Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions in order to effectively destroy all unwanted follicles. Once these sessions have concluded, most patients no longer witness any new hair growth for months or years in the treated areas.
Preparing for laser treatment requires not plucking, waxing or tanning the area in the weeks prior to your session and shaving the area prior to each one in order to reduce irritation.
Pain
Laser hair removal should not be painful; the sensations felt may differ depending on an individual’s tolerance to pain. Most individuals who have undergone the procedure report feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin quickly before quickly relaxing; similar sensations have also been described by people experiencing mosquito stings or being hit with an insect repellent spray. A topical numbing cream may be applied prior to starting treatment depending on your pain threshold.
Darker skin and hair absorb laser light, translating to heat energy which damages or destroys hair follicles and prevents further hair growth, thus permanently reducing hair. However, while laser hair removal may be permanent, ongoing treatments will still be required in order to keep hair growth at bay.
Laser hair removal does not cause permanent scarring; however, you may experience temporary reddening or scabbing as the light energy from the laser heats the pigment in your skin and hair, causing their follicles to collapse and collapse as a result of heat energy exposure from its light beam. Therefore, it is vital that affected areas receive ample hydration with 100% organic aloe vera to minimize irritation after laser hair removal treatment.
Avoid picking or scratching treated hairs to prevent open wounds and infection, instead allow them to fall out naturally or, if necessary, gently shave them off. In addition, after laser hair removal your skin may become more vulnerable than before so excessive exposure to sun can cause sunburn and other serious skin issues.
Irritation
Men and women often feel comfortable discussing laser hair removal for legs, armpits and bikini lines, but many may feel uneasy discussing laser treatment “down there.” That is understandable given that this area can be sensitive and treatments may cause discomfort.
Laser hair removal provides permanent reduction of hair follicles in a targeted area and, over time, may eventually lead to virtually no hair growth – eliminating regular maintenance costs and saving time. Along with shaving or waxing, other temporary options such as depilatories or waxing may cause ingrown hairs and pseudo-folliculitis; unlike laser hair removal.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is recommended that you trim or shave the targeted area so your technician can access and see hair follicles more effectively and reduce skin damage from heat of laser treatment. Applying an anesthetic cream or cooling gel may further alleviate discomfort and pain during laser hair removal treatment.
As laser treatments on chest and stomach areas typically feel less irritating than they would when applied to thinner skin areas like bikini lines or underarms, such as bikini areas or underarms, they may still produce sensations similar to plucking or waxing. It’s wise to wait 48 hours between bathing or swimming in non-flowing waters after receiving laser therapy as this can exacerbate irritation and potentially damage skin cells.
After laser sessions, it’s also important to avoid direct sun exposure in the treated area as prolonged UV rays can irritate and make more vulnerable the skin, increasing risk for infections. Applying aloe vera on the affected area can soothe itching while wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothes is recommended to promote comfort during recovery.
Burning
Heat from the laser destroys hair follicles, stopping their ability to regrow. Each hair follicle may be at different stages at any given time; as such, multiple sessions are necessary in order to permanently reduce hair growth.
Topical anesthetics and numbing creams may help minimize pain or irritation during laser hair removal in the pubic area. Prior to each session, this area will usually be shaved.
Those with darker skin may experience burns and blistering after laser hair removal due to melanin, or pigment, absorbing light from laser beams and transmitting it directly onto their skin. While this is normal, burned skin will have darker hue than natural pubic hair – this discoloration can be corrected by exfoliating after five days by exfoliating treated hairs alongside any crusting skin; picking at or scratching this may result in open wounds.
Some may experience slight itching in the hours following laser hair removal, which can typically be managed using aloe vera. Your skin might initially become red and swollen but should gradually diminish over time; apply cold compresses as needed and avoid direct sunlight exposure on treated areas.
Your pubic area could require four to six laser hair removal sessions before all unwanted hair has been successfully eliminated, followed by regular follow-up treatments after that. Although you might experience side effects during treatment, remember that your pubic hair will become thinner and lighter with each treatment; ultimately leading to permanent reduction of unwanted hair and smooth, beautiful skin.
Discomfort
Laser hair removal offers an effective alternative to shaving, waxing and plucking to remove unwanted body hair. While other methods of hair removal may be slightly uncomfortable, laser treatment provides less invasive results with long-term advantages over more traditional options. While pain may occur during treatment sessions, typically it’s considerably less than expected.
Brazilian laser treatment works by targeting laser light at your pubic area to destroy hair follicles and prevent future growth. When this light hits pigment on your skin, it absorbs it and converts to heat energy; though this heat may not be dangerous for some individuals with sensitive skin; your laser technician may apply a topical or numbing lotion beforehand in order to alleviate discomfort during this procedure.
Your treated area may have a red and puffy appearance after your session; this is normal, and will subside within hours. Additionally, you might detect smoke-like scents and feel what resembles post-workout soreness similar to when exercising in an intense manner.
Laser treatments often cause your skin to form a crust or flake after treatment, particularly in the pubic region. This occurs as a result of heat from the laser absorbing the melanin pigment of your skin and creating discoloration. You should avoid picking at these areas of skin as picking can result in open wounds, bleeding, scabbing and scarring; instead moisturize with an approved or recommended moisturizing cream to aid healing.
Your hair follicles may take several months to regrow after being destroyed by laser, so regular laser treatments will likely be needed for desired results. Four to six sessions should suffice depending on your skin tone and hair density.
Recovery
Many people mistakenly believe that laser hair removal hurts, particularly when applied to the pubic area. Although this isn’t accurate, some individuals may find the sensation unnerving; similar to when a rubber band snaps against skin very briefly and quickly or when an insect stings you. If discomfort does arise during laser hair removal sessions, cooling techniques, painkillers or aloe vera gel may provide comforting relief.
Laser treatments to the pubic area may cause its skin to dry out and lead to crusting, making the affected area vulnerable to bleeding, scabbing and scarring. Therefore, it is crucial that this area receives frequent moisturization to avoid its tender skin being exposed and wounds vulnerable to bleeding, scabbing or scarring from picking or scratching crusted areas; picking at these may expose more sensitive layers beneath leading to bleeding, scabbing or scarring wounds; as well as shaving or waxing the area as this may cause irritation or scarring wounds on top.
If you are experiencing side effects such as hyper- or hypopigmentation, flaking of skin, scabbing or rash, it is wise to consult your physician. They will provide the appropriate solution for your specific circumstances.
When recovering, it is best to avoid sun exposure and use high-SPF sunscreen in the treated area. Furthermore, regular moisturization of the area, particularly after five days is advised as this will help the treated hairs shed and will keep skin hydrated to help avoid irritation. Exfoliation three times weekly is suggested.
Once the treated hairs have been rid of their oil content, they won’t grow back. To see long-term results it usually requires multiple laser treatments four to six week apart; you may require annual touch ups in order to maintain them.
