Most men and women require six to eight treatments for permanent hair reduction with laser treatment being an increasingly popular solution.
Your doctor will use a handheld device with cooling properties or gel to press against your skin during this procedure. In order to protect its delicate nature, this tool may feature cooling or gel elements.
What is it?
Laser hair removal utilizes pulsed light technology. Pulses of laser light pulsed onto pigment in hair follicles will target and disable it, eventually stopping new growth altogether. The procedure is safe, effective and relatively pain free – small areas such as upper lips can often be treated quickly while large ones like backs or legs may take more than an hour for complete removal.
Hormonal imbalances, psoriasis and diabetes can impede laser hair removal, so it’s important to be aware of them prior to beginning this treatment. After laser treatments have taken place it’s also recommended to apply broad spectrum sunscreen on any treated areas as protection from sunburn.
Laser hair removal should not be performed if pregnant or breastfeeding; before making your decision to proceed with treatment it is wise to consult with a medical esthetician first.
Before receiving laser treatment it is advisable to avoid tanning or using any sunless skin creams that darken the skin. Furthermore, shaving the area will ensure the laser can target only hair follicles without heating up surrounding hairs or surface skin areas. Furthermore, it would be prudent to inform your physician of any medications such as blood thinners that you are currently taking before your appointment.
Laser hair removal may feel uncomfortable to some individuals; everyone’s tolerance levels differ. Some have described the sensation as similar to snapping a rubber band against your skin. Our GentleMax Pro laser comes equipped with a cooling system which can help alleviate discomfort during hair removal sessions.
How does it work?
Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles and interrupting their growth cycle with light energy from a laser, which is then converted to heat energy by their cells, killing off their existence and leading to hair fall out. Results typically last forever for most patients as regrowth reduces over time – making the results permanent in most cases.
Laser treatments are generally safe, though it’s essential that an experienced practitioner performs them to avoid damage. Make sure your provider is licensed and has extensive knowledge in treating skin types specifically tailored for treatment; avoid salons using nonmedical staff to perform the treatments.
Before your appointment, the area being treated must be shaved, goggles or mask must be worn for eye protection, and you might receive a cool gel or air spray to apply directly onto your skin surface. A slight stinging sensation may occur depending on the level of intensity chosen;
Before commencing laser treatments, it is advisable to undergo a patch test in order to make sure that the machine is suitable for you and that there will be no adverse reactions. Your dermatologist can then use customized settings on the laser that match up with the skin color and thickness.
Laser hair removal works best when there is a contrast between skin color and hair color. Unfortunately, however, it can be less successful on darker skin tones or with hair colors that don’t absorb heat easily, like gray, red, or blond hues. Furthermore, it may not be suitable for people who suffer from keloid scarring or have raised bumps on the skin – most clients typically need two to six laser sessions before experiencing results.
How long does it take?
Laser hair removal sessions typically last about an hour, depending on the area being treated. Shave the area being targeted 24 hours prior to any laser hair removal appointment in order to give the laser a clearer picture of where to target hairs more accurately and avoid tanning and sun lamps before and during your session.
Your doctor will use a hand-held laser instrument to press against your skin, which might feel similar to being pinprickled by a warm pinprick or like snapping against rubber bands. A cooling device or gel might be applied on the tip of the instrument for additional skin protection and to lessen any discomfort during treatment. As the laser beam passes through your skin and damages hair follicles, future hair growth is inhibited; you may start seeing hair fall out three to five days post treatment.
Redness and swelling may occur after treatment, which should subside within hours. You should take steps to protect the area afterward by using broad-spectrum sunscreen on it, avoiding direct sunlight and applying cold compresses if any discomfort occurs. For optimal results, multiple sessions spaced four weeks apart are usually necessary for effective laser hair removal, so that laser can target hairs when they’re in their Anagen stage of growth.
What are the side effects?
Laser hair removal is generally safe for most people, though any treatment can cause side effects that last a few days or hours after initial exposure to light. These temporary side effects often resolve within this period.
Irritation: Your skin may experience itching or irritation after receiving treatment; this typically subsides within several hours or by applying an ice pack.
Blisters: Laser treatments may cause blisters in the area being treated due to heat energy destroying hair follicles and this is more prevalent with dark complexions as melanin absorbs more of the laser energy than usual. If this does happen, do not pick at or pop the blister as this could result in scarring.
At times, some individuals can experience an allergic reaction to laser light. Though uncommon, this reaction could occur if taking certain medications or having conditions like Genital Herpes.
Burns: Lasers may occasionally cause burns if their settings are set too high, although this occurrence is extremely rare and only happens in severe situations.
Purpura occurs when laser light irritates blood vessels in the skin, leading to slight bleeding or scabbing [6]. Scabs will eventually fall off on their own but you can apply triple antibiotic ointment in order to help reduce inflammation; additionally, regular moisturizer use and avoidance of tanning agents can also help avoid further complications with treated areas.
Are there any permanent side effects?
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective process; however, it may take multiple sessions before seeing significant results. Furthermore, it’s essential that you follow all pre and post treatment instructions and protect the treated area with broad spectrum sunscreens.
Laser hair removal may cause more serious side effects, including changes to overall skin texture, blisters or scarring. Therefore, it is highly advised that only trained professionals provide laser hair removal. Your risks increase exponentially if your skin has darker pigmentation or you use at-home kits; avoid these risks at all costs!
If you plan to undergo laser hair removal, be sure to avoid tanning beds for six weeks prior to beginning. In addition, other forms of hair removal (waxing or plucking) must also be avoided during this period, and use high SPF sunscreen throughout this time. Doing this will help avoid any bruising or blistering after the procedure takes place.
One misconception associated with laser hair removal is that it will permanently alter your skin color. This is false – laser energy does not have the capability of altering the pigment of your skin in either direction; although some individuals have experienced temporary changes after receiving treatments.
Laser hair removal typically results in redness, swelling and itchiness that lasts a couple days after treatment. If these symptoms continue, it is recommended to contact a physician immediately and use cooling creams or ointments during this process to minimize discomfort – these products can be purchased either from pharmacies or online retailers.
