Laser hair removal reduces hair density permanently by disabling the hair follicles responsible for hair growth, but some hair may reappear after multiple treatments due to hormonal fluctuations.
Choose an experienced practitioner for laser treatment to reduce risks such as pigment changes and burns and maximize safety.
What is the process of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is one of the most frequently performed minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. It uses either high-powered laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to target and eliminate hair follicles that cause unwanted hair growth on large areas like the face, chest, arms legs and underarms as well as more intimate places like bikini lines.
Before beginning treatment, an anesthetic gel or topical anesthetic will be applied to reduce any discomfort. A healthcare professional then wears protective goggles to shield their eyes from laser light passing through the surface of skin and targeting hair follicles with laser light heat; this may result in temporary burning sensations; however, these sensations typically fade quickly within moments as only targeted areas feel the effect of laser treatment.
Although permanent hair reduction treatments such as electrolysis typically require two to six treatments for maximum effectiveness, individual results will depend on factors like hair growth rate and color as well as location being treated.
Prior to each laser treatment, it is wise to avoid tanning for at least several weeks as laser light attracts darker pigment and may not work effectively on tanned skin. Also, it is advisable to shave the area to be treated and try not to wax or pluck hair from that location as these activities could detract from its effectiveness.
After two to six treatments, most individuals may not notice any new hair growth for months or even years in the treatment area. When new growth does appear, it often has thinner and lighter strands than its predecessor.
Permanent hair removal offers the most permanent solution, and can significantly decrease time spent shaving, depilating or waxing unwanted hair. Furthermore, laser treatment may even help treat skin conditions caused by excess hair growth such as folliculitis and discoloration. But keep in mind that although laser hair removal will eventually eradicate all unwanted hair it does not offer permanent solutions; some will grow back eventually.
How does it work?
Laser hair removal utilizes a laser beam to target and destroy hair follicles that produce unwanted hair. The light attracts melanin pigment in hair follicles, heating up their melanin content until they burst open causing destruction and permanent reduction of unwanted hair growth. However, not all follicles will be destroyed during one session of laser treatment – thus maintaining permanent hair reduction.
Some hair follicles may be in a resting phase at the time of treatment and won’t be affected by laser. When these follicles no longer require resting periods, their growth resumes, necessitating multiple treatments over time.
Before beginning laser hair removal, those considering it must refrain from all other forms of hair removal such as waxing, plucking and electrolysis on the treatment area. Furthermore, sun exposure on this region should also be limited since an artificial or natural tanning can make treating hair follicles more challenging.
Treatment itself should be relatively painless. People may experience a slight prickling sensation when the laser is applied to the skin, although this will depend on an individual’s overall pain tolerance and where their treatment site is. Prior to beginning, patients may receive numbing cream as needed – however excessive use could have serious repercussions, and should only be applied sparingly as excess may lead to life-threatening side effects.
Laser hair removal requires wearing protective goggles to shield their eyes from laser beams, and applying topical anesthetic cream before beginning treatment. The amount of anesthetic needed will depend upon where and how painfully a treatment will occur, and will vary based on where exactly treatment will take place.
People receiving laser hair removal treatments typically undergo several sessions every four to six weeks until all unwanted hair has been eliminated from an area. Although some new growth may still come back in after treatment, typically with less noticeable and lighter regrowth because damaged follicles from laser treatment are likely still active in that region.
What are the side effects?
Laser hair removal does sometimes cause side effects, though these tend to be minor and short-lived. After treatment your skin may tingle or feel tender; later it could be reddening up slightly before subsiding within hours or so of your appointment.
Your session may cause pain, so many dermatologists provide numbing cream for more sensitive areas. People sometimes report experiencing burning or stinging sensations for several days post procedure – this is normal and can be reduced with cooling agents applied post treatment.
Your doctor will likely advise avoiding plucking and waxing prior to undergoing laser hair removal, as these activities can disrupt follicles and interfere with treatments. Furthermore, sunbathing or tanning beds for 6 weeks prior to treatments could make skin more sensitive or cause pigment changes; in addition it’s best to consult your physician prior to getting laser treatments as some medications could affect how your body reacts.
Laser hair removal is generally safe for most people, though it’s wise to select a board-certified dermatologist with experience working with this equipment in order to reduce risks such as infection, blistering and permanent skin color changes. You should also look for practitioners licensed and registered with your state in order to ensure they comply with minimum skill standards and training requirements.
Avoid getting laser hair removal treatments from people without experience in doing so as this could result in burns, scarring, and other skin-related problems. Furthermore, be sure to follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions exactly in order to reduce potential side effects and ensure optimal results from laser hair removal treatments. Though permanent hair reduction cannot be guaranteed via laser technology alone; regular maintenance treatments will likely be needed for optimal results.
How long does it last?
Laser treatments offer a permanent way of eliminating unwanted hair from your body, targeting its source by disabling follicles which would otherwise regrow with each shave, wax, or pluck. There are numerous advantages associated with this form of hair removal; including reduced razor burn, shaving costs, reduced maintenance time and more! Laser hair removal benefits can also extend beyond cosmetic considerations: it reduces stress as you don’t have to shave as frequently, plus reduced pain associated with waxing or plucking and less discomfort associated with those methods; plus it helps preventing future growing back every time! Among them all lies its immense benefits:
Make the switch to laser treatment and say goodbye to shaving, waxing and other methods of hair removal that cause razor burn or rash, discoloration and scarring of skin discolorations, scarring as well as razor burn or rash! Your skin will also feel much smoother after treatment which provides added anti-age benefits!
As part of your laser treatment, you may experience sensations similar to rubber band snapping against your skin. Treatment time varies based on the size and scope of your treatment area and could last from minutes up to hours. After your session, your treatment area might appear red or swollen but these effects should fade quickly with use of cold compresses helping reduce pain and swelling as well as activities which cause sweating (sweating may irritate sensitive skin and hinder recovery process). It’s also important to refrain from activities which cause sweating for up to 48 hours as this may irritate sensitive skin in treated area and interfere with healing process and recovery process.
Results from laser hair removal vary significantly between people. Their effectiveness depends on various factors, including skin complexion and hair color as well as frequency of treatments. Some individuals will see dramatic reduction in hair growth immediately while others may require multiple sessions before seeing significant change; typically the more often you undergo laser treatments, the longer lasting your results will be.
Laser hair removal results depend heavily on how often you treat yourself after each session, as plucking or waxing interfere with laser light reaching its targets – therefore it is wise to forgoing these methods for as long as possible during treatment.
Hormonal fluctuations can also have an effect on your results. If you’re pregnant, menopausal, or menstruating, fluctuations in hormone levels could accelerate hair growth in certain areas resulting in faster than usual hair growth rates. It is a good idea to receive maintenance treatments with laser every once or twice annually during these times to maintain results and get optimal results.
