Laser hair removal is an efficient and relatively pain-free way to quickly eliminate unwanted hair growth, providing an appealing alternative to shaving, waxing and over-the-counter creams or ointments.
Laser hair removal works best on darker skin and hair types, since its light wavelengths absorb pigment better. Multiple treatments should be completed four to six week apart for best results.
What is the procedure?
Laser hair removal involves using lasers to permanently eliminate unwanted body hair. The laser vaporizes it away, often leaving behind skin that appears red or swollen after treatment. This treatment is one of the most permanent ways to get rid of body hair, eliminating or significantly reducing depilation, waxing and shaving which may irritate the skin in their wake.
Consultation with a dermatologist or nurse trained in laser hair removal can help determine whether it is right for you. Your doctor will review your medical history and conduct physical exams to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure, examine the area you wish to treat and discuss your expectations during this discussion.
For optimal results, it is vital that you shave and avoid tanning prior to laser treatment as this will allow the laser to distinguish between hair and skin pigmentation more accurately. Furthermore, wearing makeup or lotion to the treated area should also be avoided for best results.
Laser technicians use protective goggles or glasses on your face in order to shield your eyes from the laser beam, then administer topical anesthetic to the treatment area in order to lessen pain during the procedure. Next, the laser will be directed at hair follicles for destruction – most effective results come from patients with dark hair and light-colored skin.
Communication with your Houston laser hair removal technician throughout the process is also key. If the treatment is too painful or not working as intended, let them know so they can make adjustments accordingly. Several treatments spaced out over several weeks should provide desired results.
How long will the procedure take?
Laser hair removal is usually fast and painless. Treating smaller areas like an upper lip might only take minutes while larger ones such as back can require multiple sessions depending on skin color, type and area being treated. Unlike shaving or cream depilatories that temporarily reduce or prevent hair regrowth, laser treatment permanently damages hair follicles so they cannot regrow in future treatments; several sessions are typically necessary depending on skin tone, type, size of area to be treated and number of sessions desired for success.
Shaving is advised prior to beginning any laser procedure as this allows the laser light to identify and target hair follicles in the treated area. Other activities, such as plucking, waxing or electrolysis are not advised because these could potentially disturb hair follicles and roots preventing laser treatments from working effectively.
Tanning should also be avoided to reduce the chance of hypopigmentation (light spots) after laser treatments have taken place, and you should use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher for any areas undergoing laser procedures.
When seeking laser hair removal treatments, it is also essential that the practitioner you work with has sufficient experience and qualifications. Check that they are registered on a register that displays they meet certain skill and training standards.
Once treatment is completed, most patients remain hair free for months or years afterwards – when hair does reappear it is usually thinner and lighter in color than its predecessors. Furthermore, laser treatment can assist in relieving skin conditions such as folliculitis or discoloration while simultaneously cutting back time spent shaving or waxing for hair removal.
How will I feel during the procedure?
Laser hair removal is typically a non-painful procedure for people of various skin tones and pain thresholds, although some individuals may feel some slight discomfort, unlike waxing or plucking. Pulses often feel similar to rubber bands snapping against your skin – this sensitivity depends on which area is being treated – typically thinner skin such as that found on faces tends to be more sensitive than thicker areas such as arms or legs; thicker skinned areas like back of thighs typically experience less discomfort.
Prickling of the skin is an expected response to laser energy being applied directly to hair follicles. Most patients feel this sensation as each time their laser shoots at one hair follicle it hits, creating an “itching” sensation in response to this heat source.
Numbing cream may help ease any discomfort, though its effectiveness depends on each individual. In order to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects, it’s wise to drink plenty of water and limit caffeine before treatment, since combining both can increase sensitivity.
As laser treatment does not put hair follicles into a permanent resting state, subsequent sessions will need to be scheduled frequently; typically every four weeks for facial areas and six to eight weeks for body areas.
Note that laser hair removal treatments provide long-term solutions, they do not act as a permanent solution to hair removal. At some point in time, some hair will return, though typically much thinner and sparser than before. If you prefer permanent solutions such as electrolysis instead, consult with a dermatologist or laser specialist about your options.
How will I feel after the procedure?
After your laser hair removal treatment, the area treated may feel hot, similar to sunburn. Your practitioner may offer soothing lotion or cream and cold compresses to keep you comfortable during recovery. Furthermore, direct sunlight should be avoided and sunscreen with SPF 30 protection should be applied on areas being treated if possible – you will also need to repeat this procedure several times until all unwanted hair has been permanently eradicated from the scalp.
After your session, your area may appear red and swollen immediately following, but this should subside within a day or two. Shower or bath the area – though avoid rubbing as this could exacerbate swelling and cause further irritation – but until completely healed wear loose-fitting clothing over it and stay out of direct sunlight which increases risk of complications like blistering or scarring.
Before your next session, it is necessary to shave the area to remove any new growth; waxing or tweezing hair will prevent laser treatments from working effectively. In addition, tanning should also be avoided in the weeks preceding laser sessions as tanned skin does not respond well with lasers and may produce uneven results.
Laser hair removal may take multiple sessions to achieve permanent results; however, most people find the results well worth their while and can go months between touchups! When hair does reappear it usually has finer and lighter fibers than before and regrowth timeframe is typically much faster. To get optimal results it is recommended that follow after-care instructions provided by your laser hair removal provider as well as schedule regular visits four to six weeks apart for follow up appointments.
How will I look after the procedure?
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dermatology treatments due to its fast, permanent results and ease of application. However, many patients lack full understanding of its procedure or aftercare; there are certain points they should know in order to reduce risks and maximize results.
Laser hair removal treatment should always be approached with caution, as your skin can become extra-sensitive soon after treatment due to melanin pigments being targeted and heated up by the laser beam, leading to burns or blistering if exposed to too much heat. As such, it is vital to avoid hot showers, baths, saunas and steam rooms for 48 hours after your session; use only lukewarm or tepid water when showering or washing area afterward and wear sunscreen protection.
After laser treatment, it is also important to avoid plucking or tweezing any hairs that begin to grow back out. Doing so may damage the follicle and compromise future sessions. Furthermore, over-the-counter hair removal creams or ointments may cause skin reactions for some individuals.
As with all treatments, laser hair removal should result in thinner and less noticeable growth as laser light cannot always destroy all hair follicles in an area. With continued sessions, however, your results should improve gradually over time until eventually it will stop growing altogether – though complete removal could occur given enough sessions are completed.
