At-home IPL (intense pulsed light) devices can save both money and time on treatments in clinics, providing safe, cost-effective results that don’t compromise your skin. But it is essential to understand their potential limitations and risks prior to making a decision about them.
Preparing for laser hair removal requires forgoing the use of sunless skin creams and shaving the treatment area; some individuals may require bleaching cream as well.
It is safe
Laser hair removal is an effective and permanent way to permanently reduce unwanted body hair. Unlike waxing or shaving, which only target individual follicles, laser removes them all at the root – meaning no ingrown hairs, stubble or razor burn! However, it’s essential that a licensed physician or certified technician administer your treatment as many salons offer this service but may lack adequate equipment or staff qualified to administer treatment, leading to complications down the line.
Home users can purchase devices that utilize similar technology but at much reduced costs. These home laser devices, known as light-based lasers, emit light that targets pigment and are safer than traditional hair removal machines when used properly; however, you must wear protective eyewear and ensure proper use for optimal results.
Before beginning treatment, ensure the area is free from powders, deodorants, sanitizers and perfumes. Exercise, hot showers or chlorine-based pools as these may lead to skin irritation; an over-the-counter numbing cream might help make the procedure more tolerable.
Most men will require at least 3-6 laser treatments spaced out over several months, because hair growth has its own natural cycle and the laser only targets hair follicles that are in an active growth phase; resting or shedding phases won’t be targeted until their active growth phase returns.
As part of your laser treatment, you may feel a small but quick pulse that feels similar to rubber band snapping against your skin. While discomfort should usually remain minimal during sessions, if any pain becomes unbearable it could become more so over time and cooling gel specifically tailored for lasers can provide some relief.
Avoid plucking or waxing as this will interfere with the hair follicles being targeted by laser. After 24 hours have passed since your treatment, however, you can shave this area and leave some longer-cut hair as this will help the laser more readily identify these follicles.
It is effective
Contrary to shaving and waxing as temporary methods for hair removal, laser treatment permanently halts hair growth – although several treatments will likely be needed before you will see noticeable improvements in the appearance of your skin.
Laser hair removal success depends on several factors, including hair color and skin type. Laser light absorbs pigment in hair follicles to destroy them, leading to reduced new growth; most effective results have been seen among individuals with dark hair and light skin tones. Consulting an expert from The Vein Center at GBMC will help determine if laser treatment is a suitable option for you.
Before your initial treatment, your physician will run a preliminary dermatological assessment using a patch of your skin to make sure that it is suitable. He or she will review your medical history and answer any queries that arise regarding the procedure. Subsequently, they will perform laser hair removal with settings customized specifically to you and your hair type.
At each laser hair removal appointment, a physician will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. The tip of this laser features a cooling device or cool gel designed to protect skin from discomfort. Once activated, you may feel an intense warm pinprick sensation as they activate it; smaller areas, such as upper lips can often be treated in less than a minute while larger ones like back or leg may take up to an hour for complete treatment.
As part of your preparation, it is wise to avoid plucking or waxing any area to be treated. These actions temporarily remove hair follicles from their roots – something the laser or IPL aims at doing. Furthermore, avoid darkening sunless creams that darken skin tone for six weeks prior to receiving treatment in an IPL/laser session; and also shave before your session so the laser/IPL can easily locate hair follicles more quickly; apply broad spectrum sunscreen during each treatment session session as an additional precautionary measure against potential side effects from treatment sessions.
It is affordable
Laser hair removal is one of the most cost-effective and permanent ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, while alleviating other skin conditions like folliculitis and discoloration. Before beginning treatment at GBMC’s expert team will discuss all details of the procedure to make sure it suits your unique skin type and tone.
Cost of laser hair removal varies based on the type of laser and treatment area. When light from a laser is absorbed by pigment in hair follicles and converted to heat energy, it destroys them, thus leaving surrounding skin undamaged while preventing future regrowth of hair follicles and thus stopping further hair regrowth. Ideally, multiple treatments at four to six-week intervals for maximum effectiveness; full body treatments typically last an hour. When selecting a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon with experience performing laser hair removal procedures so as to be certain you receive quality treatments tailored specifically to your unique skin type/tone combination.
If you want to save money on laser hair removal treatments, purchasing a home device could be the way to do it. There are various models on the market; select one that has been FDA-cleared and suits your skin tone; for instance, Tria 4x is one such device, offering true laser technology suitable for light to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV). Other devices use IPL systems which may not provide as powerful of results but may be less expensive.
Home IPL devices typically range between $150-$400 for full body treatments; prices increase when treating larger areas or permanently. You should avoid sun exposure prior and post treatment and refrain from plucking or waxing before or after sessions as this could reduce effectiveness of the device.
If you’re considering professional laser hair removal treatments, choose an establishment with cutting-edge technology and trained staff. Avoid places offering Groupon discounts or treating lasers like commodities for sale to the lowest bidder. Inquire into their background, education and former patients’ recommendations as well as their training, certifications and type of laser they use for laser hair removal.
It is easy to use
Laser hair removal has quickly become an incredibly popular cosmetic treatment that reduces or even eliminates the need for shaving, waxing, and tweezing. It works on almost all areas of the body and works effectively on most hair types – all while being safe and convenient with multiple ways to minimize discomfort during treatment – be it done from home or by a licensed practitioner.
Professional technicians offer treatments designed to permanently reduce or even eradicate unwanted hair growth. Treatment sessions usually last an hour, with lasting results. You can combine it with chemical peels or microdermabrasion for even greater effect; their technicians will evaluate your skin type to find out which method will provide optimal results for you.
The Tria 4x is the only at-home device using true laser instead of intense pulsed light (IPL). According to its brand, this FDA-cleared diode laser device works similarly as what physicians utilize in their offices.
This device is easy and straightforward to use; its only drawback being its lack of storage pouch – potentially leaving it susceptible to knocks and dust. Before each use, it must be charged up for at least 2 hours; before covering tattoos, large freckles or black spots with small pieces of paper as this will help avoid unintended flashes from going off unexpectedly and increase effectiveness of device.
The device features a skin tone sensor at its base that must be passed in order to unlock it, providing a safeguard that only those with compatible skin tones can use it. Furthermore, deodorant or powders should not be applied directly before and after sessions as these could inhibit sweat production during and post treatment sessions; you should also refrain from sweating for 48 hours post session and avoid wearing scrubs that contain abrasive ingredients on these two occasions.
