Laser hair removal is a safe, long-term way to safely reduce unwanted body hair. Results typically last months or even years before new growth begins; when new growth does return, its quality tends to be lighter and finer than its predecessors.
Before your first treatment, it is best to avoid waxing, tweezing or plucking in the area that will be treated; this will allow hair follicles to absorb light energy effectively and maximize results.
The Area
The number of laser hair removal sessions you require depends heavily on the area being treated. For instance, treating facial hair may take between four and six sessions to produce satisfactory results; although all unwanted hair may not be eliminated entirely during treatment sessions. Other factors can also influence results, including skin tone and color – those with darker complexions may need repeat their treatments more frequently; those who tan may require multiple sessions before initiating treatments).
Tanned or dark hair typically responds less well to laser hair removal treatment than bleached locks, so sun exposure should be limited prior to going in for laser hair removal sessions. Special goggles will be worn during treatment to safeguard the eyes. Prior to scheduling an appointment, however, you must shave the area that will be treated.
Unwanted hair growth can be an enormous hassle for both men and women. Many men struggle with excess neck hair associated with their “beard” or stubble that causes razor burn and other irritations to their skin, while ingrown hairs and pseudo-folliculitis may also arise as a result.
Laser hair removal can be an incredible relief to those living with unwanted neck hair, providing a safe and effective alternative to traditional methods of removal. Your Philadelphia-area dermatologist can advise you about whether laser hair removal will suit your individual needs.
Most patients require 3 – 5 laser hair removal treatments spaced 4 weeks apart, to target hair follicles at their new growth stages – the optimal time for removal success.
Avoid hair epilation (plucking or waxing) between treatments as this could undermine the efficiency of laser. Patients should also avoid exposure of treatment areas to sunlight between sessions to reduce any chances of skin sensitivity or inflammation, and keep a record of their treatment progress with pre and post photos to document and measure results.
The Hair Type
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure and as such requires a physician’s license for performance. Furthermore, there may be risks of side effects that require treatment from board-certified dermatologists such as Dr. Michele Green to reduce risks and ensure patient safety. Laser treatments may cause skin burns; those with darker complexions are particularly at risk. As laser treatments could target lesions that could indicate early cancer symptoms as well as burns. It is therefore imperative that individuals seeking laser treatments consult a qualified board-certified dermatologist like her for safe results that minimize complications and ensure safety and complication-free results.
Laser treatments depend on the type of hair. Light hair may not respond as favorably due to contrast between its pigment and that of surrounding tissue allowing laser light to selectively damage only hair follicles without harming surrounding tissues, while thick, coarse locks may not respond as favorably compared to thinner and lighter locks.
Since laser treatments focus on targeting the root, it is essential that patients reduce plucking and waxing prior to laser sessions. Waxing removes hair roots from their positions below the skin surface, leaving vulnerable follicles open for treatment by laser. Also avoid prolonged sun exposure before and after your laser sessions as prolonged sun exposure could cause hyperpigmentation in areas treated.
Laser treatments for hair removal are relatively quick and painless, though you might experience occasional stinging sensations as the laser light treats skin cells. Some people even opt to use topic anesthetic prior to starting laser hair removal treatments for added comfort.
Individual results will depend on how often laser hair removal treatments are needed; typically four or six sessions should provide effective results. Most people find that with each session their body hair becomes thinner, lighter and finer as a result.
Patients needing more than six treatment sessions should visit a certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green from Spring Street Dermatology in NYC, to discuss their options. A dermatologist will determine which laser type will best suit the patient’s skin tone and hair color.
The Hair Coarseness
Coarse hair tends to absorb less light than finer strands, making it harder for laser treatments to accurately target it and affect its effectiveness. Furthermore, coarse hair requires additional moisture in order to remain hydrated; its natural oils may deplete faster than with other types of hair and it often has more texture due to this fact.
Laser hair removal should not be seen as permanent; hair follicles can regenerate if damaged but undisrupted; however, most people report that when their hair does grow back it tends to be lighter and less noticeable than before.
Laser hair removal success depends on several factors, including hair and skin color, location on the body, type of laser used and adverse reactions such as hyper- or hypopigmentation, redness of the skin, scabbing, burning or blistering. Should these effects arise it is important to contact a physician immediately in order to discuss and determine their source.
Practitioners use handheld devices connected with lasers that they press to the skin and trigger using lasers, producing what may feel like elastic band snaps on your skin and lasting from 15 minutes to over an hour. Post-treatment, patients may notice reddening of their area as well as possible swelling; however, most can return to daily activities without too much difficulty.
Before your laser appointment, it is recommended that you refrain from plucking, waxing and electrolysis treatments as well as darkening skin creams for six weeks before wearing sunscreen to protect your skin post-laser treatment. Additionally, please wear sunscreen to help safeguard the outcome.
Laser treatments are necessary to decrease the number of hair follicles in your body that produce new hair growth, usually two to six treatments in total are necessary depending on whether or not the area has rapid-growth areas versus slower growth areas; you might require sessions every four to eight weeks in the case of rapid growth areas and every 12-16 weeks for areas with slower growth; once all your treatments have been completed you might only require follow up maintenance treatments at quarterly or biannual intervals thereafter.
The Time Between Treatments
As opposed to shaving, which removes hair at its surface level, laser treatments target the source of hair growth – therefore requiring multiple sessions in order for results to become apparent and reduce future hair regrowth risks. It is recommended to get regular treatments every four to six weeks for maximum effectiveness and minimal future regrowth risks.
For optimal results, it’s wise to refrain from waxing or plucking the area before and after treatment sessions, as these activities interfere with the laser’s ability to reach the roots of your hair and can result in permanent skin damage. Furthermore, different hair types respond differently to laser treatment – some women suffering from hormonal imbalances such as PCOS may not find similar success with it.
Before beginning treatment, it’s advisable to shave the area to be treated in order to prepare its skin for the laser’s impact on its pigmentation. Furthermore, sunblock should also be worn. Since laser treatment targets pigmentation on your skin directly, naturally or artificially tanned skin could compromise effectiveness and increase side effect risks significantly.
During treatment, protective goggles will be worn to shield your eyes from laser light, and you may receive topical anesthetic to ease any discomfort during your session. Most times, however, this process is relatively pain-free and quick.
After receiving treatment, it’s common for your skin to look red and bumpy due to laser hair removal vaporizing the hair follicle and leaving behind what looks like mild sunburn-like symptoms. A cool compress can be applied after treatment to alleviate its appearance; also be sure to follow all post-treatment instructions given by your physician according to your skin type and condition.
Dr. Michele Green will collect your medical history and perform laboratory analysis to make sure laser hair removal is a suitable treatment option. When scheduling your next appointment, contact her for an initial consultation and initial assessment to make sure laser hair removal will deliver long-term benefits.
