Laser hair removal is generally a safe procedure; however, it’s essential that practitioners with experience treating skin of color understand all possible side effects and complications associated with treatment.
Before beginning laser treatments, it is strongly recommended that other forms of hair removal methods such as plucking or waxing be avoided. Furthermore, use of an SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen is necessary after laser treatments have taken place.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal differs from shaving, plucking and waxing by targeting the root of each individual hair to permanently destroy it. Furthermore, this treatment process treats multiple hairs simultaneously to make it faster and more efficient than traditional methods – not to mention safe for almost any area of the body! But how exactly does it work?
Laser hair removal utilizes selective photothermolysis, wherein laser light only heats target dark matter (melanin) without harming other tissues in its path – thus killing off basal stem cells that contribute to hair growth and leading to its destruction. Therefore, for maximum effectiveness it’s crucial to consult a trained practitioner as these processes can be complex and potentially damage skin in ways unintended by amateur practitioners.
As part of your hair removal strategy, it’s also crucial that you select a laser with the appropriate spot size and fluence – the latter of which refers to how much energy is delivered per second – when selecting one for hair removal. Spot size determines how deeply the laser damages hair follicles while fluence represents total energy used over the treatment area; an ideal laser should have either 5mm spot size or less with 200-500joules/square centimeter fluence for best results.
As hair follicles are not completely destroyed by laser treatments, some hair may regrow after treatments; however, it will typically be finer, thinner, and lighter in color than before; furthermore, you may require less frequent treatments over time as hair follicles become less active.
Laser hair removal is generally safe according to FDA standards; however, it’s still wise to verify the practitioner’s credentials and check if they belong to any register that indicates their training, skill and insurance standards have been met.
Laser hair removal should also be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding as no studies have been conducted to establish its safety for pregnancy-related changes in hormone levels and very dark hair may not respond as effectively because the laser cannot differentiate between melanin and vascular tissue.
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal uses heat to damage the roots of unwanted hair, which may be painful depending on its location and treatment area. You may experience skin irritation or redness post-treatment; this should subside after several hours. Before having laser hair removal done, however, it’s important to discuss your medical history with the practitioner as certain conditions, like diabetes or psoriasis can make the procedure less effective.
Some individuals experiencing laser hair removal may develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as a temporary side effect, due to laser light being attracted by pigment (tanned skin, in particular) rather than targeting hair follicles as intended. This darkening effect is more likely to happen with darker skin tones or improper use of laser. Though not permanent, this side effect may still be noticeable and difficult to eliminate completely if it happens.
Other potential laser hair removal side effects may include a temporary burning sensation. People may also experience stinging or tingling sensations similar to when a rubber band snaps, due to the light disrupting hair follicles. Treatments may vary in terms of intensity depending on how large an area you treat and your tolerance of pain.
After laser hair removal, there is always the risk of infection and inflammation; to minimize this risk it’s essential to take good care in tending to any affected areas and report any symptoms to a dermatologist immediately. Furthermore, sun exposure must be limited while using broad spectrum SPF sunscreen daily to safeguard the skin against further damage.
Laser hair removal typically requires three to eight sessions for permanent results, depending on your hair color and skin tone. You should expect that the number of necessary sessions may change over time depending on their effectiveness – but if you are happy with them it might be worthwhile continuing the treatment plan.
Laser hair removal is generally safe for most individuals, though pregnant women should wait until after giving birth before having this procedure performed. Furthermore, individuals with keloid scarring or other skin healing issues should consult their dermatologist before considering laser hair removal as it could have detrimental effects.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs With Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal can effectively treat ingrown hairs, folliculitis and scarring caused by picking at hairs. Furthermore, it provides permanent hair reduction compared to plucking, shaving, waxing or electrolysis which only offer temporary relief. Laser treatments use pulsed light systems that target melanin in hair follicles to destroy them; additionally these pulses of light may help treat pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) on both men and women as well as hyperpigmentation from shaving.
Lasers use heat to precisely target the pigment in hair follicles, subtly damaging and stopping new hair growth. As such, most patients find this procedure relatively painless; small areas such as facial or bikini areas can usually be completed within 10 minutes, while larger ones like legs or back may take up to an hour for completion.
Your hairs will shed gradually during your treatment session, leading to significantly less hair growth after several sessions. However, remember that hairs grow back after months or years with finer and lighter colored locks; further maintenance laser treatments may be required in order to keep unwanted hair under control.
Although rare, laser treatment can sometimes cause temporary darkening of skin tone after exposure to laser light, particularly those with darker complexions or tanned skin. This side effect is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and it may be difficult to reverse; using lower powered lasers or avoiding direct sun exposure prior to and following treatments may lower chances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurring.
Ingrown hairs can be an uncomfortable, itchy condition that if left untreated can quickly lead to infection. One effective method to permanently prevent ingrown hairs is laser epilation – this non-invasive, painless procedure uses laser light beams to selectively target and destroy hair follicles in order to eliminate ingrowns permanently and safely. Spring Street Dermatology’s offices in SOHO, Tribeca and Uptown NYC provide consultation services and offer laser epilation sessions as a permanent solution. Contact them now to book an appointment!
Can Laser Hair Removal Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation?
Laser hair removal can be an invaluable solution for people with ingrown hairs, but it’s essential that they understand its processes and any possible side effects before beginning treatment.
Laser hair removal involves using small bursts of light energy from lasers to destroy pigment in hair follicles, stopping their production and thus permanently stopping hair growth. Lasers are safe for most skin types and do not have long-term side effects; temporary skin irritation and pigment changes are likely side effects from using them for hair removal.
To minimize temporary side effects, medical specialists typically clean and numb the treatment area before beginning. A laser instrument will then be gently pressed against your skin using a hand-held laser instrument equipped with cooling devices or gel to minimize discomfort during laser beam treatments. Once focused on your skin’s surface, its beam will focus on damaging hair follicles to stop future hair growth.
As laser’s light energy can cause heat damage to other areas of the skin, medical specialists take measures to avoid any adverse side effects. They ensure there are no tattoos or nevi in the treatment area and ask patients to avoid prolonged sun exposure for one month prior to therapy in order to minimize risks such as sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
Under certain conditions, laser therapy can cause permanent scarring called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if used incorrectly during sessions. The laser’s light attracts pigment from tanned or darker skin tones. A medical practitioner will typically employ lower fluence (the intensity of laser pulses) in order to minimize any side effects from this side effect.
Laser hair removal can provide a permanent solution to ingrown hairs that is both comfortable and cost-effective, by preventing their formation in the first place. To learn more about laser hair removal as a means of eliminating ingrown hairs, reach out to a dermatologist today to schedule a consultation session and get rid of your problem for good!
