Unwanted hair growth can be an ongoing problem for both men and women. While shaving, waxing, and plucking may provide temporary solutions, laser hair removal offers an effective and safe option to rid yourself of unwanted hair growth.
Prior to laser treatment, it is vital that patients utilize a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the skin will become particularly delicate during and after laser therapy.
What is the procedure?
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the US, using light technology to effectively prevent unwanted body hair growth and is generally safe for most skin types. While temporary side effects might arise immediately following treatment, most typically these side effects subside within an hour or two and do not last more than a day or so; some individuals might develop red, swollen, or itchy patches of skin post treatment; these side effects tend to only last a few days afterward; it is best to stay out of direct sunlight post treatment as much as possible and use high quality sunscreen to keep skin safe during that timeframe post treatment to minimize their side effects post procedure.
Before beginning their treatment, laser hair removal specialists apply a numbing gel to your skin in preparation for laser hair removal. When your skin is prepared, a technician will press a handheld device against your face and activate the laser beam, which has been FDA-approved and is medical-grade device; once activated it will target unwanted hair follicles. It is safe for all areas of the face, including upper lips or around chin where stubborn or unwanted hair often resides.
Laser energy from a machine passes through your skin and is absorbed by pigment in hair follicles, where it converts to heat that destroys them and stops producing new hair growth. The process is painless; some describe it as feeling similar to pincer or rubber band snapping against their skin. A series of treatments is typically required in order to achieve permanent hair reduction; it is essential that patients follow instructions provided by their laser specialist.
The number of sessions necessary will depend on your skin tone, hair color and hormonal influences. A typical series of five laser hair removal treatments should suffice, with visible results typically appearing between three and seven treatments. You may also opt for maintenance laser treatments once reaching desired outcomes in order to keep facial hair at bay for some time to come.
How long will the procedure take?
Unwanted hair growth can be an aggravating and time-consuming part of everyday life. If shaving has become tiresome or you simply no longer like having that 5 o’clock shadow around, consider laser hair removal for long-term solutions that could save both time and money in the form of reduced waxing sessions and razor purchases.
At your free consultation, we’ll discuss your goals for treatment and evaluate your skin to see if laser hair removal is a suitable solution. We will also identify which areas would like targeted for hair removal. If you want a closer look at how the treatment works, we can take photos and show what results will look like after several sessions have passed.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is essential that the targeted area be shaved to allow sufficient hair for the laser to work on. Plumping or waxing before your appointment could disturb hair follicles and lead to pigmentation issues; tanning prior is not advised since laser hair removal doesn’t work well on tanned skin; also ask us if taking blood-thinning drugs could affect this procedure and ask whether you need to reschedule.
At your treatment session, we’ll first clean the area in which we’re treating and apply eye shields to shield your eyes from laser light. Next, we will pass our handheld device over it slowly over each spot in the area spot-by-spot until active hair follicles have been destroyed – the sensation may resemble small stings or rubber band snapping against skin but is usually tolerable; small areas could only take minutes while larger treatments could last an hour or more.
After your treatment, you may experience redness or swelling at the treated site. To reduce these side effects, we may advise applying a cold compress and/or using topical steroid cream. Furthermore, to assist your skin recovery, it may be wise to limit sun exposure while using broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen regularly.
What will happen during the procedure?
Laser hair removal works by emitting light energy that penetrates hair roots to permanently destroy them and stop future growth. This light energy absorbs by the pigment in hair, which converts into heat; darker-pigmented (brown or black) locks respond best, while lightening such as white or blonde can’t absorb as much light energy due to lacking the appropriate pigment to absorb its beam.
Before your laser hair removal session, a medical specialist will clean and numb any discomfort with numbing gel. Goggles must also be worn to protect eyes from laser beam. Finally, to maximize effectiveness it is wise to avoid sun exposure in the days leading up to your procedure as laser hair removal doesn’t work on tanned skin.
Your practitioner will then press a handheld device against your skin and activate the laser, producing what feels like the snap of a rubber band against your face; but should not be painful. No matter if you choose laser hair removal at home or in a salon, make sure the person performing it is qualified and registered with a governing body which regulates practitioners’ skills, expertise, training and insurance policies.
After your treatment, the treated skin may remain red and swollen for several hours afterward. To minimize irritation, avoid rubbing or scratching, use ice packs as necessary, and wear sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30 to protect the area and ensure smooth results.
As long-term results are achieved, usually three to eight sessions will be necessary, although you should already notice results after your first treatment session. As time progresses, hair growth should slow significantly with each subsequent visit.
Once your treatment has taken effect, to maintain its results you should attend regular maintenance sessions to prevent unwanted hair regrowing. Your specialist can suggest the number of treatments necessary. In order to keep your skin looking its best you should also steer clear from harsh scrubs and exfoliation products; instead opt for gentle cleanser and moisturizer products instead.
What will happen after the procedure?
Plucking or waxing the area where laser hair removal treatments were completed should be postponed until after you’ve completed them; this will give the unwanted hair time to shed completely from its follicle, thus decreasing regrow hairs after treatment. You should also try to limit sun exposure after treatments (unless advised by your dermatologist otherwise), using high-quality zinc oxide sunscreens for at least four weeks post session exposure if exposed.
After laser hair removal treatments, some individuals may experience redness or sensitivity in their treated area. It’s recommended to use gentle skin care products after treatments instead of moisturizers, makeup or any heavy products like moisturizers; cold compresses are an ideal way to soothe itchy or burning sensations on treated skin.
Laser light used during treatment converts into heat when it hits pigmented areas of your hair, damaging hair follicles and preventing further hair growth. Laser therapy works best on darker locks; multiple sessions may be required before seeing results.
Your hair growth cycle plays a big part in how well laser treatments will work for you. Some hairs may be in their Anagen phase of growth while others rest during Telogen. Laser treatment will remove those in Anagen phase but won’t impact those resting during Telogen. You may notice that those not present within Anagen cycle seem to grow quicker overall.
Realistic expectations when it comes to laser hair removal treatments are essential. Although the results can be impressive, 100% hair loss cannot be guaranteed; over time some hair may return but should be less visible and noticeable than before treatments began. Furthermore, every person’s growth cycle and hormone levels play a factor in how much new hair grows back.
