Consistency is key when it comes to laser hair removal treatments; missing an appointment could slow down how fast you reach your goals.
Prior to your laser hair removal appointment, it is recommended that the treatment area is shaved as this will enable the laser beams to focus more easily on targeting hair roots. Also avoid any scrubbng, plucking or waxing of this area prior to treatment.
You’ll notice less hair.
Laser hair removal could be your answer if you want to ditch razors. This treatment uses pulses of laser energy to destroy hair follicle cells and stop future growth, though it’s essential that a licensed professional understands your skin type in order to work with various lasers for best results. Furthermore, avoid excessive sun exposure prior and after laser hair removal appointments as this increases your risk for skin discoloration and scarring.
Most patients discover their unwanted hair is significantly reduced following their first laser hair removal treatment session; however, individual results will differ depending on where it grows fastest – multiple sessions may be necessary to reach desired results according to Oregon Health & Science University; on average most individuals require six treatments spread out over time for optimal results.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it is recommended to shave the area which will be targeted. This ensures that hairs stand out against your skin more easily for targeting and destruction. In addition, lotions or products could create barriers between the laser treatment and your skin that could impede its effectiveness and hinder results.
Your practitioner will use a handheld device to press against the area that requires lasering, then emit short bursts of laser energy – this may take just minutes or over an hour for larger areas such as legs and back. You may feel something similar to rubber band snapping against your skin, though not every zap will hurt; following treatment, however, some areas might become red and swollen so cold compresses should be applied as necessary.
Once the area has been treated with laser hair removal, it will begin to shed slowly over the following days and weeks, giving an illusion that new hair is sprouting while your old follicles shed as they’re destroyed by the laser beam. Results may take several months before you see their full effects; be patient!
Some areas of your body, like your chest and back, tend to be more hormonal than others; therefore they may require multiple sessions in order to achieve your desired result, while other parts such as armpits or chin may only require three or four treatments at most. In order to get optimal results it is essential that appointments be scheduled every four to six weeks in order to maximize results.
You’ll notice less pain.
Laser hair removal involves pulses of light being directed at the pigment of your hair follicles to destroy them and stop future growth, leading to thinner and fewer hairs on your surface. You may experience temporary redness or discoloration after treatment; depending on your complexion and hair color this could require multiple visits before reaching desired results.
Laser hair removal treatments can vary widely in terms of pain. Some describe it as feeling like rubber band snaps against their skin; others find no issue. Before scheduling any sessions, be sure to discuss with your practitioner your concerns and potential ways of decreasing discomfort if necessary.
An ice pack applied both before and after your appointment can help numb the area, but beware if taking blood-thinning drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as they could further numbing. Your aesthetician may suggest applying an over-the-counter or prescription topical numbing cream 30 to 45 minutes prior to ensure its effectiveness.
Exfoliation will also help minimize your pain during laser hair removal by exfoliating the area before your session, though shaving may also provide benefits. Avoid tweezing and waxing as they could interfere with its effectiveness.
Your menstrual cycle can also play a part in how much pain you experience from laser hair removal sessions, with women typically experiencing greater discomfort than men due to active pain receptors in their bodies. If possible, try to schedule your sessions shortly after your period begins so as to minimize discomfort during treatments.
Once your laser hair removal treatments have been completed, most of the unwanted hair should have vanished completely. Some follicles may still produce new hairs; therefore it will be necessary to continue your treatments in order to keep your skin hair-free.
Some individuals only require laser hair removal once, while others may need periodic sessions. If you are seeking permanent hair reduction, consult with a dermatologist or physician first; they can suggest the best course of treatment tailored specifically to your skin type and complexion, while providing you with an individualized plan that will lead you to reach your goals more quickly and painlessly. Spring Street Dermatology in SOHO, Tribeca and Uptown NYC has locations offering consultation services – you can schedule one online or contact their offices directly.
You’ll notice less hair growth.
Undergoing laser hair removal reduces the number of follicles responsible for producing unwanted hair, and while some may begin growing again post-treatment, their hair will be significantly less dense and finer in texture than before – providing you with a much smoother appearance as time progresses. Over time, your hair will slowly stop growing altogether!
Duration of treatment will depend on various factors, including your hair type and color and skin tone. On average, though, initial treatments typically reduce hair growth by 10%-25%.
But you will require multiple treatment sessions before seeing results; lasers only destroy hair follicles when they’re actively growing; typically four or six visits spaced 4-6 weeks apart are needed for maximum effectiveness.
After being disabled by laser light, hair follicles should return to a state of “sleeping.” Unfortunately, however, some hair follicles will be permanently disabled and no longer produce hair; over several treatments this will continue until all unwanted hair has been eradicated.
After each laser hair removal session, some skin irritation may arise – this includes symptoms similar to razor burn and redness in your skin. If this happens to you, apply cold compresses or moisturizers as soon as possible in order to alleviate these side effects.
Before embarking on laser hair removal, it’s best to avoid waxing, plucking, or shaving in the area as this will allow laser light to efficiently target your follicles. Also be wary of prolonged sun exposure as UV rays can damage skin; to stay safe it is advised that sunblock with SPF 30+ be applied regularly to skin.
Pain associated with laser hair removal is usually mild; many men and women compare it to feeling as if tiny rubber bands were flicking their skin. If this discomfort becomes bothersome, topical anesthetic may be used during treatment if necessary.
Laser hair removal can be a permanent solution, yet new hair may still appear from hormonal fluctuations or uncooperative follicles never entering an active growth phase to begin with. Therefore, to maximize results it’s essential that regular laser sessions be scheduled so as to receive maximum effectiveness – touch-up appointments may also help maintain this. To help manage and sustain this success, schedule follow up appointments semiannually if necessary.
