Hair removal can be a lengthy and cumbersome process, whether using shaving, waxing or chemical treatments; however, laser hair removal provides semi-permanent results without ongoing upkeep.
However, it’s essential to remember that plastic surgery carries certain risks, and ensure that you see a qualified practitioner or you could risk burns or scarring.
1. Cost
Laser hair removal may seem more expensive than waxing or shaving at first, but over time the investment pays dividends. Sessions cost anywhere from $300 to $550 depending on the area being treated; consultation is required prior to beginning treatment and topical numbing cream may also be applied as needed for added comfort.
Light therapy uses light pulses to target pigment and eradicate hair follicles on the skin, quickly and painlessly destroying them. Small areas, like upper lips, may take less than one minute while large ones like back and legs could take up to an hour for complete coverage. You’ll hear a clicking sound during treatment while experiencing slight heat in treated areas; however, experienced specialists usually utilize modern and powerful equipment, and therefore you should rarely experience pain during their sessions.
For optimal results, six or more sessions spaced every five weeks may be needed for maximum success; however, the treatment is not necessarily permanent and hair will continue to grow back in finer and lighter than before. As such, some individuals may require touch-up treatments once or twice annually in order to ensure long-term effects are maintained.
Private health insurance plans do not typically cover cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal; however, financing solutions exist and some specialists provide patient payment plans.
Laser hair removal is generally safe for both men and women; however, pregnant women should avoid this procedure, due to hormonal changes during gestation that could cause extra hairs in unexpected places to grow, possibly darkening significantly and increasing risk for unpleasant side effects like blistering and scarring.
2. Pain
Are You Tired of Shaving, Tweezing and Waxing Unwanted Hair? Laser Hair Removal Could Be the Answer. With lasting results with minimum effort. Laser or IPL treatments can be used to disable hair follicles and stop their production for weeks following treatment. Laser hair removal will require multiple sessions to achieve noticeable reduction in unwanted hair, yet is significantly less invasive than electrolysis. You may even purchase at-home laser hair removal devices as an efficient and more cost-effective solution. To maximize effectiveness of treatment sessions, consult a board-certified dermatologist rather than visiting spas or beauty salons; professional guidance will significantly lower risks such as hyperpigmentation and scarring that might arise.
At your first laser hair removal appointment, a topical anesthetic may be applied prior to treatment beginning. Once treatment commences, however, you should feel little to no pain while electrified pulses penetrate hair follicles – pain comparable to getting bikini waxed or having ingrown hair removed; over time the treatment becomes gradually less uncomfortable with each visit.
Laser hair removal can be painful for people with sensitive skin. In general, it’s advised that laser treatments be undertaken with an experienced practitioner rather than using at-home devices – this reduces your chances of experiencing more serious side effects from this method.
Potential laser hair removal side effects include redness and swelling in the immediate aftermath of treatment. While these side effects should subside within hours, applying ice to the treated area might help speed up healing time. In order to limit hyperpigmentation risk between treatments, avoid tanning beds and sun exposure during those weeks between your visits.
3. Discomfort
Laser hair removal may be less painful than waxing or tweezing, yet still produces discomfort. Most patients report feeling like having a rubber band snapped against their skin; however, technicians may provide cooling gel or numbing cream prior to treatments to mitigate discomfort.
Pregnant women should avoid laser hair removal treatments because the hormonal fluctuations they experience during gestation can cause extra hairs to sprout unexpectedly, making removal more challenging with laser treatment. After giving birth, they can try the treatment again after waiting several months before giving any more attempts at treatment.
Under the care of an untrained technician, laser hair removal can lead to epidermal burns which leave scars behind on your skin. Before beginning treatment with lasers or other methods, be sure to visit a certified professional such as a dermatologist for advice and evaluation.
Prior to and following laser treatment, it is wise to avoid direct sun exposure as prolonged exposure can burn your skin. Lasers work most effectively when there is a noticeable contrast between your skin tone and that of the pigment in your hair follicles; when tanned it’s harder for lasers to distinguish them effectively.
Some at-home laser devices come equipped with skin-sensing technology to prevent burns by only working on an area when it is safe. Before using one, however, read carefully through its user manuals in order to ascertain whether or not the intensity level is suitable for your skin tone and hair color.
4. Frequent sessions
Laser hair removal may not be a permanent solution, but it can significantly slow the rate at which hair grows back. Treatment typically entails multiple sessions spaced six weeks apart for optimal results; unlike waxing and shaving which remove surface hair directly, laser zaps each individual hair at its root to stop its return in its current form – meaning that even though your hair may grow back out again eventually, it will come out lighter and finer than before.
At-home laser hair removal devices may be less effective than professional ones, according to dermatologist Winnie Moses, MD, founder of Parfaire Medical Aesthetics. You must also exercise extreme caution with these devices as misuse could result in burns or hyperpigmentation; read and follow all directions when operating an at-home device and make sure the person operating it is registered on an official registry before beginning use.
Regular laser hair removal sessions may be difficult when you use an at-home device, as treatments work most effectively when your hair is in its active growth phase – anagen. Therefore, to remain effective treatments will require keeping up a schedule of regular appointments which is challenging with modern life’s busy pace.
Laser hair removal may also not be recommended for those with tattoos, since laser devices work by targeting pigment. Tattoo ink on your skin could confuse the device and cause it to target it instead of targeting hair follicles; this could damage or scar your skin and potentially result in scarring. Also avoid tanning prior to your appointment as any UV exposure could make the treatment less effective.
5. Recovery
Laser hair removal treatments provide many people with hope of never again having to shave, tweeze or wax (or deal with painful ingrown hairs), while at the same time can be costly and require multiple sessions for lasting results.
Laser hair removal is a safe, non-permanent solution that uses heat from a laser beam to destroy hair follicles and stop future growth. While not permanent, laser treatment typically offers better results than either shaving or waxing and typically takes fewer sessions for treatment. When selecting a qualified practitioner it is crucial that they provide guidance regarding skin preparation and post-treatment care instructions as this could affect treatment success and care requirements.
For maximum effectiveness, it is wise to wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure prior to having laser hair removal done. Also avoid removing or applying peels or chemical treatments in the weeks leading up to your session, and show up with clean and makeup-free skin – and be aware that rescheduling appointments if there are open cuts or cold sores will delay results.
Although laser hair removal treatments are generally safe, they may cause side effects like redness, sensitivity, swelling and burning sensation in some patients. Individuals can vary greatly in how sensitive their bodies are to this process and it is essential that patients be informed of all potential risks before beginning laser hair removal treatments either at a spa or using at-home devices.
Laser hair removal treatments employ laser devices which emit beams of light attracted by pigment in your dark hair and skin, such as melanin. Electrolysis only targets individual follicles using electrical currents while lasers only target melanin molecules found within hair and skin – meaning this process doesn’t work on blonde, red or grey locks.
