Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular, non-invasive cosmetic solution to permanently reduce hair. Safe for people of all skin types and tones, but before beginning treatments it’s essential that certain guidelines be met first.
Before beginning treatment, make sure to avoid skincare products containing harsh ingredients as well as direct sun exposure on the affected area.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a non-invasive skin treatment method involving needles. The process creates small holes in the skin to increase collagen production and prompt its natural healing response, treating various skin conditions such as wrinkles, stretch marks and acne scars. Some dermatologists combine microneedling with laser therapies for an even higher success rate.
Before your microneedling session, it is wise to avoid medications which could potentially irritate the skin. Furthermore, you should use a gentle cleanser on your face and body to remove makeup and dirt build-up on the surface; you might even consider applying a numbing cream or ointment as additional measures against pain and discomfort.
Numbing creams can be purchased both online and in physical drugstores. Most doctors advise applying the cream 30 minutes prior to your appointment to help minimize discomfort during treatment, and prevent rashes or pain during procedures. Also avoid any skincare products containing high SPF levels or retinol content that could adversely impact on you during this process.
Microneedling is a quick and painless procedure, but its results may take time to materialize. Multiple sessions may be needed before any noticeable difference becomes apparent. Some doctors prefer combining microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to enhance results and speed recovery time; this combination is sometimes known as the “vampire facial.” Incorporating PRP involves drawing blood, spinning it rapidly to separate red cells from its yellow plasma-containing growth factors, before either applying this plasma during microneedling or injecting directly into skin.
People may experience mild to severe side effects after their procedure, such as redness or rash; swelling and sensitivity are other common side effects that should not be ignored. It’s essential to drink plenty of water and moisturizer immediately following your procedure and should also try not to expose themselves directly to direct sunlight for at least 24 hours following.
RF microneedling can be an effective treatment for wrinkles and scars, though not everyone may benefit. In order to determine if it will work for you, it’s wise to consult with a dermatologist or surgeon beforehand.
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing, also known as laser peel, laser vaporization or lasabrasion, removes the outermost layer of skin to help treat fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, acne scarring, tightening aging skin or sun-damage. A dermatologist can perform this treatment on any part of the body and typically administers multiple sessions over several months or sessions.
Prior to getting laser skin resurfacing, it is vitally important that you discuss your medical history with a dermatologist. Be sure to inform them if you take any medications or over-the-counter drugs which could alter the healing process, and avoid smoking as this increases your risk for complications.
During treatment, the face is numbed using local anesthesia or general anesthesia if treating a large area. A cooling device may also be utilized in order to protect skin and reduce post-treatment bruising. Laser sessions usually last 30-40 minutes depending on their duration and size of area being treated.
Dermatologists use both ablative and non-ablative lasers to improve the look of your skin. Ablative lasers such as carbon dioxide or Erbium lasers remove outer layers of skin while non-ablative ones such as IPL or Nd:YAG lasers heat up outer layers without stripping away all layers, thus stimulating natural collagen production within your body, thus decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.
Your results from laser skin resurfacing should become gradually evident over time and continue to improve over several months post treatment. Repeating it every few years if signs of aging reappear; however, new sun damage could reverse results achieved previously.
After receiving laser treatment, it is imperative that you protect yourself from direct sunlight by wearing SPF 30 sunscreen daily and moisturizing. Your skin may feel swollen and sensitive after laser resurfacing treatments; for best results contact a physician if there is any blistering, crusting or other visible abnormalities on your body.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are solutions applied directly to the face to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate new cell production, improving appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, fading age spots, evening out tone of complexion and evening out fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels may also help treat precancerous scaly growths called actinic keratosis.
Before getting a chemical peel, avoid plucking and waxing the area to be treated, which could cause laser to scatter and burn the skin. Tanning should also be stopped to avoid pigmentation problems. Shaving is important so the laser can target it; for optimal results it’s recommended that this occurs the day prior to receiving your treatment.
One or two weeks prior to your peel, discontinue all medications containing retinoids as these medications may increase sunlight sensitivity and lead to sunburns. If in doubt about whether your product contains retinol, consult your dermatologist. During the procedure, your physician will use brushes, cotton balls, gauze pads or sponges to apply chemical solutions directly onto the treatment area – this may sting for several minutes until a neutralizing solution or wash is added by their hands – potentially providing faster healing than standard solutions alone can do.
After receiving a chemical peel, your skin may feel tight and dry. To minimize hyperpigmentation risks, moisturizers with an SPF 30+ sunblock should be used instead.
Light chemical peels typically result in mild facial redness and peeling similar to sunburn, with most people seeing results within 48 hours. Medium or deep peels may produce more severe redness and swelling that lasts months before subsiding.
Chemical peels are typically considered cosmetic treatments and not covered by insurance policies. However, they can help improve other cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal by preventing ingrown hairs and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you’re interested in having one done, speak with your plastic surgeon about costs and recovery timeframes.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a non-invasive facial treatment that utilizes a blade to exfoliate dead skin cells from facial hair, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and acne scars. The procedure can be performed by both licensed aestheticians or dermatologists.
Before beginning dermaplaning, your practitioner will use a mild cleanser to loosen dead skin cells, before placing a protective covering over your eyes and applying a gel or ointment to the treatment area. Next they’ll use an electric razor-style device called dermaplaning for gentle skin exfoliation that could take between 15 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the size of the area being addressed.
After your dermaplaning treatment is completed, a provider will apply moisturizer and gently massage your face for several minutes before giving you a skincare guide with care instructions following treatment. Due to sensitive skin following dermaplaning, it’s best to avoid sun exposure for several days afterwards and products like sunless tanning creams; plucking, waxing or any other means of hair removal as well as medications known to increase bleeding such as aspirin may increase adverse reactions and should also be avoided until healing has taken place.
One common fear about dermaplaning is that it will leave behind stubble. According to Ciraldo and other experts, however, this is an outdated belief – the blade used during dermaplaning does not cut into your skin directly and the hairs removed are soft, short and fine (known as Vellus Hair or Peach Fuzz).
If you’re considering dermaplaning, make sure to contact a licensed esthetician first to see whether they have experience. As this treatment isn’t covered by insurance and costs may differ between providers, finding someone experienced and competent is essential. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid this technique due to possible bleeding disorders and herpes infections that might occur from dermaplaning treatments.
