensation as being similar to snapping rubber bands against skin or sunburn-like stinging sensation. A sulfurous smell may accompanying laser energy vaporizing hair follicles from behind!
After each laser pulse, a technician will move the laser to another spot within the same area and repeat this process. Multiple sessions may be required in order to ensure all hair follicles have been destroyed within your target area. It’s essential that protective eyewear be worn during laser hair removal sessions; otherwise, laser light could damage eyes. While results will differ between people, six or more laser sessions are likely enough for lasting hair removal.
Prior to and following laser hair removal sessions, it is wise to avoid tanning beds and natural sunlight, while wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect yourself against sunburn. Tanned skin makes laser light pulses less effective while its heat could have adverse reactions such as burns or discolorations of your skin resulting from your session.
After laser hair removal, you may experience redness or swelling at the treatment site. These symptoms typically subside within hours or so; if they do persist longer term or become severe, please reach out to a dermatologist immediately so they can evaluate and address these problems accordingly.
Those considering laser hair removal should consult with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who is well versed in laser technology and all forms of skin, as well as verify their credentials against a list that indicates they fulfill certain standards of training, skill, and insurance coverage.
Will I experience any side effects?
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment option for most skin tones, but it’s essential to take safety measures beforehand and afterwards. Your physician can offer guidance regarding preparation for sessions as well as caring for the results afterwards. Common side effects may include slight irritation or bumps; these should disappear within hours post treatment. Your physician may suggest applying an ice pack in order to reduce swelling or pain associated with treatment sessions.
Before and after receiving laser therapy, it is also vital to limit exposure to sunlight as lasers may cause discoloration on the surface of your skin. A broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher will best safeguard your skin.
As mentioned above, waxing and shaving the area prior to and following laser treatment is recommended, as this increases hair follicle sensitivity to pulsed light treatments. Furthermore, chemical peels, glycolic acid solutions, or retinol creams should be avoided as these may increase risk for complications.
Rarely, laser treatments may cause serious side effects that require medical intervention, including blistering, crusting of skin and changes to its texture. Such side effects usually manifest themselves when someone has high sensitivity to laser light or has undergone multiple treatments at an extremely rapid rate.
If you are considering laser hair removal, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist first. He or she can conduct tests to see if your hair color and skin type are suitable for this treatment option. Setting realistic expectations about what this treatment can and cannot accomplish can also help alleviate frustration or disappointment should the results fall short of your expectations. Dermatologists can also offer guidance on how to best prepare and care for your skin before and after laser treatments, helping reduce risk and experience long-lasting results. Ingrown hairs or any other issues related to unwanted body hair will no longer need to be groomed away regularly; saving both time and money long term.
Will my hair grow back?
Are you tired of shaving or waxing every other day to remove hair? Laser hair removal could be the ideal solution! Fast, efficient and long-term laser treatments offer fast results; once a series has been completed, you will notice a significant reduction in hair growth with any regrowth being much lighter and thinner compared to before – leaving skin smooth and silky smooth!
Before your session, it is best to avoid tweezing, plucking and waxing in the three days leading up to it, as these methods may disturb hair follicles that may affect treatment results. Also try not to get tan before treatment begins as contrast between skin tone and hair color is key for successful outcomes.
As the laser light passes over your skin, you will feel several short stings as it travels over it. If the area becomes uncomfortable during treatment, ask the technician to pause or stop the process for several seconds – though generally speaking this treatment method is much less painful than alternatives such as tweezing and waxing.
Most patients begin experiencing hair loss just a few days following treatment due to light pulses damaging hair follicles and stopping them from growing hair. Results typically last two years or more depending on your body’s natural hair growth cycle and the number of treatments received.
People may occasionally experience darker hair growth after treatment with laser, although this is rare due to being unable to damage every hair follicle with laser. Instead, damaged follicles usually produce hair that is lighter and thinner compared to its predecessor – still much more aesthetic than other forms of body hair.
Before making your decision on laser hair removal, it is wise to consult a specialized dermatologist or other provider. A dermatologist may also provide alternative hair removal methods without risk of skin discoloration such as electrolysis that are suitable for you.
