Laser hair removal is an effective solution to permanently rid yourself of unwanted body hair. In treatment, light energy is converted to heat energy which damages pigment in your skin and hair and makes them incapable of growing back.
Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelength lasers are among the top choices for eliminating unwanted body hair, offering maximum performance on all skin types and featuring LED displays to guide treatment while showing remaining battery life.
At-Home Devices
Home laser hair removal devices allow you to skip the salon and save money while still getting results comparable to in-office treatments. Finding an appropriate device depends on your skin tone and hair color preferences – some devices work better on lighter complexions with dark hair while others may work on all skin tones and shades. Some models even feature cooling technology to minimize sensation during treatments and help soothe redness.
An important consideration when selecting the appropriate device is how large or small the area you wish to treat is, as some models feature smaller laser caps for targeting specific spots such as bikini lines or upper lips; other models are better at treating large surfaces like legs or backs, though the number of sessions needed depends on which area is being treated and how much hair needs removing.
Before using an at-home device, according to Shamban it’s essential to shave or wax the target area first as laser or IPL light needs to see melanin from hair follicles for proper targeting; otherwise it could hit the wrong target and lead to discoloration or burns on skin instead of targeting hair follicles directly.
Before beginning an at-home laser hair removal session, it is also wise to refrain from tanning or sunbathing as exposure to sunlight may prevent your device from working efficiently. Furthermore, moisturizing after each treatment session can support healing as well as new cell development and growth.
To achieve maximum results, look for devices that have FDA clearance and rave reviews from users. “Don’t hesitate to spend extra if it means getting something that will actually work for you,” according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner.
He recommends the FDA-cleared SmoothSkin Pure Fit device, which employs diode technology similar to in-office lasers but with lower energy levels for at-home use. This model comes equipped with a skin sensor that lights up green to indicate optimal intensity levels for each complexion and help avoid accidental activation; furthermore, there’s even a 60 day risk-free return policy so users can experience it hassle free at home.
In-Clinic Treatments
Laser hair removal works differently from shaving, waxing and cream depilatories in that it destroys hair follicles in your body responsible for producing excess hair. Not only is laser treatment highly effective in terms of eliminating extra body hair, but it may also help treat ingrown hairs as well as razor bumps (pseudofollicullitis barbae) or unwanted growth associated with certain birthmarks.
An experienced practitioner will calibrate the handpiece of a laser machine according to your unique skin tone and hair color, before passing the laser over your desired area of interest. This causes hair follicles to be damaged over time, leaving less and finer hair in its place over time.
The number of treatments needed varies based on both individual needs and area being addressed. Most patients require several sessions in order to achieve desired results; during which, your practitioner may apply an anesthetic cream in order to lessen any potential discomfort.
Once your treatment is over, it is recommended to avoid shaving or waxing the treated areas for several weeks post-session. A soothing ointment like Aquaphor, cortisone cream or aloe vera gel may provide soothing relief; cool compresses may help soothe any discomfort or redness as well. Likewise, sun exposure must be minimized using sunscreen with SPF 30+ protection to protect the newly exposed skin cells.
Laser hair removal is not solely popular among women; men are increasingly seeking this solution as well, especially those suffering from troublesome back hair or patchy beards. Men’s laser hair removal clinics throughout New York City can be found for this treatment option.
Laser hair removal is generally very safe, with most patients experiencing no adverse side effects from laser treatment. Most commonly experienced side effects are temporary redness or swelling caused by damaged hair follicles; this should subside over time. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from undertaking the procedure as it could potentially impede gestation and nursing processes.
Patch Tests
Laser hair removal may provide an effective, permanent solution. But before booking an appointment, it’s essential that your skin can tolerate this procedure. To test whether laser hair removal will work for you, visit a clinic that offers patch testing; doctors can then identify allergens which cause delayed reactions which help pinpoint the source of any problems you’re having with hair.
Patch tests require applying various allergens to the back skin using hypoallergenic tape, then waiting 48 hours before checking back in with them to assess for reactions. In order to assess for delayed reactions, dermatologists typically suggest booking one or two follow-up appointments a week later and inspecting the area again.
Patch tests often cause itching and burning sensations; these reactions are completely normal and should not be scratched as doing so could irritate or dislodge patches, negatively affecting results. If severe itching persists, please reach out to a dermatologist as soon as possible for professional assistance.
Your doctor can use various techniques to interpret the results of a patch test. A negative result indicates that your body doesn’t react adversely to a substance; smaller wheals indicate lower sensitivity levels while larger wheals indicate increased sensitization to certain substances.
If the test results show positive findings, your dermatologist may advise avoiding potential allergens as much as possible. This may involve changing beauty products and shampoos as well as eliminating certain food additives that contain allergens or talking to your boss about limiting exposure at work. You could also speak with your physician about oral cortisone or topical steroids which could ease symptoms of contact dermatitis.
As soon as you’re ready to embark on the path towards hair-free living, reach out to an aesthetics specialist like Manhattan Aesthetics for assistance. Their clinic provides cutting-edge laser technology and was named a top cosmetic laser company by Expertise. For optimal comfort and safety during their treatments they use FDA-approved Candela GentleMax Pro machines equipped with cryogen, making your sessions as painless and relaxing as possible.
Safety
At first glance, laser hair removal may seem terrifyingly alien. But for anyone tired of waxing, shaving, and plucking their way to smooth skin, switching up their routine may well be worth the small discomfort and investment involved with laser treatment.
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light beams to target melanin pigment and permanently inhibit its reproductive cycle, effectively disabling it for good and reducing or even eliminating unwanted hair growth. While safe for most individuals, pregnant women or those with certain skin conditions should seek alternative forms of treatment first.
Perez-Nakamura states that home handheld laser hair removal devices, also known as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), work by sending pulses of high intensity light directly into your epidermis – bypassing surface skin cells – targeting pigment. Once in, melanin heat heats the laser up, damaging its follicles and thus stopping any future hair growth.
While many at-home laser hair removal products exist, for any in-clinic treatments it is crucial to seek the expertise of a certified medical laser technician. A skilled provider will have an in-depth understanding of your Fitzpatrick skin tone and hair color before selecting the most effective laser for you and your individual goals and needs.
In general, for medium to dark hair types with moderate pigmentation levels, experienced technicians usually recommend the Candela GentleMax Pro laser as it has been clinically tested and FDA-approved; its proven results in producing significant hair reduction over 6-8 sessions have made this device popular with many clients.
Romeo & Juliette in New York City offers another fantastic option in laser hair removal – their facility features 12 state-of-the-art lasers designed specifically to address skin tones and complexions; plus Lumenis’ latest laser hair removal equipment is among them!
Christian Karavolas, an M.D. and laser hair removal expert who serves as ambassador of the Society of Clinical and Medical Hair Removal as well as consultant to various laser companies, advocates for uniform education and certification standards and has written several books about laser hair removal as well as presented numerous seminars.
