Laser hair removal treatment typically entails placing a handheld device against your skin and using its beam of light to target hair follicles with pigment.
Laser therapy results in hair not growing back as rapidly and becoming finer and lighter when they do return, though sometimes multiple laser treatments are necessary to reach desired effects.
Safety
Laser hair removal uses laser light energy of a specific wavelength that absorbs melanin present in both your skin and hair, turning this energy into heat that permanently disables hair follicles, thus stopping new hair growth. You may experience mild irritation after treatment; cold compresses or taking an ice bath may provide temporary relief; in rare cases some people also develop crusting in their treated area which should resolve itself through proper moisturization following laser hair removal treatments.
Your practitioner will secure your eyes with protective covers and you’ll wear goggles during the procedure. They’ll use a handheld device against your skin and activate the laser, creating what feels like elastic band snaps against it. As part of each session, settings on this handheld device may change to ensure light energy reaches precisely target your specific skin type and hair color.
After laser hair removal treatments, it’s essential to limit sun exposure for several weeks and refrain from plucking, waxing or shaving the affected areas until all the hair has shed completely. This allows the skin to heal while minimizing infection risk. Furthermore, your skin is likely more delicate post-treatment so take extra precaution with what products you use on it.
Laser hair removal may cause side effects, including inflammation, redness and swelling in the treated area. While most side effects subside within hours or so, more serious reactions could include hypopigmentation, flare of acne or herpes simplex virus infection flare-up, blistering or scarring – although these are rare side effects it is best to inform your practitioner prior to beginning treatments.
If you are uncertain if laser hair removal is right for you, speaking to an experienced board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is always recommended. She can provide all of the information and guidance regarding this treatment method as well as any precautions necessary to avoid unwanted side effects.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal is generally safe when performed by an experienced and qualified practitioner; however, some patients may experience side effects. While most are mild and clear up quickly, such as skin irritation or changes to pigmentation due to heat from the laser destroying cells that produce hair follicles; irritation is usually mild and can be relieved with cool compresses or an ice pack for relief. Some patients may also experience swelling after treatment that should gradually subside with time or with help from topical anesthetic creams.
Changes to skin color may result from laser treatment removing melanin from the surface of skin, which gives skin its natural pigment and protects it from UV radiation. This alteration in complexion may last temporarily after receiving laser therapy and depends on differences between hair colour and skin colour; those with lighter locks might see their skin become slightly darker afterward while those with dark locks will likely notice that it looks slightly lighter afterward.
Rarely, some individuals can develop crusting or blisters following laser hair removal sessions. This can be avoided by following the clinic’s instructions on caring for treated skin properly, and by not shaving or applying sunless tan too soon afterward. Furthermore, infection may occasionally arise; to combat this you should treat the area like any wound and apply dressings that need changing frequently.
Infection may also pose a threat for those suffering from genital herpes or other infections in the area where they will receive laser treatments, so people in such conditions should speak to a physician prior to commencing laser treatments; pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid getting laser treatments during gestation or lactation.
There is no evidence linking laser hair removal with skin cancer; however, it is still essential to ensure the practitioner providing your treatment is fully qualified and highly experienced. You should always verify they meet set standards regarding training, skills and insurance before agreeing to an appointment.
Treatment Areas
Laser hair removal treatments can effectively eradicate unwanted body and facial hair. Furthermore, it may help patients reduce or even completely avoid ingrown hairs and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by pregnancy and menopause-related hormonal shifts that alter hair growth patterns.
Laser hair removal can often be performed painlessly for most patients. The sensation can be described as something similar to when a rubber band snaps against your skin, although topical numbing creams and gels may be applied prior to beginning treatments sessions. Dr. Green utilizes GentleLase and GentleYAG systems that feature Dynamic Cooling Devices to minimize patient discomfort during treatments sessions.
Hair removal on the back and shoulders is an increasingly popular procedure among male transitioning, as changing hormone levels can have an effect on how fast or slowly their body produces hair in these areas.
Laser hair removal involves sending light energy through the skin and into hair follicles where melanin absorbs it, producing heat energy which then converts into energy that permanently destroys it and keeps the area hair free. Unfortunately, since laser treatment only kills new-growth phase follicles at this point in growth cycle, multiple sessions may be necessary in order to achieve maximum results; touch-up treatments may also be recommended in order to avoid unwanted hair growing back later on.
White and grey hair cannot be treated effectively with laser hair removal; their lack of pigmentation prevents effective treatment with laser devices. Otherwise, laser hair removal can be successfully applied on any area of the face and body – it is important to choose a doctor with experience treating all skin types. Each individual patient requires individualised solutions tailored specifically for them based on skin tone and type.
Before and after laser hair removal treatments, it is highly advised that sun exposure be limited as laser treatment can lead to hypopigmentation (lightening of skin tone) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin tone). Furthermore, waxing, tweezing or plucking may compromise treatment effectiveness; you should refrain from these practices before visiting a laser hair removal appointment.
Cost
Laser hair removal may seem costly at first, especially if treating large areas such as the back or legs, but over time it will actually cost significantly less than shaving or waxing. Furthermore, one session may temporarily reduce hair follicles that are in their growth phase but multiple sessions will likely be necessary in order to stop hair growth altogether.
Laser treatments use heat energy to destroy hair follicles and make them incapable of growing hair anymore, which is why many individuals opt for multiple sessions spaced four to six weeks apart – this ensures all follicles have been targeted, providing lasting results.
An anesthetic cream should be applied prior to laser treatments to lessen any discomfort from laser pulsations. Next, your technician will move the laser over your target area and let it pulsate for several minutes or up to an hour depending on how much hair needs removing; you may experience tiny stings like someone snapping a rubber band against your skin as the heat from it builds up; you may also smell some smoke; this is normal behavior.
After your treatment, your skin may appear red and swollen for 24 hours after which it should return to normal and you can resume regular activities without concern; though for optimal results it would be wise to limit sun exposure until later that day.
Laser hair removal can be a safe treatment, yet is often uninsured or not covered by flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Thankfully, some providers provide package options or payment plans to make the process more manageable – consult your provider about these before choosing this payment option; credit cards might also offer this feature – just read their fine print thoroughly beforehand to prevent unexpected expenses!
