Laser hair removal offers an alternative to shaving, waxing and tweezing; however, prior to embarking on treatment it’s essential that one understands how hair grows.
Laser hair removal targets unwanted hairs during their anagen phase of growth. Once vaporized, these hairs will later move into catagen or telogen phase before eventually falling out.
How long does it take to see results?
Hair growth is a natural process and may take several cycles. Therefore, it can be challenging to ensure permanent results from laser treatment with just one series. In general though, most people require at least several sessions before enjoying lasting benefits from laser. As opposed to shaving or waxing which removes only surface-level hair removal (i.e. shaving above skin surface), laser destroys hair follicles; once destroyed they cannot grow new hair as effectively and when it does regrow will likely be finer and lighter in texture than previously present.
At each laser treatment session, your specialist will use a hand-held laser instrument with cooling devices or gel on its tip to protect and lessen discomfort for you. As the laser passes through the skin and heats pigment in hair follicles, its heat destroys them while leaving surrounding tissues undamaged.
Once your laser treatment is over, it may leave behind slight redness in the treated area. To ensure maximum effectiveness and healing time for this area, avoid any form of hair removal such as tweezing, plucking, shaving or waxing in order to minimize new growth in this time of healing. This will prevent new hairs from sprouting into this spot during its recovery phase.
Missing treatment appointments can drastically diminish your ability to achieve results and it is also crucial that any alternative hair removal techniques such as waxing are avoided until laser sessions are complete. Treatment sessions will typically occur 4-6 weeks apart for facial/neck hair removal or 6-8 weeks for leg hair.
Your specialist can recommend a maintenance plan to prolong the effects of hair reduction. Simply scheduling regular appointments every few months could do the trick!
How long does it take to heal?
Hair growth occurs in cycles, and even after laser treatments for unwanted hair removal, unwanted regrowth may still happen – typically lighter and thinner than its original form. While laser results typically last several months or years before any visible regrowth appears; any future follow-up treatments may help rectify it.
At laser treatment sessions, a doctor will press a hand-held instrument against your skin with its tip equipped with cooling devices or gel to protect the skin and lessen discomfort. A laser will pass through this layer and damage hair follicles to inhibit future hair growth, usually leaving only temporary discomfort such as slight stinging or burning sensations as the hairs are destroyed – typically this sensation fades within moments after.
Before your laser treatment, it is best to avoid shaving or other methods of hair-removal in the area where you will be receiving care. An anagen phase hair will be targeted by laser, so they should fall off naturally after each session; to cover all follicles in target area it may require multiple sessions.
Laser treatment can be uncomfortable, leaving skin red or swollen after the procedure. After treatment, use moisturizing creams or ointments to keep the area from scabbing; chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid-laced peels or fruit enzymes should also be avoided in that area of skin. Some people also experience itching after laser treatments; this discomfort may be reduced by applying aloe vera gel.
Be cautious when applying sunscreen to areas of skin treated by laser hair removal as excessive sun exposure may lead to permanent damage. Wear protective gear such as hats and long-sleeved clothing when outdoors in order to avoid direct sun exposure on treated areas of your body.
Hair-removal techniques vary, with most patients choosing to shave after laser treatment; others use electric razors or waxing instead. If you want permanent or near-permanent results, electrolysis could provide permanent solutions, working on individual hairs rather than entire regions of the face or body.
How long does it take to get back to normal?
Returning to normal after laser hair removal depends on your body and its individual hair growth cycle. Light pulses from lasers target melanin and damage it enough to stop hair growth; it takes time for the follicles to recover and regrow hair in its place; when this does happen, however, it often regrowth lighter and less noticeable due to only healthy follicles being capable of producing thick, dark locks.
Some clients experience results after two to three laser hair removal treatments; however, permanent results may take six or more treatments. Your exact number of sessions depends on your unique hair growth cycle and type of hair; facial hair tends to grow more quickly than legs so results take longer to appear there.
Follow your prescribed schedule for laser treatment sessions, as if you wait too long between treatments, your hair follicles could return to their anagen phase and start producing hair once again – rendering it impossible to achieve the results that you seek.
After your laser treatment, it is important to avoid picking or tweezing any hair that falls out. Your body should naturally push any dead hairs towards the surface where they can be easily removed – any redness or bumps on your skin are signs that your body is doing its job effectively.
After receiving laser treatment, it is also essential that you refrain from exfoliating the area, as this may pull out dead hairs before they have time to fall out naturally. To expedite the process and get results quicker, loofah or gentle washcloth may help in rubbing away dead hairs faster.
How long does it take to maintain results?
People often mistake hair removal for permanent, but it is important to keep in mind that laser treatment only destroys active growth phases of follicles. Since some follicles enter telogen or resting phases afterwards, some hair may still regrowth after laser treatments; however, when this does happen they typically grow back finer and lighter in color than before; most clients usually don’t experience hair growth for several months or years afterwards and some might need touch-up sessions occasionally in order to maintain results.
At your consultation, you will be advised of how many sessions of laser treatment will be necessary to achieve your desired results. This depends on factors like skin complexion and hair color – usually, between two and six treatments are sufficient to reduce unwanted hair from either your face or body.
Maintaining results after laser hair removal treatments requires not using other forms of hair removal methods on the treated area – including plucking and waxing. Any of these may displace destroyed follicles which might then begin regrowing again after being damaged by laser treatment.
Follow your treatment plan strictly – missing appointments could force hair follicles back into an active growth phase and compromise its success.
Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe solution to reduce unwanted body hair for a more pleasing aesthetic. Ideal for most patients, laser treatment can remove hair anywhere on your face or body without discomfort or risk to health.
Are You Tired of Shaving and Waxing in Search of Smooth Skin? Contact Metro Dermatology in Elmhurst, NY now. Our team of specialists would be more than happy to arrange your first session and help you live more confidently and comfortably – call now and book!
