Laser hair removal can be an extremely safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified dermatologist, however the wrong provider could potentially cause blisters, burns and skin discoloration.
Board-certified dermatologists possess the education and experience to offer medical, surgical and cosmetic care for patients of all ages. Book an instant appointment online.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Unwanted hair growth can be an embarrassment to both men and women alike. Traditional solutions for maintaining a more groomed appearance included daily shaving, waxing sensitive areas and using harsh depilatory creams that disintegrated unwanted hair growth.
Laser technology works on the principle that darker skin types tend to absorb light faster, leading to faster destruction of hair follicles without harming surrounding tissues. Unfortunately, darker skin types may be more vulnerable to blistering or discoloration after treatment.
Dr. Vivian Bucay and her staff utilize state-of-the-art equipment to safely deliver permanent laser hair reduction treatments for patients with dark skin. For best results, most treatment areas typically require 6-10 sessions spaced out between 4-6 weeks to achieve optimal results.
Contrary to what may be advertised at mall kiosks, laser hair reduction treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologists with years of education and training in laser technology. Patients typically experience no more discomfort than tweezing or getting tattooed during treatment.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses laser light to treat areas of unwanted hair growth. The laser attracts to and destroys pigmented follicles in order to leave an area hair free, without harming surrounding skin or melanin production in hair follicles – darker hair responds better than lighter ones, therefore.
Your dermatologist will advise on the number of sessions necessary to destroy all active hair follicles at one time. Some patients require up to eight laser treatments for permanent hair reduction while others may only require annual touch-up sessions to maintain results.
As part of your treatment preparations, it’s advisable to discontinue plucking and waxing six weeks before your scheduled appointment. Also avoid prolonged sun exposure in order to reduce complications following treatment; redness and tenderness might occur post-procedure but these effects should be temporary.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take?
Many individuals experience unwanted hair growth on their arms, back, legs or chest that is difficult to eliminate with shaving, waxing or tweezing – often leading to razor burn.
Laser hair removal uses a noninvasive and painless solution to permanently destroy hair follicles on your skin, leaving behind smooth skin. Melanin pigment in hair follicles absorbs light energy to heat them up and disable them; only those affected are affected – making this treatment particularly successful on dark hair against light skin as it creates contrast which enhances its effectiveness.
Your dermatologist will advise when the appropriate time and frequency for another session, usually scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. Careful preparation before each laser treatment session such as shaving can significantly lower risks of side effects and discomfort.
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal with professional dermatologist guidance usually does not result in any long-term side effects; however, mild, temporary side effects may include redness, irritation or blisters; to minimize these risks it’s essential that patients follow all pre and post treatment instructions provided by their dermatologist.
Soon after undergoing laser therapy, you may experience redness or irritation similar to sunburn; this should subside within an hour. For added relief, an ice pack may help.
Prior and post laser treatment, it’s wise to stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. If necessary, wear a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection to shield your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
How Long Will Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser hair removal typically only requires a few minutes per treatment area, depending on its size. After your session, you may experience redness or tenderness that can usually be addressed using cool compresses or OTC pain relievers.
Permanent results require multiple sessions as hair grows and sheds in cycles; laser treatment only works on those in their active growth phase – it may take six to nine treatments before all your strands have reached this phase and can be effectively addressed.
Once your initial laser hair removal treatments have been completed, you should expect smooth skin with less need for upkeep and maintenance. Any hair that does regrowth may be much lighter and finer compared to its predecessor; thus reducing shaving or waxing needs and risks such as razor burn and ingrown hairs significantly.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Will I Need?
Laser hair removal is a safe, non-invasive cosmetic treatment designed to temporarily reduce unwanted hair growth with just a series of treatment sessions. Dr. Green will customize your laser device settings according to your skin tone in order to target hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissues.
After your treatment session, you may experience slight redness or swelling. This is normal and usually dissipates within one to two days on its own. Hair may begin shedding as a result of laser treatment targeting pigment in specific follicles while leaving surrounding skin undamaged.
Patients undergoing laser hair removal treatments will enjoy permanently hair-free skin in areas they select, making laser safe before, during, and post hormone replacement therapy.
How Will Laser Hair Removal Work on Darker Skin?
Laser hair removal offers people of color an effective and safe means for permanent hair reduction. Laser technology targets and destroys melanin pigment found in skin and hair color; when hit by laser light it heats up, causing hair follicles to stop producing new hair or produce lighter color instead.
Results include silky skin without unwanted hair growth – saving both time, money and the hassle associated with shaving or waxing. This treatment offers long-term solutions.
Laser hair removal should only be administered by board-certified dermatologists with adequate training, education, and experience, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Unexperienced providers could lead to burns, blisters and scarring; also not all laser technologies suit all skin tones so be sure to ask your dermatologist which laser technology they plan on using during treatments.
How Safe is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is one of the safest, most effective ways to get rid of unwanted hair. Unlike razors or depilatory cream that work by dissolving individual strands of hair, lasers target multiple hair follicles simultaneously by using energy that absorbs melanin present in hair to produce heat that damages or disables each individual follicle, ultimately inhibiting future hair growth while diminishing unwanted appearances.
Men and women seeking to remove unwanted hair had few viable solutions at their disposal, which only produced short-term solutions. Shaving was time-consuming while waxing often left delicate areas with painful bumps.
Laser hair removal is generally painless. Patients may experience redness and mild soreness after each session, but this should quickly subside within hours or days. Many clients return yearly for touch-up sessions – quick appointments that can easily fit into lunch breaks or between errands – in order to maintain results and preserve youthful, rejuvenated looks. A laser device can help smooth skin tone while diminishing wrinkles for a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal offers an effective and hassle-free method for eliminating unwanted body hair. By forgoing shaving, tweezing, waxing and threading altogether, laser treatments can effectively reduce hair growth in specific areas. Results typically require up to six sessions for optimal results – to maintain them between treatments simply use broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen!
Laser therapy is an effective treatment option for all skin types and colors, but the optimal results come when people with darker hair have light skin tones; contrast between their hair color and skin tone makes it easier for the laser to distinguish between the two.
Laser treatments are also highly precise, as lasers are capable of targeting individual hairs rather than surrounding skin, thus decreasing your chance of ingrown hairs compared to traditional methods and leaving your skin silky smooth after each session.
