Laser hair removal is generally safe, though some skin tones may benefit more than others. It works by turning light into heat that destroys pigment in hair roots to stop further hair growth.
Laser treatments may cause mild discomfort similar to rubber band snapping against your skin for minutes to hours depending on which area is being treated.
Treatment Time
Laser hair removal is an efficient, noninvasive way to rid oneself of unwanted body and facial hair. While results typically occur within several sessions, each session typically entails laser light damaging hair follicles so they cannot produce new follicles – although in most cases, new growth will return more thinly and less noticeably after some time has passed.
Before receiving laser treatments, medical specialists clean the area and apply numbing gel. Next, a technician directs a laser beam at your chosen treatment area – each pulse taking less than a second and killing multiple hair follicles at once. Small areas like the chin or upper lip can often be treated within minutes while larger regions like chest may take up to an hour for completion.
Following laser treatments, it is normal for skin to feel warm or red for several hours following treatment, however this discomfort can be soothed with cold compresses or moisturizers. Furthermore, sun exposure must be avoided after laser procedures.
Some people experience hair shedding within days to weeks after laser treatments, which is normal and should appear like further hair growth, but is actually caused by damaged follicles shedding dead hairs. While waiting, makeup may help cover any gaps.
Before having laser treatment, you should avoid plucking, waxing, sugaring, electrolysis and using hair removal creams for six weeks prior to any scheduled appointments. Such activities temporarily remove hair follicles from their positions under the skin surface, making it harder for laser beams to locate them. Shaving is still acceptable because it only removes hair above the surface.
Consultations with dermatologists prior to laser hair removal can also help determine whether this procedure is suitable for you, and give an estimation of how many sessions may be necessary – usually between four and six treatments are enough to stop hair growth permanently.
Pre-Treatment
Unwanted facial and body hair can be both frustrating and embarrassing for men and women. Shaving and waxing offer temporary relief, but unwanted hair soon grows back again. Laser hair removal offers an effective non-invasive solution to permanently get rid of unwanted body hair; its pulses of laser light target and damage hair follicles responsible for producing unwanted locks.
At your consultation, we will determine whether you are suitable for laser hair removal. We will examine the area that needs to be treated and establish how many sessions will be necessary – most patients require four or six treatments.
Before your laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to avoid plucking, shaving, sugaring and applying skin bleaching creams on the treated area for several weeks prior. Also avoid sun exposure as laser doesn’t work effectively on tanned skin.
As part of your laser hair removal session, on the day of treatment it will be necessary to shave the area to be treated. This will remove the top layer of hair so the laser can more efficiently target hair follicles below them. However, be careful not to over-shave which could result in irritation and ingrown hairs.
Before beginning treatment, we will apply a topical numbing agent to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Once that’s complete, a laser will be delivered in short pulses over the treatment area – often described as feeling like tiny rubber bands snapping against skin surface – until treatment completes (lasting anywhere from minutes or up to an hour depending on size of area being treated).
After your laser treatment, any damaged follicles will start shedding. This shedding process may take days or weeks and could look like ongoing hair growth; this is because not all follicles are at the same stage of hair growth; some could still be growing while others could already have shed.
Post-Treatment
Laser hair removal works by targeting and eliminating hair follicles that produce unsightly body hair. Results may differ between people, as some hair may regrow in the future – multiple sessions at four-six week intervals should provide optimal results for maximum success.
Before beginning a treatment, a medical specialist will clean and numb the treatment site before pressing a handheld device against your skin to trigger the laser. This fast process typically lasts just minutes or up to an hour depending on how much hair needs removing; its sensation resembles rubber bands snapping against your skin but shouldn’t be painful; additionally you might notice a sulfurous-smelling aroma as the hair vaporizes away.
Your skin may become red and swollen after treatment, so use cool compresses and moisturizers on it until it heals; this process should take between several hours and days. In order to protect it further, avoid sun exposure for as long as possible and apply an SPF 30 sunscreen if going outside.
Do not pluck or wax the treated area as this can damage follicles. Squeezing or picking at your skin also must be avoided, while itching should be soothed with loofahs or washcloths rubbed over it to speed hairshed. Always follow instructions given by a physician or hair removal specialist in regards to after-care procedures.
Most people should begin seeing hair loss three to five days post laser hair removal session; this is normal and indicates the follicles have been damaged, helping you reach the aesthetic desired.
Some hair may grow back eventually, but it will likely be thinner and less sparse than before if you continue your schedule of treatments. With regular appointments you can experience smooth, hair-free skin for months and years to come.
Recovery
Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution for unwanted facial hair, unlike shaving or waxing which only remove the top layer of skin. Lasers target hair follicles at their source to destroy them; once treated, hair can grow back thinner and sparser over time – as well as help reduce skin issues like folliculitis and discoloration caused by shaving or waxing.
Laser hair removal on the face typically has a quick and smooth recovery period. While you may experience reddening and swelling after treatment, most people can quickly return to work or other normal activities after. Some individuals may experience histamine-type reactions which will generally subside within several hours; it is recommended to wear broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) on treated areas for several weeks after surgery to help avoid reinitiating hair follicles.
Before your appointment, shave the area that will be treated two to three days ahead. Tweezing or plucking hair could lead to laser heat damaging nearby tissues. Be sure to wear protective goggles or glasses during treatment and in advance; tanning beds and direct sunlight should also be avoided in order for laser technology to accurately target individual hair follicles.
Laser hair removal works best on patients with light skin and dark hair, as this combination allows the laser to precisely target follicles. Unfortunately, it cannot target blond or gray tresses due to insufficient pigment to detect by the laser; furthermore it is not advised for pregnant women or people living with genital herpes.
Laser hair removal on the face may provide long-term, yet temporary results; depending on your skin type and hair thickness, several sessions spaced weeks apart or periodic maintenance treatments may be required to achieve your desired goals.
