Laser hair removal is an efficient and safe solution for permanently eliminating unwanted body hair. In two to six treatments, it can significantly decrease hair growth permanently – meaning no more shaving, tweezing and waxing for good!
Selecting an experienced practitioner is key in order to avoid burns and other adverse side effects, so make sure they’re listed on a recognized register so you know they comply with set standards.
What to Expect
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular solution to unwanted body hair, providing significant reductions without shaving, tweezing, waxing or plucking. Heat from a laser is used to destroy hair follicles so they cannot regrow; safe and effective treatment suitable for almost all areas of the body; however it will take multiple sessions before significant results become visible depending on factors like hair color/thickness/distance of treatment area and type of laser used.
Laser hair removal is typically safe and does not require downtime for most individuals. While you may experience redness or swelling after receiving laser therapy, its effects typically dissipate within hours. Furthermore, direct sunlight should not be exposed directly after treatment to avoid skin discoloration caused by direct UV rays; additionally tanning beds should also be avoided prior and post laser hair removal sessions.
Before your laser hair removal session, it is essential that the area to be treated be cleansed and shaved as needed. However, any immediate shave could damage the skin; also try not to use tweezers or waxing as this could lead to ingrown hairs.
As part of your treatment, a specialist will apply numbing gel to the area before using the laser, in order to minimise any discomfort. They then administer short pulses of laser light directly onto your treatment area in short bursts until they reach full intensity; some people may find this distracting; but your specialist will constantly monitor your skin to ensure you remain at ease throughout.
Once their treatment is complete, most patients don’t notice any unwanted hair growth for several months or years following. When it does reappear, however, it tends to grow back thinner and lighter in color than before the laser therapy treatment was given. Some individuals may require periodic maintenance laser sessions in order to keep unwanted growth at bay.
Some individuals may experience unwanted body hair that’s cosmetically distasteful, such as hirsutism in women and hypertrichosis in men. Others develop excess body hair due to medications, hormonal imbalances or other medical conditions; such conditions may require treatment from a dermatologist in order to decrease or even stop growth of new hair follicles.
The Process
Laser hair removal uses a laser on the skin to effectively eradicate unwanted hair growth, by heating up and disabling individual follicles that produce hair. Treatment typically takes multiple sessions; its results aren’t permanent and is generally considered cosmetic rather than permanent. Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure and may reduce shaving, waxing and tweezing needs altogether.
Before your treatment begins, shave the area that will be treated. A cooling gel will also be given to apply on top of your skin before and during laser sessions. Your doctor will use a hand-held laser instrument with either cooling devices on its tip for added protection against discomfort; some laser types even produce sensations similar to rubber band snapping against skin when being used – this may feel similar!
As part of the process, a laser beam will pass over your skin and target pigment (color) within your hair follicles. Darker follicles absorb more of the heat generated by laser treatment and become destroyed; light-colored ones do not. Additional treatments may be necessary if lighter-colored follicles do not absorb as much of its heat;
Laser hair removal results may last years, yet are not permanent. Your hair could possibly grow back over time; therefore, regular maintenance might be required in order to keep them at bay.
Some individuals have excess body hair due to medical conditions like hirsutism or hypertrichosis; for others it could simply be for aesthetic reasons. Hormonal imbalances (increased testosterone or androgen levels); medications like birth control pills and anabolic steroids; or certain illnesses like Lupus, Herpes Virus infection and HIV could all play a part.
Ideal candidates for laser hair removal typically possess dark hair and light skin, since their contrast allows the laser to easily detect hair follicles. However, recent developments in laser technology have made the procedure more effective even among people with darker complexions.
The Results
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that can permanently eliminate unwanted hair. It is effective against unwanted facial, chest, arm, leg, and underarm hair as well as treating women suffering from excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Results are long lasting and extremely efficient.
Lasers are light bundles that transform into heat energy that are then delivered directly to hair follicles to permanently destroy them, no longer producing hair growth. By targeting pigment in hair strands instead of blood vessels or surrounding skin cells, lasers don’t pose a threat to surrounding tissue and blood vessels.
Laser treatments may be uncomfortable for some individuals, though it should not be as painful as waxing or shaving. Prior to laser treatments, it is advisable to forego any sunless skin creams or other hair removal methods which could increase skin sensitivity and make treatment less effective. It’s also wise to consult your physician regarding any medications which could alter skin tone.
Laser hair removal sessions often cause redness or irritation to your skin, which is normal. To aid its recovery, apply a cold compress to the affected area while avoiding direct sunlight and using a gentle cleanser and patting dry.
Most people begin seeing results of laser hair removal treatments within days or weeks of beginning treatments. Hair that was removed will gradually fall out, while those that remain will be lighter in color and finer than ever. Results typically continue to improve with further sessions.
Laser hair removal should not be seen as a permanent solution; rather, it will help dramatically decrease unwanted hair. Most patients require between two and six sessions in order to reach their desired results, and most lasting months or even years before some hair re-grows over time.
Laser hair removal may seem more costly upfront, but in the long run it often turns out more cost-effective than buying razors, shaving cream or waxing products. Plus, eliminating regular maintenance costs saves a significant amount.
The Aftercare
If you have decided to undergo laser hair removal, the first step should be consulting a medical professional. They can assist in selecting an ideal method tailored to your skin type and hair color as well as offering tips to minimize side effects. Home treatments using an FDA-approved device may be possible as long as user follows all directions given and wears protective eyewear during treatment.
After laser hair removal sessions, it is normal for the area treated to be itchy and red; you can help alleviate this with cold compresses and moisturizers, or with medication prescribed by your physician such as steroid cream to reduce swelling and discomfort. Also use sunscreen with broad spectrum coverage to keep yourself safe from sun exposure on this area; full hair shedding usually takes between one to several weeks after treatment has occurred, leading to reduced hair growth and smoother skin.
While shaving may seem counterproductive, shaving the areas to be treated before your laser hair removal treatment is crucial in targeting only hairs rather than surrounding skin – something especially vital if treating large areas such as your back.
Laser treatments to eliminate unwanted hair can produce mildly uncomfortable sensations, although these usually only last briefly. They might resemble small stings or rubber band snapping against your skin and last up to an hour depending on the size of the area being treated; an anti-numbing gel might be applied beforehand for added comfort.
Some individuals might experience more serious side effects from laser hair removal, although these are generally rare with professional dermatologist care. Possible adverse reactions may include pigment changes such as hyper/hypopigmentation, blistering or burns which can occur if an incorrect laser is chosen for someone with darker skin tone, or too much heat is applied during treatment.
Traditional methods for hair removal such as waxing and shaving are time-consuming, laborious and costly. Laser treatments offer quick, simple and permanent solutions, providing immediate benefits such as reduced ingrown hairs, decreased pain/itching when the follicles are extracted as well as more supple and smooth skin post treatment.
