Laser hair removal is an efficient, simple solution for quickly eliminating peach fuzz or unwanted facial hair, saving time and energy that would have otherwise been spent shaving, tweezing or plucking it out manually.
Your doctor will use a hand-held laser instrument against your skin, using cooling devices or gel as needed for protection.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser treatments utilize a light beam that is directed directly at hair follicles to destroy them and stop future facial hair growth. The light absorbs pigment (color) of each follicle to transfer heat energy directly, ultimately killing it off. While laser treatment works on all types of hair, it works most effectively on dark, coarse locks with lots of melanin in them; lighter shades such as blonde, red or blonde don’t respond as effectively since there is less melanin available to absorb its energy and thus contribute less toward its success.
Before undergoing laser treatment, eye protection will be provided in order to shield them from its light. Your practitioner will then position the laser over the area being treated, creating an experience similar to having a rubber band snapped against your skin – though most people can tolerate this discomfort without needing anesthesia in more sensitive or large areas.
The laser will flash on and off as it targets hair follicles, producing a small plume of smoke with a sulfurous scent in its wake. Treatment time could last from several minutes up to an hour depending on the size of area being treated.
Once the treatment has taken place, your skin might initially appear red and swollen but this should quickly subside with cooling compresses or topical anesthetics to help manage pain and reduce swelling. Applying cool compresses or using topical anesthetics might also help relieve this discomfort and swelling; alternatively you could try using an SPF 30 sunscreen in direct sunlight on treated areas to minimize sun damage that could lead to hyperpigmentation later.
After several laser hair removal sessions, you will likely notice that facial hair has lessened or stopped growing altogether; some people might even witness total cessation; results vary between individuals. Regular maintenance treatments might be required after initial therapy to keep hair regrowth at bay.
How Long Does It Take?
Laser hair removal can be completed quickly and painlessly in minutes. This simple procedure eliminates the need to wax, shave or pluck hair regularly – an especially great solution for men struggling to grow facial hair.
Your aesthetician will first use protective eyewear and conduct a patch test to make sure there isn’t an adverse skin reaction from laser light exposure. Numbing cream will then be applied prior to starting your session; its pulses of light may feel similar to rubber bands snapping against your skin but some areas may experience more discomfort than others.
Pulsing light is used to target pigment in hair follicles and destroy it upon contact, so sun exposure must be limited before beginning treatment if you want the best possible results from laser hair removal. Also, shaving, plucking or waxing should be stopped several weeks before your appointment for optimal results.
After your laser session, your skin may become red with a raised rash for several hours to days following treatment and you may even notice hair beginning to fall out. Aloe vera or similar products should help soothe this area; direct sunlight on treated areas should also be avoided for one month post treatment and high SPF sunscreen containing zinc oxide should be worn.
For optimal results, four to six laser sessions should be sufficient. Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes each depending on the size of the area being treated and, eventually, you won’t need to shave, wax, tweeze or pluck again and your results will become permanent.
If you’re experiencing unwanted hair, Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute’s laser hair removal can help restore your love of skin by permanently reducing unwanted hair. Call us or fill out the form on this page for your free consultation – we look forward to meeting you!
What Are the Side Effects?
Women often struggle with unwanted peach fuzz hairs on the chin, and while some find it acceptable to leave them be, others want a solution to completely rid themselves of these unwanted fuzz balls. Chin laser hair removal could be the ideal option; if that applies to you it is essential that you understand what to expect during treatment.
Initial discomfort due to laser treatments should be expected, with comparisons made to being stung repeatedly or having rubber bands snap against your skin repeatedly. This might last anywhere from minutes or an hour depending on the size and area being treated, while you might notice a small plume of smoke or smell burning hair as this indicates that hair follicles are being targeted and vaporized by laser light.
Prior to any laser hair treatment, it’s wise to shave at least once the day prior. This step will make laser heat more effective against thick or dark hairs themselves and may provide relief during treatment. In addition, applying aloe vera gel or another soothing cream before your appointment may further alleviate pain.
After your treatment, it is likely that you will experience redness and swelling on your skin, which indicates damage. These effects should fade over time with sun avoidance and using moisturizer to aid healing. You may also notice crusting of the skin – although this is common and should be left alone as picking could result in bleeding or scabbing.
Warnings should also be kept in mind regarding laser therapy’s potential to damage or discolor skin, particularly among people with darker complexions; light skin tones may also experience discoloration after laser treatments; typically this fades with time but if this persists beyond healing processes it should be addressed by consulting a healthcare provider immediately.
Be wary when choosing your laser treatments provider as there may be unqualified practitioners out there. Look for someone registered with an organization that oversees training standards, skills requirements and insurance requirements.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Laser hair removal produces long-term results. You’ll enjoy freedom from shaving, tweezing, or waxing for months or years; to maximize longevity you should attend regular treatment sessions; the number varies according to each person; typically at least 6 sessions are recommended for facial areas like upper lips and sideburns.
Before attending your first laser session, it’s best to forgo razoring or waxing for at least one month prior. Laser treatments work best on active growing follicles with pigmented roots.
As part of your treatment, you’ll also be advised to avoid sun exposure in the area where you will be treated, and choose sunscreen suitable for your skin type and color if necessary. It is also advised that tanning beds and indoor tanning services be avoided at least several weeks before your laser appointment.
As part of your laser hair removal treatment, a specialist will use a handheld device to press against your skin. A laser will then target any dark pigmentations and destroy it; each session typically lasts less than 20 minutes and is relatively painless; you may feel something similar to an elastic band snapping against your skin but discomfort can be reduced with an ice pack applied directly over that area.
Your specialist will repeat this process on all targeted areas, focusing on each individual hair follicle. Light energy absorbed by each follicle will be transformed into heat energy which will be destroyed, thus preventing future hair growth in that location.
Once all hair follicles in an area have been damaged, they won’t be able to produce hair at once. Over time, damaged strands will shed during regular skin cleansing routines and as they do so your hair will gradually return lighter and finer.
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular solution for both women and men looking for hair-free skin without having to purchase razor blades, make an appointment for waxing, or spend hours plucking unwanted strands with tweezers and pluckers. When selecting your laser practitioner it is vital that they are listed on an industry registry to demonstrate they meet set standards of training and skill.
