Laser hair removal offers an effective long-term solution to unwanted hair growth, but in certain locations can cause it to thicken again more rapidly, known as paradoxical hypertrichosis.
As mentioned above, laser hair removal works only on hair that is in its anagen phase of growth – meaning thick and dark-colored hairs will only be targeted.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is an innovative solution to permanently reduce unwanted hair growth. A popular option among both men and women alike, laser treatment targets the pigment of each individual follicle to destroy it permanently – ending future growth while leaving your skin smoother than before! Laser is an excellent alternative to shaving, waxing or plucking that gives long-term results.
As part of the laser hair removal process, a specialist will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. A cooling device or gel may be added to protect and reduce discomfort from this treatment. When the light from the laser beam hits your hair follicles it turns to heat, damaging and eventually destroying them before being gradually replaced by new, healthy follicles that no longer produce hair production.
Before pressing the laser against your skin, the technician will shave the area first to prevent hairs from being torn out at their roots. Next, they will activate the laser, targeting its beam at any hair bulges beneath your skin surface that contain hair bulges that have an abnormally dense concentration of follicles that produce additional hairs; once activated it vaporizes their stem cells leaving your scalp and skin free from future hair production.
Most individuals find the process quick and painless; however, some individuals may experience burning or stinging sensations at certain areas treated. To reduce these sensations, specialists often apply numbing cream prior to beginning treatment to block out these uncomfortable feelings.
After laser hair removal, your body may shed the newly deleted follicles within days to weeks, leaving much softer, thinner, lighter hairs than previously. To avoid overexposure to sunlight during this process, sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher should always be worn outdoors.
Permanent hair reduction typically requires up to eight laser treatments over a few months. Before getting started, it may be helpful to consult a hair removal expert and discuss your goals; some individuals might see permanent results while others might only experience reduced regrowth after 10+ years with annual touchups required to keep up their desired result.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Laser hair removal treatments performed by experienced board-certified dermatologists typically do not cause permanent side effects, although people may experience itching and pink skin for two or three days post-treatment; you may also see some swelling near hair follicles called follicular edema.
Laser hair removal often causes temporary side effects of ingrown hairs. To mitigate this effect, be sure to shave beforehand using a sharp blade with shaving cream and use anti-inflammatory products like salicylic acid to soothe any discomfort caused by laser treatment sessions.
Avoid plucking or waxing before beginning laser hair removal sessions to avoid disrupting the hair follicle and damaging it further. Furthermore, avoid applying any skin darkening creams such as sunless tanners as these could interfere with laser targeting of pigmented hairs and disrupt its targeting abilities.
If you are concerned about potential side effects, consult your physician about using skin bleaching cream prior to treatment. This will ensure your skin is light enough for the laser to detect and burn off unwanted hairs from its targeted area.
Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. Your treatments will focus on dissolving the germ cells that make up hair follicles; most patients need four to six sessions, spaced out several weeks apart. Your treatments should reduce the number of hairs that grow back as well as make any that do reappear thinner and lighter in color.
Some individuals find the results from laser treatments are only semi-permanent, meaning some hair may grow back several years after finishing their course of treatments. This occurs because some follicles remain dormant during these times; as such, regular touch up appointments will need to be scheduled in order to keep up the effects.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects?
There are various devices on the market today that claim to help thin hair, such as caps that attach directly to your head or laser combs emitting low-level light. One popular such device is Capillus Laser Hair Growth System; its low-level laser has been proven to stimulate follicles and boost hair growth. Unfortunately, many of these devices have yet to undergo scientific trials so their effectiveness cannot be accurately determined; always consult your physician or medical provider prior to using any such devices.
Laser hair removal when performed by an experienced dermatologist is extremely safe, with side effects typically being temporary such as redness and swelling for several hours after treatment. Some cases may lead to mild crusting of treated skin which will clear up within several days – in these instances you should follow certain precautions to minimise risks:
Prior to treatment, it is wise to avoid tanning beds and sunless sun lotions as these can darken your skin and diminish its responsiveness to laser therapy. You should also refrain from plucking, waxing, shaving and electrolysis which could disturb hair follicles; and blood-thinning medications like aspirin; please ask your physician what medicines cannot be taken before treatment begins.
Before choosing your laser hair removal provider, it’s essential that you do your research and read reviews about them before selecting one. Make sure they have been licensed, experienced and provide professional treatment services before committing.
Depending on your complexion, your doctor may suggest applying skin bleaching cream prior to laser treatment. Other methods of hair removal, including waxing or threading can cause disruptions of follicles that interfere with results; additionally it is wise to trim and shave treatment areas regularly to reduce surface damage caused by burnt follicles.
How Often Should I Get Laser Hair Removal?
Your desired results from laser hair removal depend on both the area being treated and thickness of unwanted hair, with six to nine sessions usually being enough. Treatment sessions should typically be spread over six months or more so as to target all stages of growth, keeping appointments is of utmost importance as missing one can result in thicker and darker regrowth; to maintain consistency it’s wise to avoid holidays, work trips and busy periods where possible to ensure keeping up with your schedule is maintained.
At your office visits, your doctor will evaluate the areas you wish to treat and make recommendations for treatment sessions. In addition, you’ll be instructed on how best to prepare for laser hair removal: this might involve shaving before each session, avoiding waxing or using dissolving creams as well as sun exposure and choosing a provider with extensive experience and an established reputation in providing treatments – this way, they ensure safe and effective procedures.
Be mindful that damaged hair takes five to two weeks to fall out from its follicles. While this may appear as more hair growth, this is actually beneficial as the follicles shed their damaged locks while getting ready for their next growth cycle.
Exfoliate after each treatment session once any swelling and redness have subsided to aid the process of hair growth by clearing away dead skin cells, helping prevent them from sticking to old or damaged skin and hindering hairs from growing in densely. Your goal should be to minimize hairs in their growth phase for smoother and more permanent results.
