Laser hair removal is one of the most reliable long-term solutions for eliminating/reducing unwanted body hair. Furthermore, it may help alleviate associated skin conditions like folliculitis and discoloration associated with hair growth.
Before your laser treatment, it is recommended that you refrain from shaving, plucking or waxing as the laser needs pigment in the hair follicle to target it effectively. Furthermore, sunbathing and tanning beds should also be avoided to avoid pigment changes that could potentially disrupt its target.
The answer is yes
Laser hair removal utilizes light energy that heats up pigment cells, damaging their follicles over time and rendering them incapable of producing new hair strands – this helps avoid shaving, waxing or plucking which may irritate skin or result in ingrown hairs – as well as reduce needless plucking or shaving sessions that irritate. Unfortunately, its duration varies between individuals depending on many different factors.
Hair color and skin tone both play an integral part in how laser treatments will produce results. Lasers tend to work best for those with dark hair and light skin as the contrast makes it easier for melanin in their locks to absorb heat from laser treatments, thus producing optimal results. Therefore, it is imperative that a qualified dermatologist or physician assistant conduct your laser procedure for best results.
Depending on your complexion and hair color, additional laser treatments may be required before unwanted hair can be permanently eliminated. Treatment sessions vary between individuals as not all follicles are in active growing phase during any one treatment session; those that are may still produce new hair that is lighter in color and finer than its predecessors.
Your area may require multiple laser sessions in order to effectively eradicate all hair follicles in that location, with facial, leg, arm and butt hair growing at a faster rate than others requiring extra visits from qualified dermatologists to perform laser hair removal treatment on those areas that most need it. It’s therefore vitally important that you find one who specializes in this procedure to target those follicles that require removal most effectively.
Location plays a big role in how long laser hair removal lasts; legs, face, bikini area or underarms tend to regrow their hair more slowly than other parts of your body.
Hormonal imbalances, like PCOS, could affect how successfully laser hair removal will work for you. Furthermore, medications may impact results as well.
At your consultation, you’ll discuss what results you hope to see from the procedure and what can be expected during treatment sessions and follow-up. This could involve how frequently maintenance visits may need to take place and which treatment sessions would need to take place over time. At O’Donnell Vein & Laser, we recommend scheduling laser hair removal maintenance sessions every 6-12 months in order to maximize permanent hair reduction goals and ensure they’re achieved! Get started now – contact us! We look forward to helping you look and feel your very best! Proudly serving Baltimore, Maryland area clients. For your free consultation please call or schedule it online; free parking and same-day appointments are offered, along with most major insurances as well as financing solutions. Furthermore, we’re passionate about giving back through supporting local charities.
The answer is no
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular treatment option for eliminating unwanted body hair, but it’s essential to understand exactly what this treatment can and cannot accomplish. There are numerous misconceptions surrounding laser hair removal; in this video from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carolyn Jacob – she offers insight into what laser hair removal entails as well as its limitations and benefits.
Laser hair removal sessions are quick and painless procedures that use high-heat laser light to target and damage hair follicles that produce unwanted hair. Attracted by pigment, the laser light passes through skin layers until reaching targeted follicles underfoot where its light heats them up enough for long-term permanent results that no longer need shaver, waxer or pluckering for removal.
Before arriving for your appointment, ensure the area you will be treating is free from products like moisturizers, lotions, deodorant and sunscreen that could block laser light from reaching hair follicles and cause adverse side effects. Your doctor may provide protective eyewear as additional safeguard against laser light exposure.
Before your treatment begins, your physician will press a hand-held laser instrument against the skin. Depending on the type of laser being used, its tip might feature a cooling device or cool gel to protect and minimize discomfort. Once activated by your doctor, you should feel something similar to being pinpricked by a warm pinprick sensation – treatment time can last between a few minutes to an hour depending on its size and location.
After your treatment, the treated area might appear red and swollen for some time afterward – this is normal; just take care not to expose it directly to sunlight, use moisturizers on it directly or apply creams within three days, otherwise any signs of reaction should contact your physician immediately.
Laser hair removal may be a permanent solution, but multiple sessions will likely be necessary in order to fully remove all your unwanted hair. Because your locks grow in cycles of growing, shedding and resting, only those hairs in their growing phase will be targeted during each laser session; once back into growth phase they’ll be eligible for another round.
After going through treatment, some hair may still regrow but these will likely be lighter and finer than before. Therefore, it’s crucial that you maintain regular appointments with an expert to achieve maximum results.
