Laser hair removal is an efficient, quick way to quickly reduce body hair growth without the need for ongoing maintenance. But before scheduling an appointment, there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of.
Opposed to waxing, shaving and plucking methods of hair removal, laser hair removal disrupts the roots of hair growth so it becomes harder for it to return later.
1. It’s expensive
Laser hair removal may seem expensive upfront, but in reality it could save thousands over your lifetime by eliminating the need for shaving, waxing and depilatory creams.
One reason many people shy away from laser hair removal is fear of pain. Most patients report that treatment is tolerable and not too uncomfortable; you may experience a slight snapping sensation like when a rubber band snaps against your skin, but this usually passes quickly. Furthermore, laser treatments rarely result in side effects like irritation, scarring or itching unlike other methods which often leave their mark behind.
Laser hair removal works best when combined with light skin tone; the contrast between them allows the laser to easily target hair follicles. However, too dark skin tones could absorb too much of its heat and result in burns or tissue damage; it is therefore important to consult a specialist who can assess if you qualify as a candidate for this procedure.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is necessary to shave the area of skin that will be treated, avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15. Furthermore, for four weeks prior to having this procedure done you should refrain from employing other hair removal methods like plucking, tweezing and waxing as these may interfere with its efficacy.
Laser treatments typically require six to eight sessions spaced out every few weeks, at an expense. But these lasting solutions provide long-term benefits when compared with shaving which has short-term effects that require constant upkeep. Based on your hair growth cycle and color, periodic maintenance treatments may be required in order to achieve long-term results. Luckily, laser hair treatments are usually covered by most insurance plans. Laser hair removal treatments may also be tax deductible if paid for from an FSA or HSA account, and it’s wise to work with an experienced provider who can deliver optimal results. If considering laser hair removal as a potential treatment option, make sure you work with someone experienced.
2. It’s painful
Laser hair removal works by employing highly concentrated wavelengths of light to target and destroy hair follicles without harming nearby tissues, making it more effective than shaving or waxing but still causing some degree of discomfort for some individuals. An average treatment typically lasts about an hour and multiple sessions may be necessary over months to achieve a completely hairless appearance. While pain levels tend to be less severe than waxing, it’s still wise to premedicate with over-the-counter pain relievers or topical anesthetics beforehand for added peace of mind!
Pain levels typically tend to be highest in areas with numerous nerve endings, like the face and bikini region. Some patients report feeling something like a rubber band snapping against their skin while others do not experience any. Hair of darker hue and thicker texture tends to feel more painful since more heat from laser is absorbed by it.
Some individuals may experience slight redness or swelling after their procedure, which should disappear within hours, allowing you to resume normal daily life at that time. Ice packs should help to soothe any irritation.
Laser hair removal poses no known long-term health risks; however, some individuals do experience scarring afterward. This could be the result of negligence on behalf of the practitioner or improper care of skin post-treatment; therefore it’s vital that all aftercare instructions are strictly observed to avoid scarring from occurring.
Avoid rubbing or scratching the treated area, and take steps to protect it from sun rays afterwards. This is especially important if the area was treated for sensitive skin types. For advice about how much sunscreen to apply, speak with your dermatologist or skincare specialist prior to beginning laser treatments; they’ll know which sunscreen provides the greatest UV ray protection in your specific situation; for instance they might suggest broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen protection as one such measure.
3. It’s time-consuming
Laser hair removal can be time consuming. In addition to driving to and from appointments, treatments could last anywhere between 15 minutes and over an hour depending on which part of the body needs treating.
Additionally, you will require several sessions – typically four or six – over multiple months or years to achieve desired results. It may take longer to see results than with shaving or waxing which offers instant and less-time-consuming solutions.
Laser hair removal may cause side effects for some people, including blistering, discoloration, scarring and darkening of skin. Unfortunately, these complications are sometimes permanent but usually are easily corrected with the assistance of an experienced cosmetic dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC.
At your treatment session, the practitioner will apply pressure with a handheld device against your skin before activating a laser to zap hairs from within your pores. You may feel an intense series of stings similar to rubber bands snapping against it; others describe the sensation as similar.
After your session, it is important to treat the area as though it were sunburnt – this means keeping it moisturized, avoiding sun exposure, and using sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 50. Some individuals also report feeling their skin becoming dry and flaky after laser treatments; this may make them more prone to sensitivities or itchiness.
Laser treatments work differently from shaving in that they target hair at its root and eliminate ingrown hairs that can be painful and itchy. Furthermore, this option requires less maintenance as you won’t have to restock razors or find time for waxing; over time this could save money as fewer razors or waxing products will need purchasing in future.
4. It’s not permanent
Most laser hair removal methods leave their clients with coarser and darker regrowth when they regrow, so many individuals who seek it out find that its effectiveness may not be permanent as expected. But that doesn’t mean their unwanted growth won’t be completely removed – many clients report lighter growth that doesn’t stick around as easily and they are able to control its development with follow-up treatments.
Laser hair reduction differs from other methods of hair removal like shaving, waxing and depilatory creams in that it works best on a surface that has been shaved prior to treatment sessions. The laser targets pigment in hair follicles to effectively destroy them; so regular shaving between treatments is vital. Pain level can vary, with some people likening it to being snapped by a rubber band; discomfort experienced during sessions may be reduced by applying numbing cream beforehand.
After laser treatment, your skin may be more vulnerable to sun exposure than before and any tans should fade completely before commencing with treatment sessions. Therefore, it’s imperative that you wear sunscreen over the area being treated. Additionally, tanning in this area should also be avoided; any existing tanning should also be faded completely prior to beginning treatments sessions.
Laser hair removal may not be a permanent solution, but it comes close. A series of treatments is required to completely destroy all your hair; and the effects should last long-term for most people. Touch-up treatments should only be necessary once or twice per year after initial sessions have concluded; though these sessions should typically occur less frequently.
If you’re interested in laser hair removal, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Our team of expert medical estheticians and certified laser technicians is on hand to answer all of your queries about the procedure, while seasonal discounts offer savings when purchasing full laser hair removal packages – perfect for getting beach ready before summer!
