Laser hair removal is a safe, non-invasive procedure performed by doctors who will place a handheld laser instrument onto your skin and activate it, producing what may feel like pinpricks or even warm sensations.
Before attending your appointment, it is recommended that you refrain from sun exposure and do not use products intended to bleach or tan the skin – the laser needs your natural color for maximum efficiency.
No.
Unwanted body and facial hair can be an immense hassle. Shaving or waxing alone is time-consuming and needs regular maintenance; laser hair removal offers permanent solutions that save you both effort and time spent shaving or waxing unwanted hair from your body or facial area.
However, in order to get optimal results from laser hair removal treatment you’ll need to commit to several sessions and prepare yourself properly for them. Keep in mind that laser treatments work by targeting hair cycles; to be most effective they must find all active growing phase hair. Therefore, the initial sessions of laser hair removal require multiple appointments spaced 6-8 weeks apart in order to capture all active growing phase hair at its most suitable moment for destruction by the laser beam.
At your laser hair removal appointment, a doctor will clean and numb the area to be treated, using topical anesthetic (if required). If treating large areas such as face or body, your doctor may suggest wearing goggles to protect their eyes from heat generated by laser.
Practitioners use a handheld laser light device to direct a beam of laser light at any unwanted hairs, where its heat vaporizes them and removes them from your body, leaving your skin smooth and free of hair follicles. Some find the process uncomfortable, though it shouldn’t usually cause pain when performed by qualified practitioners; inexperienced practitioners might misuse equipment improperly or may employ poor techniques that lead to burns or other forms of damage to skin cells.
Before receiving laser hair removal treatments, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds in the days leading up to your session. Following this session, it’s normal to experience redness or swelling as an indicator that the laser has successfully targeted hair follicles – some individuals might also detect a sulfur-like odor which is perfectly normal and should also not worry.
Experts generally agree that shaving 24 hours prior to an appointment is beneficial in encouraging hairs in the targeted area to transition into their active growth phase and become easier targets for laser therapy. Be careful, though; light shaving is recommended so there will still be stubble for laser to target. Too much shaving may cause the hairs in the treated area to thicken or lengthen over time, potentially increasing in thickness and length. Before scheduling a laser treatment session, it is also wise to avoid plucking or waxing hair in the treatment area, as these methods could impede its effectiveness. Laser Hair Removal can’t be rushed through, but the effort it requires will yield long-term success in eliminating unwanted hair from your body. By following these tips and attending all appointments as scheduled, you will soon have beautiful skin without unwanted hair!
Yes.
Laser hair removal is a relatively pain-free and safe method for eliminating unwanted body hair. While multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired results, as your hair grows in cycles. To ensure the best experience with each treatment and minimize potential lasting skin damage, schedule appointments well in advance.
Most commonly associated with laser hair removal are redness, swelling and bumps in the targeted area. While these typically go away within hours of being treated with laser technology, if any severe side effects persist for more than that period of time it is important to seek medical advice immediately.
If you have sensitive skin, laser procedures may cause itching or burning during treatment; to maintain optimal comfort during this process and facilitate healing afterwards, aloe vera-based moisturizer is often recommended as it will keep skin hydrated and help minimize itching or scabbing post treatment; mild and temporary itching/scabbing will typically resolve over time with proper moisturization keeping affected areas hydrated until healing has occurred.
Your treatment will include wearing protective goggles to shield your eyes from the laser beam, while an assistant shaves and anesthetic may be applied prior to starting, and topical anesthetic might also be administered for any discomfort. Furthermore, sun exposure should be limited before and after laser hair removal as tanning interferes with its effectiveness; if necessary, ensure any tanning fades fully prior to your appointment date. It is also wise to limit plucking, waxing and use of depilatory creams prior to beginning laser hair removal treatment sessions in order to maximize effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal works best for people with dark hair and light skin, as the contrast makes it easier for the laser to detect the roots of their hair. Very light-haired people may not benefit as much due to invisibility of hair by the laser; individuals who have had history of HSV-2 infection or cold sores should avoid laser treatment as these might resurface following treatment.
Electrolysis provides another permanent alternative to shaving, plucking and waxing that uses electrical current to destroy hair follicles in an effective and permanent manner. Unfortunately, however, electrolysis is both time consuming and costly, and requires the services of an experienced practitioner as unclean equipment could lead to skin or blood infections during its performance.
Home laser hair removal kits may seem appealing, but professional treatments offer greater effectiveness. Furthermore, pregnant and nursing mothers should refrain from having laser hair removal done as this could negatively impact both their child’s health and fertility. Before opting for laser hair removal, those with specific medical conditions, including diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease should consult their doctor first. In addition, sunburn, psoriasis, eczema or any rash in the area being treated should notify their healthcare provider. If you’re planning a pregnancy, your doctor can suggest other forms of permanent hair reduction which are safer than laser. They may advise waiting until after your gestation to begin laser hair removal as this requires frequent appointments to achieve results.
