Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method to permanently rid oneself of unwanted hair. The heat generated from the laser destroys hair follicles to stop future growth of unwanted locks.
Your doctor will apply a hand-held laser instrument directly onto your skin, with its tip featuring cooling devices or gel for your comfort.
Pain
Laser hair removal is a safe, non-invasive and effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair. Most popularly utilized on facial features like cheeks, armpits and legs; it may also be applied to neck and back hair. While many individuals report minimal pain during their sessions; sensitive areas like bikini lines or stomach may experience more intense discomfort; in such instances a practitioner can use cooling devices to alleviate pain.
Laser hair removal performed correctly by a certified practitioner can have only minor side effects, with the most frequent being skin irritation and itching that should subside within several hours post treatment. If not, apply an ice pack directly onto the area or try soothing gel or creams – in severe cases consult with your physician immediately.
Another potential side effect of laser treatment is darker or lighter spots on your skin, most often occurring with light skin but sometimes also impacting those with darker complexions. While these dark spots won’t last too long, it is important to keep treated areas clean as soon as treatment begins and any problems arise due to improper laser operation – blistering and crusting could happen if performed incorrectly.
Fotona is a leading provider of advanced laser treatments designed to restore and rejuvenate skin, hair and body. Hopkins Dermatology is proud to offer this cutting-edge technology for cosmetic improvements such as hair restoration, acne reduction, facial vein reduction and tightening. Contact us now to schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists – serving Monroe, Alexandria and Shreveport and throughout Ark-La-Miss!
Skin Irritation
Laser hair removal can be an effective and safe solution to managing unwanted hair growth, but it is essential to be aware of potential side effects and how best to address them before scheduling treatments. Common symptoms associated with irritation of hair follicles include itching, swelling and reddening of skin.
These side effects usually appear one to two days post laser treatment and can make the skin appear and feel sunburnt, with perfumes, deodorant or hot showers exacerbating symptoms further. Ice packs and soothing creams may help provide some relief; additionally it is wise to avoid direct sunlight when possible and wear sunscreen with an SPF rating when going outdoors.
While side effects may be uncomfortable, they’re short-lived. Irritated areas typically return to normal within several days; until that point, people should refrain from shaving or waxing the area in order to allow it to heal properly.
Fotona Dynamis Nd: YAG lasers combine pulse-control technology and their exclusive three-dimensional treatment pattern FRAC3 for safe and effective hair reduction results on all skin types, including dark. Their Nd: YAG laser can penetrate deep into skin to target darker hairs that tend to be more prominent on dark complexions.
Fotona laser treatments are perfect for people who are tired of dealing with razor bumps, ingrown hairs and unwanted facial or body hair. In addition to helping reduce scars and wrinkles, they may also treat acne-causing bacteria. To learn more about how Fotona can benefit you contact Hopkins Dermatology now to set up an appointment with Dr. Janine Hopkins!
Swelling
Laser hair removal is a popular treatment that reduces the need for shaving, tweezing and waxing. While its side effects such as swelling can be discomforting at first, these discomforts should subside over time and will become less bothersome over time.
The Fotona Dynamis laser system is a multi-laser platform that offers non-invasive skin treatments, including hair removal. By combining Er: YAG and Nd: YAG wavelengths for effective treatment of various skin conditions – such as cellulite reduction – this treatment also tightens and smooths facial, neck, abdominal and arm skin.
At each Fotona laser hair removal session, a hand piece is placed over the area being treated and combined energy is delivered through a small spot size. As light from the laser heats up tissue in the area, resulting in swelling and redness which is typically soothed with cold packs or bath soaks; occasionally some minor scabbing or crusting may occur but will usually resolve itself over time.
Scarring from laser hair removal may occur on occasion, particularly if a client uses an untrained practitioner or at-home laser kit; scarring could also occur if patients fail to follow post-treatment care recommendations properly.
Prior and following laser hair removal treatments, patients must avoid prolonged sun exposure. Furthermore, two weeks prior to their procedure they should refrain from using self-tanning products and plucking/waxing as these methods can disturb hair follicles. Patients with darker complexions can find benefit in scheduling their laser treatment during wintertime to minimize risks from sun damage.
Dark Spots
Fotona Laser Treatments offer an effective solution for many cosmetic concerns, including skin rejuvenation, vein removal and tightening. Their advanced two wavelength laser technology enables it to effectively treat all skin tones – which makes Hopkins Dermatology proud to offer these treatments throughout Monroe, Alexandria, Shreveport and Southlake in LA.
When selecting a laser hair removal provider, it is vital that they specialize in working with patients from various backgrounds. This is particularly relevant for those with darker skin tones who may be susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser procedures. Our board certified medical professional has the experience and knowhow to recommend laser treatments that are safe and effective across skin types.
Laser hair removal works by targeting dark pigments within hair follicles to absorb laser energy, thus keeping it away from reaching deeper layers of tissue where it could potentially do damage. Light haired individuals may still experience this effect although its intensity will likely be less apparent than with dark-hued locks.
Fotona SP Dynamis is an Nd: YAG laser system designed to treat all skin types, from those with darker complexions to lighter complexions. This advanced technology can treat an array of conditions including vein removal, rejuvenation and pigmented lesions.
This laser also reduces the “frosting effect,” often associated with Q-switched lasers, wherein epidermal damage leads to temporary whitening of skin pigmentation. Thanks to Fotona’s third-generation technology, this problem can be significantly mitigated with minimal “frosting effect.” It uses photoacoustic shockwaves instead of photothermolytic effects when treating stubborn pigmentation such as melanosomes (skin pigments). Melasma treatment involves breaking apart melanosomes into microparticles which are then carried out via lymphatic system drainage from body by lymphatic system and out of body by lymphatic system.
Redness
Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution to unwanted hair reduction, unlike shaving, tweezing, or waxing. While treatment sessions may take multiple sessions to achieve results, for optimal outcomes it is essential to follow your physician’s post-treatment care instructions such as avoiding sun exposure and applying ice packs as well as choosing appropriate moisturizers.
Redness is an expected side effect of laser hair removal, but usually vanishes within a few hours after each session. If your redness persists for more than 24 hours after treatment, please speak with your physician regarding how best to reduce it. Itching or burning as a result of laser irritation usually pass quickly. A topical antihistamine or hydrocortisone might provide temporary relief.
Blisters or skin crusting may result from improper laser hair removal procedures or when used by untrained practitioners, particularly if used incorrectly or by those without enough training. While it’s more likely for people with darker complexions, blisters or crusting could still happen at any age. You should avoid excessive sun exposure after receiving laser hair removal treatment.
Fotona’s Alexandrite laser provides the ideal solution for patients with sensitive skin as it causes less pain than other laser hair removal treatments. Specifically designed to penetrate more deeply into the skin surface and inhibit new hair follicle growth for long-lasting results, this technology may even treat rosacea – which causes redness and flushing – though patients must consult with a dermatologist first in order to see whether laser therapy would be safe.
