Laser hair removal is a quick and relatively pain-free procedure. Treatment might feel like quick stings of rubber bands slapping against your skin.
Following laser hair removal, aloe vera gel or cold compress should be applied to your skin immediately for best results. Redness and irritation may temporarily appear following laser treatment; these effects typically dissipate within two hours.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cutting-edge light-based treatment that effectively eradicates unwanted hair on the face, legs, armpits, and bikini area. A specialist will apply numbing cream before shining laser light on your follicles – damaging them so that future growth ceases.
Hair removal procedures may be unpleasant for some people, but are never painful. You may experience something like rubber bands snapping against your skin, while its reddening or swelling might last temporarily before returning back to normal within hours.
Specialists can treat multiple areas at the same time in just 30-60 minutes; depending on which part of your body needs treatment more often. After treatments have taken effect, unwanted hair will regrow thinner and less frequently; when it does grow back it will be finer and lighter colored than before.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is an effective, safe, and long-term solution for permanently eliminating unwanted hair. Light from a high-powered laser penetrates the skin and is absorbed by melanin pigment in hair follicles; this causes them to be damaged, stopping future production of new strands.
For optimal results, it is best to shave the area to be treated before attending your appointment. Furthermore, it is essential that plucking or waxing be limited and sun exposure prevented prior to having a laser session in order to target hair follicles without harming other areas of the skin. This ensures that laser light can efficiently target just those parts where hair follicles lie rather than other parts.
After your treatment, use a cool compress to soothe the treated area and help your skin feel at its best. Your skin may temporarily appear reddened or swollen but this should quickly subside over the following hours or so. For optimal healing results from laser treatment follow your dermatologist’s post-treatment instructions for maximum healing potential and maximum benefit; otherwise seek medical assistance at either your local emergency department or dermatologist immediately if any side effects persist beyond a few hours.
What are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal can be a safe option when performed by an experienced practitioner; however, side effects may include blisters, burns and scarring. Should these arise it is important to contact the practitioner as soon as possible and seek medical assistance as soon as necessary.
As part of your treatment, you may experience some minor discomfort; to ensure maximum comfort during and after laser hair removal procedures. A topical anesthetic may also be applied prior to starting treatment for maximum comfort. Prior to laser treatment, it is also advisable to refrain from shaving, plucking, waxing and electrolysis; these methods temporarily remove hair roots which reduce its efficacy in treatment with laser light.
Laser hair removal sessions vary depending on your skin type and hair color. Most individuals need at least six to eight laser treatment sessions spaced out over several weeks so as to capture all hairs at different growth phases.
What are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is the fastest, most permanent way to eliminate unwanted hair. Though multiple treatment sessions will likely be necessary for maximum effectiveness, each session typically lasts no more than several minutes each.
laser treatments offer an alternative method for hair removal compared to shaving or waxing: laser treatments actually destroy the root of each individual follicle so they never return, eliminating stubble-causing other methods, as well as producing thinner, softer growth from laser hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal may seem uncomfortable, but the sensation is much less painful than you would anticipate. Many have likened it to having rubber bands snap against their skin; and because sessions tend to be short-term most patients find the experience manageable.
Laser hair removal doesn’t require much in terms of advance preparation; however, it is recommended to avoid plucking or waxing of the area and to use broad spectrum sunscreen at least six weeks prior to your first appointment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Anyone seeking permanent relief from unwanted body hair is an ideal candidate for laser hair removal. The procedure has proven highly successful on most parts of the body including arms, legs, underarms and facial hair; multiple sessions will likely be needed due to hair growth cycles.
Also, keep in mind that this treatment will not be painless; individual tolerance will vary, though many compare the sensation to getting tattooed.
Laser treatments tend to work best if your hair has dark hues and light skin tones, since lasers target melanin. Blonde or extremely thick locks may not respond as effectively; before making a definitive decision, always consult a specialist first.
How Many Treatments Are Needed for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal can reduce or completely eradicate unwanted hair growth from certain areas, though any remaining hair will eventually regrow again over time and need regular treatments in order to remain free from further growth.
Heat from a laser destroys pigment from hair follicles, disabling and stopping their ability to produce new hair growth. Although individual needs vary, Sharoff estimates most will need between six to eight laser treatments sessions for real results to emerge.
Shaving is essential in order to prepare an area for laser treatment, as this ensures that the hairs are at an appropriate length and prevents any further treatments such as plucking or waxing of this area in between treatments. Patients should avoid tweezing, plucking or waxing between treatments in order to achieve maximum efficacy of treatments.
Patients undergoing laser hair removal treatments should also use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when exposed to sunlight after receiving laser treatments, as the UV rays present can damage skin cells and increase the risk of side effects.
How Long Will Laser Hair Removal Take?
Laser hair removal is quick, relatively painless and doesn’t require downtime. Sessions usually last from 30 minutes to an hour for all areas being treated. Prior to any laser hair removal appointment, make sure to shave all areas to be treated and wear goggles to protect yourself from the laser beam.
Pulses of light may feel similar to rubber band snapping against your skin; however, individual experience varies widely and a topic anesthetic may be used prior to your appointment to reduce discomfort.
Once your sessions have concluded, no more shaving, waxing or plucking hairs in the future is necessary. Even if some new growth appears afterward, it tends to be finer and lighter in color than its original follicle.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeking laser treatments from only experienced and board-certified dermatologists, in order to ensure optimal cosmetic results while preventing unpleasant side effects like blistering, hyperpigmentation or scarring.
How Much Will Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Laser hair removal can be costly if it covers a large body area. Treatment could cost several hundred dollars per session or thousands over time to treat an entire body.
Pricing for laser hair removal varies significantly by plastic surgeon and geographic region, according to the 2020 ASPS Report. Costlier areas tend to have more frequent procedures. The coasts often command higher prices.
Be certain that whoever performs your treatments for laser hair removal is board-certified plastic surgeon and check their name on a registry of qualified practitioners as an added measure to ensure they have training, skills and licenses necessary.
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore does not fall under health insurance coverage. However, many physicians offer patient financing plans to help cover costs for this procedure. You could also use funds from your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account as payment.
Where Can I Get Laser Hair Removal or Laser Scar Removal Near Me?
Traditional methods of hair removal such as shaving, tweezing, threading and waxing can be messy and time consuming, often producing limited long term results. Instead opt for safe and effective laser hair removal solutions that offer permanent results while improving the aesthetic appearance of your skin.
Laser hair removal involves applying a topical anesthetic and then scanning an area with a high-powered laser that disables hair follicles, offering an effective noninvasive way to reduce or eradicate unwanted facial and body hair. This procedure has become extremely popular among both men and women seeking an efficient way to eliminate unwanted hair growth.
Laser skin treatment can also be an effective means of diminishing scars. Dr. Green uses CO2 DOT Therapy for this purpose and can treat fine lines and wrinkles, surgical scars and acne scars effectively with this procedure. If you would like more information on how this procedure can help lessen scars’ visibility, reach out to our office now so we can arrange a consultation session!
