Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after solutions for eliminating unwanted hair. Not only is it highly effective and can even offer permanent results, it is also relatively affordable.
Home laser hair removal devices tend to be less powerful and effective on dark skin tones compared to those used in clinics.
Many individuals wonder whether laser hair removal can safely be applied to their genital areas, so this article provides the answers.
How to Prepare
Laser hair removal is a safe and non-permanent way of eliminating unwanted body hair by employing heat from a laser light to dismantle hair follicles, with results similar to shaving, plucking, waxing or threading; more effective than these methods than shaving alone as it reduces ingrown hairs as well. Multiple sessions may be recommended. It may not be the only means of hair removal available but laser treatments have become increasingly popular as people tire of shaving their bodies regularly or require long-term solutions for hair growth issues; people using home devices while others opt for professional treatments from salons or professional providers.
Before your laser hair removal session, it’s essential that the area be prepared. Shaving helps the laser light target melanin in hair follicles while avoiding skin pigmentation; so 12 hours prior to an appointment it is advised. Also avoid waxing or depilatory cream use in order for the laser light to accurately target melanin.
As soon as your appointment begins, an aesthetician will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. The device flashes and changes colors while targeting melanin in your hair follicles to target their melanin pigment absorption causing damage without harming surrounding skin cells or surrounding follicles. Although treatment itself should not be painful, some patients experience sensations similar to snapping rubber bands against their skin during treatment.
Laser hair removal might not be suitable if you suffer from certain medical conditions, including pregnancy or taking acne medication, having genital herpes or having cold sores in the past. You should also avoid laser treatment if taking blood thinners or have skin diseases like keloid scarring.
Most at-home laser hair removal devices provide a chart on their websites to help you determine whether it will suit your skin tone and hair color. Always do a patch test prior to using it on all of your body; if redness, itching, or other mild reactions occur after use, consult a dermatologist immediately as these could be normal post-treatment inflammatory responses or whether more medical attention needs to be sought for possible side effects.
Precautions
Are You Tired of Shaving Genital Area or Want to Remove Unwanted Body Hair with Laser Treatments? Laser treatments could be your answer! While this noninvasive process is generally safe, there are certain precautions you must take prior to and post-treatment for best results.
Before your appointment, apply a numbing cream to help ease discomfort. These over-the-counter products can be found at local pharmacies; alternatively, an ice pack may also provide relief. Both options will effectively numb your skin.
Avoid shaving the area being treated for several days prior to laser therapy; this will prevent skin damage caused by blades and ensure that laser energy reaches hair follicles where unwanted hair begins.
After your treatment, be mindful to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Your skin may be sensitive and susceptible to sunburn if exposed. If necessary, wear broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen protection while outdoors.
Some individuals experiencing laser hair removal may experience redness, bumps and swelling post-treatment; fortunately, most find these minor side effects quickly diminish afterward. If they become bothersome for you however, cold compresses or an ice pack wrapped in cloth may help provide temporary relief, while cooling aloe vera lotion can soothe and promote healing of the area in which treatment was conducted.
As soon as your technician provides post-procedure care recommendations, it is imperative that you follow them. Avoid hot showers, baths and saunas as these can irritate the skin further. Moisturizers or cosmetic products applied directly onto treated areas should also be avoided for several days as these could further irritate them. Also wait a few days before swimming in any public or gym pools as chlorine could irritate it further.
After having laser hair removal treatments, it is advisable to refrain from chemical peels, IPL photofacials, or microdermabrasion for at least several weeks post-procedure as these skin-care products can be too harsh on your skin and could potentially lead to significant skin damage if combined with laser treatment.
Post-Procedure Care
Some may fear that laser hair removal on their genital area will be painful; however, those who have experience waxing or tweezing errant hairs know it is far less painful. Furthermore, flashes of light have far less intensity than ripping off hot wax or plucking out an individual hair by its root.
Prior to using your home laser device, it is wise to shave the area that needs treating. These laser devices work by targeting dark pigment (like that found in hair follicles) which could damage or burn surrounding skin if there is not enough contrast between skin color and hair color.
Before applying any lotions or creams in the area that was treated, wait at least 24 hours. This will enable melanin to reabsorb into your skin and avoid discoloration and any adverse side effects, like tanning. Also avoid overexposure to sunrays for this same reason.
Laser treatment should also be avoided when taking medications that make the skin sensitive to sunlight, such as antibiotics or steroid preparations. In addition, it would be wise to forego laser treatments on your genital area during periods or illness since your pain receptors will likely be extra sensitive at these times.
Though at-home laser hair removal can be convenient and cost-effective, achieving results requires dedication and regular usage of your device – typically three times per week in order to see significant and long-term improvement. Many of these electronic devices have been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for use at home, though it’s important to read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions before beginning treatment. Misusing a device can result in considerable skin damage and lead to unfavorable outcomes such as scarring or discoloration, making it important to select a product with reviews by experts and strict product selection and vetting criteria such as those offered at Milan Laser.
Results
Laser hair removal devices release extremely bright pulses of light into a treatment area, which then target dark pigments in body hair like heat-seeking missiles. After several treatments, disabled follicles stop growing hair altogether while those remaining become finer and lighter in color – eventually leading to smooth skin on genital areas permanently free of hair growth.
At-home laser hair removal does have some drawbacks. First off, home devices aren’t as powerful as those used in clinical settings and genital areas are more sensitive – making treatment with at-home devices difficult or with ones not calibrated properly more challenging and leading to burns, scarring, or hyperpigmentation – none of which are ideal scenarios.
At-home laser hair removal may not provide permanent solutions for the genital area and requires repeated sessions in order to be effective – as many as eight are often necessary before significant results become evident. Professional clinics tend to provide quicker and more effective hair removal sessions due to larger treatment areas, more powerful equipment, and trained aestheticians who manage the process more quickly and effectively.
At-home laser hair removal can be safe when used according to directions, with few restrictions and risks for most individuals. Pregnancy or breastfeeding women should avoid laser treatments due to increased photosensitivity from some medications (particularly antibiotics) which could reduce its efficacy. It’s also wise to forgoing self-tanner or spray tanning sessions prior to laser treatments as those chemicals could alter how the laser detects skin tone versus hair color differences.
If you prefer not exposing your most intimate body parts to strangers in a medspa, laser hair removal at home might be perfect for you. Not only is it convenient, but you can remove unwanted hair on your own schedule with less chance of potential complications arising; for optimal results and safe procedures it is highly advised that professional providers such as Milan Laser provide treatments in a judgement-free environment under medical oversight, with experience and equipment necessary to treat all skin tones and body areas safely and effectively.
