Laser hair removal works best on those with light complexions and dark hair due to their pigment contrast allowing for targeted targeting of each hair follicle without harming nearby skin cells.
A trained practitioner will assess both your skin and hair type to select an ideal laser type and settings to address your individual needs. Before your session, it is important to refrain from tanning as well as plucking, tweezing and waxing the area being treated.
The answer is yes
Laser hair removal uses concentrated beams of light to target and destroy pigment in hair follicles, damaging and heating them, thus stopping future hair growth. It is an extremely safe and effective treatment option for unwanted hair on faces, legs, arms, underarms and bikini lines alike – potentially helping reduce sweating as well as improving sweat gland health! However, there are a few key things you should keep in mind before getting laser treatments performed on yourself or anyone you love.
Underarm sweat glands produce an odorless, cooling body fluid to keep you comfortable and prevent overheating, while nearby apocrine glands produce acid that impart a pungent scent into sweat produced. Laser hair removal may reduce this number of apocrine glands for reduced body odor.
However, sweat glands in your underarms will still produce sweat to cool the rest of your body and reduce odor. Though other parts may still experience sweating, you should likely notice less of it overall.
Laser hair removal can provide permanent results, though you must attend regular treatments over four to eight weeks for best results.
To maximize your treatment results, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
Make sure that any infections or skin conditions are properly managed, such as undiagnosed acne. Tanning should also be avoided before and after laser treatment to decrease the chance of adverse reactions to laser treatment. Sunscreen with high SPF levels is advised in order to minimize risks.
Before choosing a practitioner for laser treatment, ask about their training and experience with lasers. Also find out what type of lasers will be used and how they will be applied to treat your condition. Whenever possible, go with one who has registered with an organization which establishes standards of training, skill, and insurance coverage.
Be mindful that after receiving laser treatment, your skin may experience some irritation such as swelling and redness. To ease any discomfort from this discomfort, apply a cold compress. Also be sure to wear sunblock with at least SPF 30 on any areas affected even once healed.
Your healthcare practitioner should always receive an accurate picture of your medical history, including any underlying conditions that cause excessive hair growth (hirsutism). In particular, pregnant women should avoid receiving laser treatment due to its potential to injure the fetus through absorption by laser light energy. Your health should come first when considering laser therapy; for example, if you have genital herpes and plan on entering herpes simplex-2 suppression phase for at least 14 days prior to having laser treatment; similarly if taking blood thinners you should refrain from getting this procedure done. Laser treatments interfere with blood flow and may result in serious complications; thus if you’re not yet in the herpes suppression stage, a practitioner must perform an exhaustive examination of your blood vessels to ascertain if laser therapy treatment would be safe for you.
The answer is no
Laser hair removal works by sending focused light energy directly into pigment-rich cells of a hair follicle and heating its pigmented cells with heat from a laser beam, disabling and destroying them so they stop producing new hair growth. Unfortunately, however, this process may also damage apocrine glands responsible for producing sweat production; sweat is vital in our bodies’ natural cooling and regulation system and without it our bodies would overheat quickly.
Implementing permanent hair reduction through laser treatment requires periodic laser sessions. The frequency and type of laser used will depend upon your treatment area. A good practitioner will create a tailored treatment schedule designed to maximize results while minimizing side effects.
At your initial consultation, the practitioner will ask questions to assess your suitability for laser hair removal and go over treatment procedures and costs. Make sure to inquire as to their training and experience with laser treatment; as well as check with relevant bodies governing authorities to see if they’re registered.
Before starting laser treatments, it’s advisable to refrain from depilation and waxing for at least six weeks in the area being targeted, using SPF30 sunscreen to shield it. Your practitioner may suggest shaving beforehand so that enough hair for laser targeting exists.
The process itself is relatively painless; your practitioner will press a handheld device against your skin before activating a laser to emit a pulse of light that may cause some mild redness and irritation, though this typically only lasts a few hours. If irritation becomes severe, try applying an ice pack or taking an antihistamine tablet to soothe irritation.
Laser hair removal offers many benefits, with one key one being reduced hair growth. This can dramatically decrease shaving, waxing and other forms of depilation in some instances – for many this can be lifesaving!
Reduced shaving usage means less waste for the environment – and five to ten minutes less spent at the sink each day shaving is the equivalent of saving water!
Laser hair removal may also help reduce cellulite due to its ability to tighten skin muscles and tighten up cellulites follicles, creating smoother and tighter-looking skin tone overall.
Laser treatment can not only reduce shaving needs but can also assist in controlling excessive sweating. This is because bacteria that produce body odor can attach themselves to sweat produced by glands and cause it to smell foul; antiperspirants and deodorants only temporarily mask this smell, while Botox injections have been shown to effectively limit sweat production while eliminating bacteria that causes body odor altogether. If you’re interested in exploring laser hair removal for hyperhidrosis contact Voyage MedSpa today to reserve a consultation appointment!
