Laser hair removal works best on individuals with light complexions who have dark hair as the contrast makes it easier for the laser beam to target and destroy each follicle. Unfortunately, however, its efficacy decreases for people with white, gray or blonde locks.
As soon as your acne has cleared up, multiple treatment sessions at four- to six-week intervals should follow, with sunscreen (at least SPF30) worn between treatments for maximum effectiveness.
What is the process?
Laser hair removal works by targeting specific follicles of unwanted hair with light energy from laser beams that target pigmented hair follicles, and absorbs into them and destroys their ability to grow back again.
Before beginning laser hair removal, your doctor should review your medical history to identify any conditions which might exacerbate side effects or make the procedure less successful. A history of keloids or hypertrophic scar formation could preclude laser hair removal treatment; additionally, you must disclose all medications taken or have been taken.
Prep for laser hair removal sessions by shaving or trimming the area to be treated. In addition, avoid using sunless skin creams or tanning in the weeks before your treatment session as these will inhibit its ability to detect hair follicles and destroy them effectively. Finally, refrain from waxing, plucking or tweezing during this period as this interferes with its effectiveness.
As part of your treatment, protective goggles should be worn during laser procedures to shield your eyes from laser light energy. Your healthcare provider may administer topical anesthetic as necessary before laser pulses begin being delivered directly onto your skin – typically taking just minutes in smaller areas such as upper lip treatment versus up to an hour for larger ones like back treatments.
Long-term results require multiple sessions. Your doctor will determine this during your initial evaluation; most people need between two and six treatments spaced four weeks apart.
After your treatment is completed, it should take months or even years before any new hair growth appears on the treated area. When some regrowth does appear, it tends to be lighter and finer. You may require periodic touch-up treatments in order to maintain results.
As it is impossible to completely destroy every hair follicle, some hair may eventually recur after laser hair removal; however, since most regrowth occurs from damaged follicles it will usually be less obvious than before.
How long will it take?
Hair removal may seem time consuming at first, but in the long run it could save you from shaving, waxing or other methods that cause hair regrowth early. Laser hair removal uses laser light beams to destroy hair follicles and stop future growth – multiple treatments will need to be completed for you to notice any difference in unwanted hair growth.
The number of treatments required depends heavily on your hair’s color, thickness, coarseness and area of need for treatment. For instance, laser facial treatment requires dark enough hair for it to effectively target melanin in its follicle; white, gray, or blonde locks won’t respond as effectively due to this energy absorption mechanism.
If you have light skin with dark hair, treatment will likely be more successful due to the contrast in pigmentation. This allows laser therapy to detect hair follicles more effectively without harming surrounding tissues; thus requiring less treatments per person than those with darker skin because their hair follicles cannot easily be destroyed by laser. It should also be noted that people with darker skin may require additional sessions due to more stubborn hair follicles not readily destroyed by laser.
Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent options available to eliminate unwanted hair, though it won’t remain permanently so. Hair has its own cycles including resting, shedding and growing phases; when laser treatment destroys it it may come back thinner and lighter than before.
However, most patients can achieve noticeable and long-lasting hair reduction following several laser treatments. Though the hair that grows back will likely be less visible over time, you should still schedule periodic maintenance sessions every year or two in order to keep unwanted hair at bay.
How much will it cost?
Laser hair removal works by dissolving the hair follicles responsible for growth, leading to less overall hair on your body and leaving your skin smooth and soft. While laser hair removal offers a permanent solution, some hair will grow back softer and thinner after treatment has taken effect – thus reducing or eliminating depilation, waxing or shaving needs altogether. However, please be aware that not all hair is destroyed permanently as some will regenerate over time.
Cost of laser hair removal varies based on your specific needs and treatment area, with larger treatments costing more than smaller ones. Hair color and thickness also play an integral role – lighter colored hair tends to be easier for laser light to penetrate thanks to being attracted by pigment while darker hair is harder for laser light to pass through without damaging it – though you still receive quality and effective care – it just might take more sessions before all unwanted hair has been eradicated!
At your consultation, you’ll receive an upfront quote and recommended number of treatments tailored specifically to your goals. From there, treatments can be scheduled at times that best suit both you and your budget.
Before and after receiving laser treatments, it is crucial that the area being treated does not come into direct sunlight as this will make laser treatments ineffective. You should shave just before an appointment so the laser can easily target hair follicles. Furthermore, waxing or plucking stray hairs between laser sessions is to be avoided for best results.
Cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal typically aren’t covered by insurance; an exception would be if you suffer from PCOS in which case this treatment would likely be considered medically necessary. It’s also worth keeping in mind that any FSA or HSA funds cannot be used towards paying for such procedures.
Will it hurt?
Pain levels vary by individual, with most experiencing less discomfort from laser hair removal than from shaving or waxing. To help minimize discomfort during laser sessions, using numbing cream or taking mild pain relievers like acetaminophen before your session may help alleviate pain associated with your procedure. In order to achieve maximum benefit from laser therapy treatments and minimize side effects such as redness, swelling, or irritation it’s also wise to avoid tanning beds during treatment sessions as this increases skin sensitivity and increases redness, swelling, or irritation side effects from tanning beds increases skin sensitivity thus leading to unwanted side effects like redness swelling irritation causing undesirable side effects which could further complicate laser procedures resulting in worse outcomes from laser hair removal treatments than ever experienced when shaving or waxing treatments are undertaken compared with conventional techniques resulting in less discomfort as experienced when shaving or waxing treatments are more likely.
Laser treatment heats the hair follicles to induce them to go into a permanent dormant state, so when hair grows back it is thinner, lighter, and fewer in number. Results depend on each person; some might require only several sessions while others might need up to six. After your initial round of treatments have concluded, scheduling maintenance appointments once or twice annually could help ensure optimal results are maintained.
Before using their laser hair removal treatment, practitioners will use a cooling device on the skin’s surface in order to protect its integrity from being damaged by the laser and help the process go more smoothly. You might hear or feel what some patients describe as stings during this step or notice an unpleasant odor as your hair follicles vaporize off into nothingness.
Shaving is also key, as this will allow the laser to more quickly identify and destroy unwanted hair. Waxing, plucking or threading should be avoided in the days prior to treatment. Depending on your pain threshold and treatment area it may also be wise to consult your dermatologist about topical numbing agents that can be applied directly onto the area being treated.
Laser hair removal doesn’t completely remove all unwanted hair on a person’s body; multiple sessions may be required. But lasers can significantly reduce unwanted hair in certain areas and often results in finer and lighter growth when hair does regrow after treatment.
