Laser hair removal works by emitting heat energy that destroys darkened follicles compared to surrounding skin tone, typically taking six treatments to achieve long-term results.
Treatment feels similar to rubber band snapping against your skin. Therefore, it is essential that sun exposure be limited both before and after treatments are undertaken.
Treatment Time
Duration of laser hair removal sessions depends on the size and scope of treatment areas, from small areas being completed in under a minute, while larger areas, like back and legs, could take an hour or longer to treat. A topical anesthetic is applied before applying the laser machine, which then emits pulses of light which target pigmented hair follicles before dissolving them quickly with less discomfort than waxing or shaving. This quick process often proves less painful for many than these conventional approaches.
Laser treatments typically produce long-term reductions in unwanted hair growth. When hair does regrow, however, it often appears thinner and lighter due to damage done to its follicles from multiple treatment sessions – meaning it won’t grow as thickly or quickly like before.
Laser treatment can be used on virtually every area of the body, including facial features, arms, shoulders, back, legs and even the belly button. However, laser hair removal treatments are especially helpful in targeting hormonally active regions like necks and faces where hormonal activity increases hair growth; many pregnant women opt for this method to eliminate those unsightly chin/cheek hairs that appear due to pregnancy hormone changes or other hormonal shifts.
However, laser hair removal success depends on skin type and contrast between hair color and skin color. Darker-colored hair allows the laser light to target it effectively while lighter skin helps keep any damage at a minimum.
As well as creating contrast between hair and skin color, pigment plays an integral part in successful laser hair treatment. Light emitted by the laser is absorbed by pigment in the hair shafts, producing heat which damages the follicle and stops growing hair altogether resulting in smooth, hairless complexion.
Recovery Time
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigmented areas on unwanted hair with light energy, which is then converted to heat to damage hair follicles in your skin and inhibit or delay future hair growth.
Before your laser hair removal session begins, numbing gel should be applied to the treatment area to help alleviate discomfort or pain. Once complete, a technician will use a computer-controlled scanner to track its movement as they use their laser light over any areas with unwanted hair growth.
After your laser hair removal treatment, it is normal to experience redness, swelling or itchiness at the treatment site; these side effects will pass quickly with proper aftercare and sunscreen use when going outdoors. Rub or scratching this area to help it heal faster as these effects will quickly fade. To further ensure successful outcomes from laser hair removal treatments, always wear sunscreen!
Keep the treated area free of scabs and blisters to prevent infections that could compromise results and lower quality outcomes. It is also wise to wait several days post laser hair removal treatment before subjecting it to other cosmetic procedures like chemical peels, IPL photofacial, or microdermabrasion as they could potentially irritate or damage skin further.
If it becomes necessary for you to undergo any treatments, make sure you use a high-quality broad spectrum SPF sunscreen specifically formulated for sensitive skin and stay out of direct sunlight.
After attending six to eight laser hair removal sessions, you should experience a significant decrease in the amount of hair in your treated areas. Should any new growth reappear, it should be much finer and lighter than before.
Although hair may regrow following laser treatment courses, most patients remain virtually hair free for months or even years after finishing up. To maintain your results for as long as possible, regular laser hair removal maintenance treatments should be scheduled in order to keep up with ongoing results.
Most individuals will require several laser hair treatment sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart in order to achieve optimal results, in order to target all hair follicles during their active growth phase.
Side Effects
Opposed to shaving, which only removes surface hairs, laser energy heats pigment in hair follicles to damage them and result in permanent hair reduction. Multiple treatments of laser energy will be required in order to kill most follicles and bring about long-term reduction of body hair.
Before beginning treatment, your practitioner will clean and numb the area with gel or ointment before donning protective goggles for protection. Each laser pulse can take anywhere between minutes and hours; you might compare its effect to being pinged by bee stings or having rubber bands snap against your skin.
After your treatment, it is normal for the treated area to appear red and swollen similar to sunburn; however, this effect can be decreased with cool compresses applied directly over the area. You should avoid direct or artificial sunlight as exposure may make your skin vulnerable and cause further problems.
Most individuals undergoing laser hair removal need two to six sessions for successful results, which usually results in no visible hair growth for months or even years in the treated areas. When hair does return, it usually grows back thinner and finer. Regular maintenance treatments will ensure you keep the appearance of being free from hair for as long as desired.
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that requires trained practitioners. A trained practitioner will place a hand-held device against your skin and activate the laser light; for best results, make sure you select a qualified and experienced practitioner by checking their credentials on an official register of providers.
Interested in laser hair removal? Speak with a practitioner at a cosmetic clinic nearby. In an initial consultation session, they will assess your hair growth and skin tone to recommend effective treatment options and create an individualized schedule of sessions designed to give the best possible results.
Cost
An essential factor when considering laser hair removal as an option for you is cost. While initial expenses may seem higher than buying cans of shaving cream and razors separately, over time you could save money over time by not needing to purchase products and pay for waxing sessions or visits to salons for electrolysis sessions.
Cost of Laser Hair Removal Varies Based on several factors, the overall cost of laser hair removal varies significantly; depending on factors like location and quality of clinic/physician used as well as type and size of laser being used and area being treated you could spend anywhere between $125-$1000 depending on details of treatment plan.
Laser hair removal involves using a handheld device to move a laser across your skin while applying cooling gel to minimize discomfort. As laser energy passes through it absorbs pigment from hair follicles into heat which destroys them permanently – typically only 20-25% are in active growth at any given time in an area. Multiple treatments may be necessary due to fluctuating growth cycles.
As each treatment session passes, your number of hairs in the targeted area gradually reduces until you achieve a completely hairless surface. Dr. Guanche recommends six to eight sessions for optimal results; however, additional touch up sessions might be necessary depending on individual circumstances to maintain permanent reduction in hair growth.
Laser hair removal is typically considered cosmetic treatment and not covered by insurance, though Dr. Hartman notes that if you can demonstrate its medical necessity it may be covered in part or full. She suggests visiting your local dermatology practice to see what packages and flexible payment plans they provide.
Preparing for laser treatment requires waiting at least six weeks before plucking or waxing the target area; this allows the roots of each hair to remain intact for effective laser light energy absorption. Furthermore, you should avoid direct sunlight for at least a week beforehand and after treatment in order to ensure an optimum response from laser light energy.
