Teenagers going through puberty often become worried about unwanted hair growth. Traditional methods for hair removal can often take a considerable amount of time and lead to painful ingrown hairs or razor bumps; laser treatment offers an alternative with long-term effects.
Are laser hair removal treatments safe for teenagers? This article can assist both parents and teens in making an informed decision as to whether this procedure would be suitable in their circumstances.
Age Requirements
At this age, many children and preteens begin showing an interest in laser hair removal treatments. Parents need to be aware that while laser treatments are safe, if not performed properly they could cause skin complications including darkening, scarring and blistering if administered improperly; to ensure safe and efficient results it’s wiser for a professional administer to administer this service on behalf of their child or teen.
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive and effective solution to permanently reduce unwanted hair growth. The procedure involves placing a handheld device against the surface of the skin while laser light penetrates through to destroy hair roots causing them to fall out and stop growing – with no side effects incurred during treatment. Teenagers should ensure they visit an experienced specialist to receive appropriate advice regarding treatment to minimize unwanted side effects.
Teenagers may consider laser hair removal to save themselves the hassle and time spent shaving, plucking, or waxing their bodies. This treatment may especially appeal to girls who feel self-conscious about pubic and armpit hair as well as thinned locks caused by puberty resulting in unwanted body hair growth. Although adulthood is the ideal time for treatment with lasers such as this one to begin, 14 year olds may still qualify as long as they receive parental permission and an approved practitioner.
Prior to permitting their teen to undergo laser hair removal, it’s imperative that their parent or guardian sign the consent form and appear for each session. A trained practitioner should explain all steps of the procedure and address any queries they have about it; additionally they will be able to assess whether or not a teen is mature enough to comprehend its risks and benefits; additionally they must remind teens they need regular follow up treatments in order for their results not to return thicker and darker than before.
Treatment Areas
Teenagers begin developing body hair from an early age, and many express an interest in laser hair removal as a safe solution to natural growth patterns.
Experts agree that 14 year olds can safely undergo laser hair removal under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner. Treatments offered through skilled professionals tend to be safe for use on all skin types and relatively risk-free; additionally, qualified practitioners know how to adjust treatment intensity depending on each teen’s unique sensitivity level.
However, parents must carefully consider the ramifications of permitting their teen to receive laser treatments before agreeing to allow this procedure. While lasers are effective at reducing hair, using incorrect intensities could cause permanent scarring or discoloration – thus it is imperative that teenagers receive these procedures under the supervision of an experienced and certified dermatologist.
If a teenager is considering getting their hair removed, they should understand it will be a multi-session process with regular appointments required. Furthermore, it must also be remembered this will be an irreversible decision and they must remain committed throughout this journey.
Teens typically address unwanted hair by shaving, waxing kits or cream depilatories; although these methods may work, they take time and only offer temporary solutions. With laser hair removal, teens can permanently get rid of their unwanted hair for increased confidence and self-esteem.
Though laser hair removal may be available to teenagers as early as 14 years old, experts advise waiting until they are older. It’s essential that they have experienced puberty and, for female adolescents, started their menstrual cycle before considering laser treatment; additionally they must be hormonally stable without medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Teenagers must also be mature enough to understand that this procedure requires multiple sessions before reaching desired results, as well as commit themselves to the process by following pre- and post-treatment instructions such as avoiding sun exposure and following treatment schedules.
Treatment Time
Laser hair removal treatments use powerful lasers to target and destroy the roots of unwanted hair in the treatment area, making the procedure relatively quick and painless; topical anesthetic can be applied if necessary to ease any discomfort; some patients may experience a slight burning sensation from laser activation while on, which may occur either at a doctor’s office or salon.
Prior to commencing laser treatment, doctors usually conduct a comprehensive medical exam of their patient. All areas that will be targeted will be carefully inspected for signs of infection or inflammation, while skin color will also be taken into consideration; darker skin absorbs more light energy from laser treatments and therefore more susceptible to side effects like redness and blistering. Doctors will discuss follow-up appointments at least every month or more often after initial laser sessions have taken place.
Preparing for laser treatment involves refraining from plucking or waxing areas to be treated for six weeks prior to their appointment, since lasers target hair’s roots rather than temporary growth caused by wax or tweezers. Shaving is allowed as it leaves enough hair in place so the laser can target it directly; sun exposure should also be avoided since laser treatments don’t work well on tanned skin.
Procedure is generally quick and simple; however, larger areas may take longer. A laser will be moved over the targeted areas before emitting a short pulse that targets damaged hair follicles; these damaged strands should then fall out naturally or through skin cleansing processes over time; patients may repeat treatment multiple times for maximum satisfaction and lasting results.
After several treatments sessions, hair will likely return, though often in finer and less noticeable forms than before. It is also important to realize that not all unwanted hairs can be eliminated completely in a treatment area (particularly for young patients whose hormones are still changing), however; laser hair removal’s primary goal should be reducing both number and thickness in this regard.
Safety
Unwanted hair growth can be an infuriating problem for many people. Shaving, waxing and plucking become time-consuming tasks that take away from quality time with family or friends. Laser hair removal provides an effective long-term solution that reduces hair production while at the same time producing thinner strands upon its return.
At laser hair removal clinics, one of the most essential safety measures is having a qualified practitioner perform the procedure. A practitioner should be registered as meeting certain standards of training, skill and insurance coverage as using laser light can cause serious damage if improperly administered.
Before initiating, practitioners apply protective gel to the skin. After this step, they press a hand-held laser instrument against it and activate it, with its tip warming up before emitting an intense beam of light that passes through to tiny hair follicles in your scalp, damaging them and inhibiting hair growth. People may experience sensations similar to warm pinpricking or rubber band snapping when this process takes place.
Before and after laser treatments, patients must abide by the directions of their physician. This usually includes staying out of direct sunlight and applying sunscreen when venturing outdoors. Furthermore, doctors advise against shaving, waxing or plucking hairs for several weeks prior to their appointment date.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, individuals should promptly report any symptoms of infection to a healthcare provider as soon as they appear. Such symptoms could include red or swollen areas on the skin, pain, skin changes, blistering and scarring – typically within several days after their treatments have ended these will vanish on their own.
Laser hair removal does not cause skin cancer; however, anyone with a history of skin cancer or any form of sensitivities should avoid getting this procedure done.
