While laser light heat damages the hair follicles, new growth remains possible; thus, many require multiple sessions for effective results.
Hair grows in cycles, with resting, shedding and growing periods in between. When it regrowths it will usually become finer and lighter in texture and color than its predecessors.
Your technician will recommend an appropriate laser for both your skin and hair color, with Alexandrite and ND:Yag lasers being particularly beneficial across all complexions and types.
What is the process?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin pigment found in your hair and damaging it, thus inhibiting future hair growth and significantly reducing its number. The process is quick and relatively pain-free – though some patients opt to apply a topical anesthetic beforehand in order to minimize discomfort – though you may experience temporary redness or swelling post treatment.
Before receiving treatment, you will be advised not to shave, wax, or pluck in the area being targeted. Furthermore, sun exposure and tanning bed use should be limited since prolonged sun exposure or tanning bed usage may darken or burn your skin significantly. Careful attention must be paid when following instructions given by your dermatologist; doing so could make a major impactful difference to how effectively the procedure goes.
After each laser treatment, you will notice your hair is thinner and lighter in color. The laser heat destroys hair follicles to stop their production; as they regrow over time they should become lighter-colored with finer textures for a smoother look.
depending on your unique hair growth cycle and complexion, multiple treatments may be required to achieve the desired outcomes. While some individuals report permanent results, most will need maintenance sessions every four to six weeks in order to keep seeing results.
Considered in terms of permanence of results, minimal maintenance requirements and savings from no longer needing shaving and waxing products, many people find laser hair removal well worth its investment. Eliminating shaving or waxing altogether can give an incredible confidence boost and give a breather from daily hassles.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, meet with a specialist to discuss all of your options and the ideal treatment plan for you. Be sure to ask questions about complexion, hair color and any other variables which could have an effect on how the treatment will go; that way, you can be certain your results will meet or surpass all expectations and goals.
How long will the process take?
Before beginning laser hair removal treatment, your physician will cleanse and protect the target area with protective eye shields before using a handheld device to pass over it and treat each active-growth hair follicle individually with laser light – this may take anywhere from several minutes up to several hours depending on its size and location.
Laser energy when directed against pigmented hair follicles emits heat and damages the follicle, causing hair loss by damaging its roots, which prevents future hair follicles from growing back in. Individual results will differ, some hair follicles being placed into remission while others might only reduce in size and thickness.
A person’s laser treatments depend on their desired results and vary accordingly, but an easy way to gauge this number is by looking at average figures among similar skin and hair types – typically five sessions spread four weeks apart will do.
For optimal results, patients will need to adhere to a thorough pre- and post-treatment routine, including cleaning the target skin with gentle cleanser and using topical anesthetic on sensitive areas as necessary. They must also avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds when treating treated skin areas.
By following all these instructions, the results should be permanent and long-term. However, some changes in skin tone might return over time.
Keep in mind that although laser treatments are permanent, maintenance will need to be repeated every few years in order to sustain results. Your doctor should provide guidance as far as how you should proceed after finishing a course of treatments.
Will I be able to shave or wax after the procedure?
Laser hair removal is an effective and permanent way to rid oneself of unwanted body hair. It eliminates the need for painful shaving, waxing and plucking methods that leave razor burns or rashes, while after laser treatments the remaining hair will grow back finer in texture and lighter in hue – typically 6-8 treatments spaced four weeks apart are enough to achieve permanent reduction.
Laser treatments may be uncomfortable for some individuals; everyone’s pain tolerance varies accordingly. Some have described the sensation as similar to shark pricks or rubber band snaps against the skin. Others may experience itching, redness and swelling after treatment – something which should subside within several days afterward.
Between laser treatments, you should continue shaving; however, only dead, damaged hairs which have shed post-treatment should be targeted; this shedding is an indicator that lasers have done their work effectively. Furthermore, in the weeks prior to your session it would be wise to avoid tanning or hair depilatory cream use in that area.
Waxing should not be done, as this technique pulls hairs directly from their roots, which may make the laser miss the target hair root. Instead, shaving removes short, surface hairs to allow lasers to target them more accurately.
Following your laser treatment, it is recommended that you avoid direct sun exposure for several weeks afterward in order to protect the skin from sunlight, which could interfere with results of treatment. If necessary, apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ on all treated areas in order to shield from direct sunrays and avoid complications in healing process.
Be mindful that laser treatment cannot treat every hair follicle, particularly those in the anagen phase (the active growth phase). Therefore, results may take longer if there are hormonal imbalances or insulin resistance issues present; in such instances it would be wise to discuss potential alternatives with your practitioner.
Will I have any side effects?
Laser hair removal may cause side effects similar to any medical procedure; however, when performed by an accredited practitioner. Side effects typically consist of mild irritation that will usually dissipate within hours and possibly redness or swelling around the treated area – both are normal reactions.
Other potential side effects could include changes to skin pigmentation (hypo- or hyperpigmentation), cold sore outbreak, blistering and scarring. If any of these occur, seek medical advice immediately as soon as possible in order to address them effectively and find a resolution.
Laser hair removal typically results in some degree of itching at the treated area, though ice packs may help ease any irritation that persists. You might also experience minor pain or tingling if your skin is particularly sensitive, while some people find their hair grows back lighter or finer after treatments but these effects typically only last temporarily. To minimize side effects and maximize comfort during sessions, always shave just before commencing your session.
Hair removal works best on those with dark skin and dark hair due to the contrast in pigments between their complexions, which allows laser light to target and destroy follicles more successfully. Unfortunately, its effectiveness decreases significantly with light skin or blonde, gray or red hued locks due to being unable to detect melanin deposits on melanin-rich melanin deposits in these areas.
Before your treatment session, in addition to shaving the treatment area, it’s wise to forgoing other methods of hair removal such as sunless skin creams and electrolysis. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis may disturb hair follicles which could impede on results. Furthermore, sun exposure could lead to uneven tanning or burns that compromise results; avoid it as this could further complicate treatment and further compromise results.
Most doctors suggest undergoing six to eight treatments spaced about five weeks apart for maximum and lasting results. You can expect your unwanted hairs to fall out without reappearing, although periodic maintenance sessions might be required for optimal performance.
