Laser hair removal may not be a cure for keratosis pilaris, but studies have demonstrated its efficacy at reducing rough texture and appearance. When combined with exfoliation and moisturizers, it may provide further improvement of symptoms.
Procedure is relatively quick and pain-free, typically using topical anesthetic to decrease discomfort. Treatment could last from minutes up to an hour or more depending on the area in need of repair.
How It Works
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin condition characterized by small bumps on the surface of skin that are harmless, often clearing up without treatment by age 30. Most people will develop KP over their lifetime; symptoms often appear as rough patches similar to sandpaper or chicken skin texture. Keratosis pilaris can occur on arms, legs and faces and is typically marked by redness or scaling of skin. Teenagers and children tend to be particularly prone to this condition but it can affect anyone at any age; more likely occurrences include dry skin conditions like eczema, ichthyosis or hay fever which aggravate it further. Certain groups are at greater risk than others such as those of Celtic descent with family histories of Keratosis pilaris as well as those living with chronic illnesses or diseases which affect immune systems – while some individuals more prone include those of Celtic descent who have family histories of Keratosis pilaris as well as chronic illness/diseases which affect immune systems more extensively than others e.g. chronic illness that affect immune systems directly.
Keratosis pilaris remains poorly understood; however, its cause may stem from an accumulation of keratin protein found in hair, clogging pores and leading to its appearance. Keratosis pilaris can also be worsened by sun exposure if your complexion is darker.
Keratosis pilaris can be treated through various approaches; however, not all treatment methods work equally for all individuals. If your condition doesn’t improve after several attempts at treatment, it is wise to consult a dermatologist about other possible treatment plans.
General treatments for Keratosis Pilaris include avoiding dry skin and regularly exfoliating with a gentle exfoliant at least once every week; you should use one with AHAs, Lactic Acid or Salicylic Acid that will gently exfoliate away dead cells that lead to this condition.
Other treatments for Keratosis Pilaris may include chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Dr. Rokhsar frequently employs Fraxel laser treatments to successfully address resistant cases on arms, legs and facial features; in certain instances he may prescribe topical retinoids as an additional solution.
What to Expect
As part of your laser hair removal treatment, you will lie down while being held by the doctor and having them press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. The tip may contain a cooling device or gel for added comfort during treatment; then laser light waves will penetrate into your skin to destroy hair follicles and stop future growth – the procedure could last from minutes to an hour depending on its size and location.
After your session is over, it is normal for redness and warmth in the treatment area to reduce. Cold compresses may help alleviate this discomfort as well as moisturizing. Furthermore, sun exposure after therapy increases risk of hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin tone) or hypopigmentation (lightening). To minimise these side effects after therapy is essential.
Prior to your treatment session, it is recommended that you shave the area being treated and come in without makeup or lotion on it. In addition, it would be prudent to limit plucking, waxing and electrolysis treatments on that area for six weeks leading up to your session.
Before your treatment, it is a good idea to apply a numbing cream. You can purchase this at your pharmacy and apply it several hours prior to your appointment; this will numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable.
After receiving laser treatments, it is normal for your skin to become red and irritated; this usually resolves within 24-48 hours. Reapply the numbing cream as directed and avoid applying makeup until all affected areas have fully recovered.
Your hair may regrowth over the coming weeks, but at a much slower rate than its previous growth rate. Most patients require six treatments to achieve their desired results and then maintenance sessions are no longer needed for ongoing results. Any regrowth is typically finer and lighter in color.
Getting Started
Step one is contacting the Body Details location near you and scheduling a consultation appointment. During this meeting, your skin will be evaluated and discussed along with any treatment plans available to you. Also take this time to voice any queries or voice any concerns that come up during this consultation process.
Your provider will discuss your expectations regarding laser hair removal. They will describe the procedure in great detail and what should be done prior, during, and post treatment sessions – it is vitally important that all instructions are strictly abided by. Shaving will be required on the day before your appointment in order for the hair follicles to absorb energy more effectively and for treatment to be more successful. Prior to beginning any treatment for Keratosis Pilaris, it is vital that you refrain from plucking, waxing and other hair removal methods for six weeks – these methods may disturb the hair follicle and cause it to return more rapidly than intended. In addition, sun exposure must be limited using sunscreen with SPF 30+ protection in order to ensure maximum success of this therapy.
Once you are ready for treatment, your technician will press a handheld device against your skin and activate the laser beam, creating what feels like pinpricks or rubber band snapping against it. Depending on the size and scope of the area being treated, this can take anywhere from minutes to over an hour – leaving redness and slight swelling for several hours afterward; an ice pack may help alleviate discomfort while helping reduce any further swelling.
Once your treatment is finished, you can expect clearer skin and decreased keratosis pilaris bumps to result from laser therapy. While its effects may last months or even years, regular touch-up appointments should be scheduled at four- to six-week intervals to maintain these results.
When selecting a laser hair removal technician, be sure they hold both a medical degree and license from either cosmetology or medical boards in your state to guarantee you receive top quality care and safety during treatment. This will guarantee you receive exceptional care during this process.
Results
Keratosis pilaris, commonly referred to as KP, is an irritating skin condition characterized by painless red bumps that appear without pain. It affects up to 80% of adolescents and 40% of adults and results from an accumulation of keratin protein found in hair and nails that blocks hair follicles, creating itchy red bumps on the surface of skin. Laser treatments may reduce its appearance significantly; your dermatologist will typically recommend regular four to six week sessions of laser treatments until any improvement in progress occurs, while some types may respond completely while others won’t.
Lasers work by selectively heating melanin targets in the skin or hair follicle without harming surrounding tissues. Lasers absorb more light from melanin than water or light colors, making this form of selective heating safe for most individuals.
Laser treatments may not provide a permanent solution to keratosis pilaris, but they can significantly improve its symptoms. Laser therapy also destroys some of the irritated hair follicles responsible for creating bumps on your skin; some hair will still grow back as expected but typically it is lighter and less noticeable than before.
Before beginning laser treatment for keratosis pilaris, it is necessary to discuss your medical history with both your physician and treatment specialist. This discussion should include reviewing any medications you are currently taking or have taken previously; and especially important is informing them if any outbreak of cold sores, herpes simplex virus infections or other viral infections have occurred around the area being treated.
Prior to beginning laser treatment, it is essential that you avoid sun exposure and shave the area where you will receive laser treatments. Waxing or bleaching should also be avoided prior to receiving laser sessions; your doctor will give specific instructions about how best to prepare. Laser sessions are not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women with dark complexion or blonde hair or those who have had herpes sores in the past.
