Laser hair removal might seem like an effortless and quick solution for maintaining soft skin as an adult, but is it safe?
In a laser procedure, doctors use an electronic handheld device to press against your skin and activate a laser beam, creating an impact similar to snapping an elastic band against it repeatedly.
What is the procedure?
Laser hair removal is a treatment that uses laser light to dismantle the hair follicle and inhibit future hair growth, making this popular with both men and women looking for ways to decrease shaving time or hair removal product usage. While not everyone may qualify for laser treatments, your skin type and hair color play an important part in whether laser treatment will be effective and safe; to get maximum benefit out of laser hair removal it’s wise to visit a dermatologist multiple times prior to beginning this course of treatment.
Procedure is generally quick and painless; topical anesthetic will likely be applied prior to your session to reduce discomfort, followed by your dermatologist pressing a handheld laser machine against your skin while using cooling gel as needed to cool down redness or swelling caused by side effects like redness or swelling. Your treatment could last from an hour up to several hours depending on which area it targets.
Laser hair removal may seem permanent, yet some hair may regrowth in its original position after laser destruction of a hair follicle. Regrowth from laser destruction often appears lighter and thinner than its original form; should you experience any difficulties, please speak with the practitioner who performed your procedure.
Prep for laser hair removal sessions by refraining from epilation, plucking or waxing in areas that will be treated. Furthermore, sun exposure should be limited or sunscreen with SPF 30 should be worn. In addition, scrubs or skincare products that could damage the skin barrier should also be avoided prior to your appointment.
People with dark hair and light skin tend to make ideal candidates for laser hair removal treatments, since their contrast allows the laser to target only pigmented areas on hair while limiting damage to surrounding tissue. Due to this contrast in colors, treatments tend not to work as effectively for people with blonde, gray or white locks.
How long will the procedure take?
Laser hair removal treatments vary in duration depending on the area being addressed; typically a typical session lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Prior to any laser hair removal session, make sure any unwanted hair in the treatment area has been trimmed or shaved so the light can effectively target its source – the hair follicle. After you have prepared the area, laser settings will be adjusted according to your skin color, hair thickness and location. When this has been accomplished, protective eyewear will be issued and then the laser light applied directly onto your skin. Laser pulses penetrate hair follicles to damage them and prevent further growth, without harming nearby skin cells. Some describe it as feeling similar to flicking a rubber band over your skin again and again; most people tolerate it well.
As hair goes through a natural cycle of growth, resting, shedding and regrowth, multiple treatments will likely be needed in order to achieve desired results. Only hair in its anagen phase – actively growing hairs will be targeted by laser treatment.
As time progresses between your sessions, you’ll notice less hair growing in the treated areas. When new growth does appear, it will typically be thinner and lighter due to damaged follicles being unable to produce thicker, darker locks.
As such, it’s advisable to avoid epilating or waxing treated areas in between laser hair removal sessions in order to allow hair follicles time to regrow if they weren’t disabled by laser treatment.
In order to achieve the results you desire, it’s imperative that you find an experienced laser technician and check that they are licensed and insured. A great way of doing this is through searching a national register of laser technicians; here you will be able to find information regarding experience, education and training as well as whether the practitioner matches up with you personally! If you’re ready to take the first steps toward permanent hair reduction contact us now to arrange a consultation appointment and schedule your consultation session!
How much will it cost?
Laser hair removal uses light energy to target and destroy individual follicles of hair in an area. This procedure can keep it hair-free for months or years after treatment; when hair does eventually regrow back it usually appears lighter and finer than before and grows back less frequently, so regular maintenance sessions should be scheduled as necessary to maintain results.
Most patients require multiple treatment sessions in order to see results; this is because the hair follicle’s growth cycle does not permit all its follicles to be destroyed during one treatment session. According to experts, on average it usually takes six or nine treatments before significant reduction in hair growth is seen or even complete elimination of it.
Laser hair removal costs can depend on a range of factors, including body part being treated, amount of hair being removed and experience of dermatologist performing procedure. To minimize side effects and save money by choosing an experienced practitioner with extensive laser training for cosmetic purposes, opting for dermatologist who specializes in laser treatments rather than spa or other medical facilities as a provider.
Laser hair removal effectiveness may also be affected by hormonal shifts. These could include pregnancy or changing birth control methods; having polycystic ovary syndrome; taking specific drugs including testosterone; and even being on certain medications like birth control pills.
Laser hair removal tends to work best on people who have light skin with dark hair due to the contrast in pigments between these skin types, making it easier for lasers to detect and destroy hair follicles. Individuals with darker or lighter skin or lighter hair may require additional treatments but this shouldn’t be seen as an obstacle; just know that results won’t be as dramatic; nonetheless it should not prevent anyone from seeking laser treatment altogether.
Will it hurt?
Laser hair removal is a safe, clinically proven treatment option. Utilizing powerful wavelengths of light, laser hair removal utilizes pulses of light that use precise wavelengths of wavelength to selectively target and destroy unwanted hair follicles while remaining non-harmful to nearby tissue. A handheld device allows practitioners to press against your skin while sending pulses of light from the laser directly into it; depending on the size of the area being treated this could take just minutes or up to an hour or more for full completion.
Laser treatments typically aren’t too painful; your pain threshold will depend on you. Many patients liken the discomfort experienced to having a rubber band snapped against their skin repeatedly. Your practitioner might apply a topical anesthetic for added comfort during your laser treatments.
Your skin may initially become red and tender following laser treatment, but this should subside within one or two days. To alleviate discomfort more effectively, try applying ice packs. If any skin reactions persist that don’t respond to this approach, steroid creams might also help.
As with any form of skin treatment, follow-up sessions may be required in order to maintain desired results. Although the exact number varies by person and results can often last an extended period.
To achieve optimal results, sessions must be scheduled every four-six weeks. Furthermore, annual maintenance sessions may be necessary in order to prevent the unwanted hair from returning.
Before beginning laser treatments, it’s best to shave the area that will be treated. In addition, any products that might damage your skin barrier such as moisturizers and exfoliants must also be avoided for the week leading up to your appointment. Natural or artificial tanning beds should also be avoided since laser treatments do not work effectively on tanned skin.
Others may require additional laser hair removal sessions due to hormonal fluctuations, for instance women becoming pregnant may require extra treatments while people on hormonal birth control might notice sudden shifts in hair growth patterns.
