What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for permanently eliminating unwanted body and facial hair. It uses laser technology to heat the pigment in hair shafts and destroy it, stopping future hair growth from returning. Unlike shaving or waxing, it does not produce ingrown hairs or cause other skin issues like ingrowns; moreover it is hypoallergenic so as to not cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Women and men alike can both benefit from having hair-free skin. In addition to saving time shaven or waxed away on unwanted hair removal sessions, laser hair removal can boost both confidence and self-esteem – something unwanted hair may do otherwise! In some instances, unwanted hair may even contribute to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem which further diminish the quality of life for individuals living with unwanted hair growth.
Laser hair removal can be particularly helpful in removing excess hair from arms, legs and underarms. It is also an ideal solution for those who suffer from unwanted terminal arm hair that cannot be eliminated with shaving alone. On the face, laser hair removal can reduce sideburns and chin hair for a more refined look; additionally it can be used to diminish chest and back hair growth that often presents challenges – and can even help transgender individuals attain a more feminine aesthetic.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses an advanced light-based therapy that permanently reduces unwanted hair growth, eliminating the need for costly hair removal methods like shaving, waxing and plucking stray strands. Lasers like those from Cynosure Elite Nd:YAG and Alexandrite lasers come equipped with Cryogen cooling systems which minimize skin irritation during treatment, making sessions more comfortable – we’ll even apply topical numbing cream before each session to add an extra level of comfort!
Laser light targets the pigment in hair follicles, so it works best with dark hair on light skin. Unfortunately, blonde, gray or white hair don’t absorb as much heat energy from lasers; thus they may not work as effectively shaved off very thinly shaven areas of scalp hair.
Multiple treatments at four to six week intervals may be necessary in order to reach 90% reduction of unwanted hair, with some people needing annual touch ups. In order to maintain results, patients must refrain from tanning in the weeks leading up to treatment as well as apply SPF sunscreen as soon as their session concludes. Furthermore, they should abstain from plucking, waxing or electrolysis in the treated areas for several days following each session and use SPF 50+ SPF sunscreen on that area for several days after each treatment session.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?
Laser treatment versus shaving works to the core of the problem, often producing long-term smoother results without stubble or bumps. Multiple sessions may be needed before reaching desired results are achieved; but once achieved the end result can often be much smoother skin that’s free from stubble or bumps.
Laser treatments work by targeting melanin pigments present in your hair follicles – this explains why they work best on dark locks and, traditionally, only women underwent this procedure. With modern advances, however, more technology allows it to be performed on individuals of various skin tones.
Prior to your first laser session, it is recommended that you refrain from plucking or waxing the areas to be treated. This will enable the laser to more easily find and target unwanted hair roots; however a few days prior to your appointment you can continue shaving in this area.
After your laser treatment session, it is not unusual to experience redness and swelling which will subside within several hours, and then resume your normal activities.
Laser treatments work by targeting hair follicles and destroying them to stop them from producing new hair follicles, yet due to the natural cycles of hair growth they will eventually reemerge albeit typically finer and lighter in color. Therefore multiple sessions (typically four to six) spaced out over time are usually necessary for long-term results.
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
While shaving, tweezing, and waxing remove hair above the skin’s surface, laser treatment targets hair follicles directly. Pigment in each follicle absorbs light that destroys it so the hair cannot grow back. For most people this process appears safe without long-term health risks; however, improper application by an unqualified practitioner could result in burns and blisters.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it is crucial to select a trained practitioner. Before treatment begins, the area will be thoroughly cleansed and a numbing cream may be applied to avoid discomfort. Once placed onto your skin, concentrated beams of light from the laser device will target lesions with intense beams of light aimed directly at them; though some discomfort might ensue initially; afterward however, red and swollen patches might remain for several hours; some individuals may need ice to reduce this discomfort; furthermore it’s vitally important that individuals use broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily in order to protect their skin from sun exposure after laser treatments to safeguard it’s skin from sun exposure!
Laser hair removal isn’t recommended for pregnant women as no human studies have demonstrated its safety during gestation. While you might notice increased hair growth on your breasts or stomach during your pregnancy, these will usually shed once your baby arrives and fall out naturally over time.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Laser Hair Removal can save you money in the long run when compared with more traditional methods like shaving and waxing, although its upfront costs should be taken into consideration before undertaking this procedure. Multiple treatments may also be necessary for optimal results.
Laser hair removal pricing varies based on factors including area being treated, type of laser used, clinic and physician involved, as well as cost per session for large areas such as back or legs; while smaller spots such as ears, areola, chin or hands may cost less per session.
Lumenis LightSheer DUET Laser Hair Removal Treatment utilizes two waves of laser energy to target dark-colored follicles and damage them, so they cannot grow back in future. This treatment is safe for all skin types and colors and the laser technology provides for an even, consistent experience without the need for topical gels or creams.
Laser Hair Removal is typically not covered by health insurance plans; however, if it’s needed for treating an existing medical condition it could qualify. You could use your flexible spending account or HSA to pay for treatment; just make sure your provider approves before going ahead with any payment arrangements.
Where Can I Get Laser Hair Removal in Yakima WA?
Many individuals spend hours each week shaving, tweezing and waxing to rid themselves of unwanted facial and body hair. But these methods can be time-consuming, painful and only offer temporary solutions. Laser hair removal offers an efficient, fast, safe solution that can eliminate hair from virtually all parts of the face or body without downtime or inconvenience to users.
Laser treatments offer permanent hair removal with less bumps and stubble than other hair removal methods, so the unwanted hair no longer grows back. Before beginning the procedure, the treatment area must first be trimmed and sterilized and you may receive topical anesthetic for any discomfort during treatment. Pulses of laser light are directed at unwanted follicles in your treatment area where depending on their color they absorb energy which damages them permanently – leaving behind pepper-flake like bumps as your body clears out these dead follicles from being eliminated by your body over time. After roughly an hour-long laser session you’ll notice what looks like pepper follicles being cleared out by your body eliminating these follicles permanently from being attacked by energy as your body gets rid of them over time!
Women can benefit from reducing hair on their arms and legs to achieve a more feminine aesthetic, while men can utilize laser hair removal technology to get rid of unsightly back hair or eliminate an uncomfortable bikini line that makes wearing swimsuits or other revealing clothing uncomfortable. Furthermore, laser hair removal may also provide great advantages when transitioning male-to-female.
