Laser hair removal is an efficient and non-invasive solution to permanently eliminating unwanted body hair, including ingrowns. Furthermore, it may reduce waxing or shaving requirements.
However, as with any treatment, laser hair removal does have some drawbacks. Common side effects of the procedure are redness and irritation that usually subside within hours, along with possible crusting which should resolve itself quickly but may become inconvenient at times.
Cost
Laser hair removal may seem expensive up front, but when considering all the money saved over time from not purchasing razors and waxing kits, you may come to appreciate its worth. Laser treatments work by targeting pigment in hair follicles to convert to heat which destroys them permanently and stops hair growth – this method may also be less painful than waxing or shaving methods of removal.
As soon as you start considering laser hair removal, prices can differ drastically from clinic to clinic due to factors like location, surgeon fees, type of laser used and physician expertise. Furthermore, inflationary effects could drive up costs over time.
Some insurance companies will cover laser hair removal if it is used to treat gender dysphoria; however, this is typically only in exceptional cases as private health insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures.
Before commencing laser hair removal, it is wise to prepare the area by limiting sun exposure or using self-tanning products. Also avoid waxing, plucking and electrolysis treatments in this area as this could impede on its efficacy. In addition, take measures such as cleansing your skin prior to an appointment in order to maximize effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, any makeup should be removed and clean skin must be present prior to treatment appointment.
If you decide to pursue laser hair removal, make sure that the clinic you select employs certified professionals who know how to operate the equipment safely and effectively. Ask friends or family for recommendations or conduct some online research until you find an ideal clinic.
Before your session begins, numbing gel may be applied to the treatment area and protective goggles provided. Once started, a laser technician will use their device to scan over it; this may take up to an hour and should not cause pain; although its sensation can differ depending on your tolerance level and area being treated.
Time
Laser hair removal can be time consuming; appointments must be scheduled over multiple months, and between treatments waxing or shaving must be avoided. You may be able to cut back on sessions by scheduling multiple at a time, taking advantage of bulk appointment discounts, or making use of any salon loyalty programs offering discounts for repeat clients.
Another factor affecting how long laser hair removal takes is your hair growth cycle. Since laser hair removal uses melanin pigment to target it, it only works effectively during its anagen stage; otherwise it cannot absorb energy from the laser beam and therefore plucking, waxing and electrolysis must be limited for six weeks prior to your appointment.
Most areas of the body produce hair at different rates, some growing rapidly while others taking longer. If your face or armpits produce rapid hair growth, treatments should be administered every four to eight weeks while for slower-growing areas like legs and back you should visit every six weeks for treatments.
Prior to your laser appointment, it is also wise to limit sun exposure as exposure to laser can result in changes to skin texture and scarring. Furthermore, make sure your cosmetic clinic employs experienced and certified laser technicians – untrained ones can damage the surface of your skin leaving burns or scars behind; misuse your equipment causing serious harm either to you or someone else.
Laser hair removal can be an ideal solution for people who are tired of spending their free time shaving and waxing their body hair. Through multiple sessions of treatment, most unwanted hair will be eliminated; when it reappeares it typically grows back thinner and lighter in color than before; some even find they don’t see regrowth for months or even years after their plan has concluded!
Side Effects
Laser hair removal can help alleviate the pain associated with shaving and waxing, saving time and money in the process. Although its initial cost may seem higher than buying razor packs repeatedly, in the long run laser hair removal saves you money as it means no more waxing services or razor package purchases in future years.
Before your laser treatment begins, your technician will first clean the area and apply a numbing gel. Your doctor then presses a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. As it activates, you may feel warm pinprick sensations followed by clicking sounds as the beam passes through to reach hair follicles where it destroys them using heat energy. A cooling device or gel may be applied on its tip to minimize discomfort during this procedure.
After your treatment, your skin may appear red and swollen but should gradually subside within hours. It is important to avoid direct sunlight as this could cause sunburn; alternatively, an area might itch or burn slightly – if this occurs it’s important to contact your physician immediately as this could indicate any issues with treatment.
Rarely, more serious side effects associated with laser hair removal may include skin darkening or lightening, cold sore outbreaks, blistering and scarring. Such instances usually arise when using the laser on skin of darker tone or with untrained technicians.
Laser treatments may not be as successful when it comes to treating white and grey hair as laser light cannot differentiate between its pigment color and skin tone, which means only highly qualified technicians should conduct treatments.
Pregnant women should avoid laser hair removal as there have been no studies proving its safety during gestation. Instead, try other means such as manual trimming or electric razor shaver shaving to tackle excess hair growth during their pregnancies.
Safety
Laser hair removal involves the use of powerful light beams to damage skin and hair follicles, while both patient and practitioner wear protective equipment, including glasses or goggles to shield their eyes from laser’s bright light. Patients suffering from sensitive eye conditions should discuss this with their practitioner prior to receiving laser treatment, while it’s not advised for people who have tanned skin as the laser light is attracted by it.
Some individuals experience red, irritated skin after receiving laser treatments; this is a normal side effect and should fade within several hours. Some may notice a burning sensation; this is not harmful. Should an adverse reaction arise, immediately consult a medical provider.
One drawback of laser hair removal is its need for multiple sessions, which may be costly and time consuming. Unfortunately, due to how hair grows and falls out in cycles, optimal results require treatments every four to six weeks in order to optimize results and achieve long term success.
Laser treatments cannot effectively address sun-damaged skin or bleached locks; thus it is wise to avoid tanning beds and apply sunscreen regularly.
Before undertaking a full laser hair removal procedure, it’s advisable to conduct a patch test. This will allow you to observe how your body reacts to laser treatment before making a commitment. Should an adverse reaction arise, seek guidance from a dermatologist or healthcare provider.
Pregnant women should avoid laser hair removal as there have been no human studies conducted by scientists to prove its safety during gestation. Furthermore, hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy may cause additional hair to grow in unwanted places which can be embarrassing; but the extra hair usually falls off itself over time.
