Laser technology destroys hair follicles to permanently reduce hair growth, leading to permanent reduction and eliminating the need for depilation, waxing and shaving.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that this procedure isn’t permanent. Some hair will regrow after treatment has taken effect – though it should be much lighter and less noticeable than before. Hormonal changes may also influence this process, so it is advisable to discuss this aspect of treatment with your physician.
Does it work on all types of hair?
Laser removal works by selectively heating dark target matter such as melanin in hair and skin while sparing the surrounding tissue. To achieve this effect, patients can select and set an appropriate laser type that matches their skin tone and texture; an incorrect selection or setting could lead to unwanted side effects including hypopigmentation, flare of acne, swelling around hair follicles (considered normal reaction), scab formation or purpura formation.
An experienced laser technician can minimize the risks of laser treatment, with some of the most frequent side effects including temporary redness of the treated area and occasional pain; these side effects typically resolve over time. If you are worried about potential adverse side effects, consult your dermatologist first before undertaking laser treatment.
Timeframe for skin recovery after laser hair removal sessions varies among individuals and depends on which area was treated; in most cases however, most individuals can return to daily activities shortly afterwards.
Avoid tanning beds and skin-lightening treatments at least four weeks prior to any laser treatment, as this will make the follicles more sensitive and could impede upon its effectiveness. Furthermore, shaving the treatment area the day before your appointment can remove surface skin damage caused by burnt hair follicles, making your experience less painful compared to plucking or waxing which disrupt hair follicles further.
Most patients require multiple treatments in order to see optimal results, as hair growth and loss naturally occurs in cycles, with laser therapy working best when targeting follicles during their new-growth stage.
Laser hair removal cannot completely eliminate hair growth; however, it will significantly decrease it. When hair does reappear after laser therapy, it tends to grow back finer and lighter in color making it less visible; however some hair may still appear in areas prone to hormone-driven growth (i.e. chin and neck).
To maintain permanent hair reduction results, regular laser treatments will need to be administered on an ongoing basis. While the exact frequency may differ depending on each individual, typically four or six weekly maintenance treatments should be sufficient to control facial hair and six or eight week for body hair reduction.
How long does it take?
Laser hair removal is typically a fast and painless process that typically lasts around an hour depending on the size and scope of the area being treated. You will be provided with protective goggles during your session so as to shield your eyes from laser beams; then someone performing the procedure will press a handheld device against your skin, trigger its laser beam emission, and deliver several short stings that might feel similar to rubber band snapping against skin; additional aromatherapy effects might include sulfurous fumes produced as hair is vaporized under its light energy;
Spot size and fluence (energy density of the laser) play an integral role in how quickly and effectively follicles are disabled by treatment sessions, so it’s essential that you follow your specialist’s recommendations regarding frequency. It is also wise to protect yourself with high SPF sunscreen after each visit for optimal results.
Once you have undergone multiple laser treatments, you should notice a significant decrease in hair growth in the target area. This is because only active-growth phase follicles will be affected by laser. Once enough treatments have been performed, hair should begin falling out over the following weeks and eventually be eliminated completely from that area.
Laser treatments may cause some regrowth in certain areas; this usually takes several months or years after they’ve completed and when hair reappearing tends to be finer and lighter in color than its previous strands.
Your specialist will assess both your skin tone and hair color to make sure laser hair removal is suitable for you, and determine the number of treatments necessary based on these factors and your response to laser light therapy. Common places to receive treatments are legs, bikini area, chest and facial area – some patients will require more treatments than others or need periodic touch up sessions to maintain the effects.
Does it hurt?
Laser hair removal can often be quite painless for most patients. A practitioner will first protect the eyes with eyewear before pressing a handheld device against your skin and activating the laser beam – feeling similar to having rubber bands snapping quickly against it; discomfort levels vary depending on where exactly it is used; thinner areas like upper lips or temples typically hurt more than other parts of the face or body.
Most clients report that any discomfort they felt during their initial laser session gradually decreases with repeat treatments, possibly due to your body becoming acclimated to it. Sensations levels may also vary based on when your period ends – your pain receptors are more sensitive during this time and should be scheduled soon after ending your period for effective laser hair removal treatments.
Your skin color can have an effectful influence on the experience. Lasers are drawn to pigment, making dark-haired people easier to treat; accordingly, those with light-colored or white-skinned hair (e.g. blonde, gray or white) don’t tend to make ideal candidates due to lack of visibility through their skin for laser treatment.
Some patients may experience red, raised rash or crusting on their skin after laser treatment, which typically subsides within several days. If this occurs to you, apply a soothing cream directly to the area to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.
Follow your practitioner’s recommendations before and after treatments to minimize side effects, such as avoiding sun exposure or wearing sunscreen; staying out of the gym until fully healed; refraining from waxing and plucking in the treatment area; using skin bleaching cream prior to tan treatments if you have them; as well as waiting at least four weeks between hair removal methods so the laser can target new hair growth more effectively.
Will it grow back?
Laser light can heat up and destroy hair follicles. Once destroyed, these hair follicles no longer produce new hair; however, due to hair growth being an ongoing process with resting, shedding, and growth phases occurring simultaneously, some new hair may still grow back after treatment – usually in less noticeable patches than original growth.
For permanent laser hair removal, multiple sessions every four to six weeks is usually most effective. This will ensure that most of your hair is in its anagen stage when targeted by the laser; many patients also require annual touch-up treatments as needed.
Before scheduling laser hair removal treatment, it is best to wait at least six weeks without plucking, waxing or using any other hair removal methods such as shaving. This allows the follicles time to develop enough pigment in their cells to absorb its energy from the laser’s light beams. If shaving daily has become part of your routine, be sure to limit how long each session lasts each day; tanning reduces effectiveness.
If you do need to shave prior to laser treatment, use a razor that does not contain aloe or vitamin E as this could burn your skin. Your dermatologist will give you a list of steps that must be followed prior to beginning laser treatments; these could include avoiding medications that thin your skin like retinoids; no antibiotics should also be taken; be mindful that your period may interfere with any scheduled appointments; plan ahead.
Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe solution to get rid of unwanted hair for good. While its results won’t last as long as other methods such as shaving and waxing, many find they last significantly longer with laser. Furthermore, it offers those who cannot tolerate side effects from traditional techniques (e.g. shaving and waxing) another great option to reduce unwanted follicles for good.
