Hooks are short sentences that quickly introduce your topic, drawing readers in with something captivating, relevant, and informative.
Laser hair removal is the process of dissolving hair-producing follicles beneath your skin with high-heat laser beams to minimize future hair growth. While not exactly permanent, laser hair removal may slow its rate significantly.
Does it work on all skin types?
Laser machines use light energy that passes through the skin to target melanin pigment in hair follicles and damage them, which prevents them from producing hair growth and eventually results in significantly less. With multiple treatment sessions over time, hair growth becomes nearly nonexistent.
Results depend on the experience and knowledge of the specialist performing the procedure, since laser treatments also affect surrounding tissues. To maximize results, choose a doctor with extensive experience treating patients of all skin types and ethnicities.
Prior to recent technological advancements and an inclusive focus, laser hair removal was not considered safe for darker-skinned individuals. Today, however, thanks to advances in laser technology this procedure can now safely treat patients of all skin tones.
To achieve the best results from laser treatments, it is important to avoid sun exposure and any artificial tanning methods prior to receiving treatments. Furthermore, you will need to shave any areas on your body where laser treatments will take place, and ask your dermatologist about using topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort during sessions.
At each laser treatment session, protective goggles will be worn to shield your eyes from the laser beam. Your dermatologist will then use the laser to permanently eliminate unwanted hair in different parts of the treatment area; afterward, some itching or redness could occur around the treated site.
Once your hair returns, it may be lighter and less noticeable due to damaged follicles which produce hair in different phases due to your treatment. In order to avoid this outcome, it’s crucial that you keep up a regular schedule of laser treatments.
Does it work on all hair colors?
Laser hair removal used to be limited for those with lighter-colored hair; however, with new technology it is now possible for everyone to achieve fuzz-free and silky smooth facial and body hair. Lasers work by targeting pigment in hair follicles; therefore it doesn’t matter whether your locks are blonde, red, or white as long as there is some sort of hue present so the laser can target it effectively.
Laser treatments require close proximity between hairs and the surface of the skin in order to be successful, which means avoiding plucking or waxing before your initial laser session will help ensure that all hair follicles remain undamaged and ready to be targeted by laser light.
At times during the laser hair removal process, some individuals experience discomfort. Therefore, technicians typically apply a numbing cream to the area that is being treated. Some individuals may also be more sensitive than others to heat generated by lasers; or develop an allergic reaction after treatment session such as rash or acne.
Once your initial laser treatments are complete, your unwanted hair should be permanently eliminated. Though some regrowth may occur naturally over time, it should be much sparser and finer than prior to receiving laser treatments. It is also wise to apply sunscreen after each session for added protection of the area being treated.
Laser hair removal offers an efficient, cost-effective, long-term solution for permanent hair reduction. Razors, shaving cream, and waxing kits can cost thousands of dollars over time; laser hair removal represents much better value.
How long does it last?
As opposed to temporary methods like waxing, shaving creams or depilatory products, laser treatments provide permanent hair removal. The laser’s heat destroys pigment in a hair follicle so it cannot produce hair again; those remaining often have lighter colors and finer textures than before compared to before as their follicles have been destroyed and will no longer grow back as thickly or as long.
Most people require four or six laser hair removal sessions at monthly intervals in order to achieve an approximately 90% reduction of unwanted hair, with occasional touch-up sessions required to prevent regrowth. Treatment is quick, painless and gentle on skin.
Your doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin, with its tip containing cooling devices or gel to minimize discomfort during the procedure. While you may feel an occasional snapping or stinging sensation during this treatment session, most people find the experience tolerable and won’t require medication afterward.
Before your treatment session, it is crucial that the hair in the area reach at least quarter-inch length so it can be effectively destroyed by laser. Once this happens, hair will fall out over the next several days without regrowing; those follicles remaining may repopulate but will have much finer and lighter colored strands than before; many can go up to several years before scheduling another laser session.
How many treatments do I need?
Because laser treatments only target active growing follicles, multiple treatment sessions may be necessary in order to achieve an ideal result. Plan to visit your dermatologist every four to six weeks until you achieve maximum benefits; some patients may even require follow up visits after their initial series of sessions are complete.
Location plays an integral role in how long it will take between laser hair removal treatments. Facial hair usually regrows faster than other areas, necessitating additional treatments to achieve enough permanent reduction. Likewise, pits and pubes tend to produce thicker-than-normal amounts of hair growth than anywhere else on your body.
Your hair color and skin type can both have an impactful influence on how well laser treatments go for you. While modern lasers are capable of treating people of almost every skin or hair color, some hair colors do not respond as well, as the contrast between your skin tone and pigmented locks may make it impossible for the laser to distinguish them.
Consultation with an experienced board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon can be invaluable when determining if laser hair removal is the appropriate option for you. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the most appropriate laser treatment for your unique needs and provide insight into the number of treatment sessions necessary in order to achieve desired results. Be sure to follow his or her instructions regarding pre and post treatment care and sun exposure precautions so as to reduce potential complications during or following your session(s).
Will the hair grow back?
Dependent upon your skin tone and hair color, laser hair removal can either permanently reduce or entirely eradicate unwanted hair from your body. A series of treatment sessions is needed in order to reach this result; during which a nurse or technician will apply topical gel before passing a laser over your chosen area and deliver cooling sensations as it damages hair follicles. It is important not to pluck, wax, or use creams prior to laser sessions as these methods could disrupt hair follicles that then can’t be targeted by laser.
Laser therapy works by targeting melanin in your hair follicles to block them from producing hair growth. While some hair may grow back after treatment, it will likely be much lighter and finer. Because hair grows naturally in cycles, multiple laser sessions will likely be required in order to permanently disable each individual follicle.
Since hair follicles must be in an active growing phase for laser treatments to work, it is critical that regular laser sessions be scheduled every few weeks until you see results that meet your expectations. Many individuals find their unwanted hair completely disappears after four or six treatments and stay virtually hair-free thereafter.
Traditional hair-removal methods are costly and time-consuming. Over the course of your lifetime, they could cost thousands of dollars and cause razor bumps, ingrown hairs and other side effects that leave you with razor burn. Opting for laser hair removal will save you both money and time over the long haul; contact Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists now to arrange your consultation!
