Laser hair removal utilizes either lasers or IPL light sources to target pigment in hair follicles and disrupt them, with this procedure typically used to eliminate unwanted hair on faces, arms and legs as well as treating excessive growth (hirsutism) among women.
Patients should avoid sun exposure before their treatments as this could reduce results and make complications more likely afterwards. They also must limit plucking or waxing as these methods target the roots of hair growth.
Pros
Laser hair removal can be an extremely effective alternative to waxing and shaving, offering speedier, more precise and less painful results than either option. Plus, without side effects like plucking or shaving, laser treatments may last months or years depending on your skin type and hair color – although you may experience some pain during treatment – many compare it to an elastic band snapping or sunburn-like sensation.
Before the procedure starts, you will be required to shave the area and wear protective goggles to protect your eyes. A topical anesthetic might also be administered for reduced pain relief. Sun exposure should also be limited during this time as sun tanning could prevent its effective results. Other hair removal methods like plucking or waxing could affect results as they could disturb hair follicles that affect results; additionally a skin-lightening cream might be provided prior to therapy to lighten skin.
Laser hair removal works best on those with dark hair and light skin, as the laser’s energy heats up pigment in your hair to destroy it and stop its regrowth. Unfortunately, its beam cannot reach melanin present in blonde or white locks so this form of treatment cannot work on them.
One major drawback of laser hair removal is that it requires multiple sessions in order to reach desired results. You’ll typically require treatments every 4 weeks for facial hair and 6 to 8 weeks for body hair; this can be costly and time consuming. In addition, qualified practitioners must perform the procedure, making sure they’re registered on an established register to demonstrate they possess both skills and training needed for safe execution of this procedure.
Cons
Laser hair removal can be an excellent way to reduce unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, however, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and may take multiple sessions before real results become visible. Furthermore, the procedure can be expensive and typically falls outside the scope of medical insurance policies.
Laser treatments work by targeting melanin in hair follicles. To optimize results, it is important that skin be free from tanning as this will diminish effectiveness of treatment. Furthermore, prior to beginning treatments it’s wise to avoid waxing, plucking and other temporary hair removal methods which target skin instead of hair follicles – this could cause irreparable damage over time.
Due to how laser works, it’s crucial that a reliable practitioner with ample experience be selected as it could cause severe scarring as well as other skin ailments like folliculitis and discoloration if done incorrectly.
Laser hair removal does not work on all types of hair or skin tones; according to Dr. Kally Papantoniou of Advanced Dermatology PC, darker hair and lighter skin tones tend to do best when it comes to laser treatments.
Keep in mind that laser hair removal only works when hair is in its anagen phase of growth. Otherwise, its energy won’t target and destroy it effectively – therefore making a consistent treatment schedule even more essential to achieve results. You may experience temporary skin irritation or darkening around the treated area but these effects typically fade within hours; rarely may sensitivity arise with regard to laser treatment itself.
Cost
Laser hair removal is an investment with its own set of costs. Expect to spend multiple sessions before seeing results, which may seem expensive in comparison with purchasing razors or waxing services. But when taken as an annual expense instead of ongoing maintenance needs, the upfront costs might actually make more sense for some people.
Cost of laser hair removal varies by area being treated, with smaller areas like armpits or chins typically being cheaper to treat than larger areas like legs. Furthermore, your type and color of hair also affects how much it will cost – for instance dark locks tend to require multiple sessions before seeing results while light hair typically only requires one session to achieve results.
Further, the type of laser used to eliminate unwanted hair can have an impactful impact on how well it works for you. There are various laser machines available such as diode, alexandrite and Nd:YAG machines which all offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages – make sure the dermatologist or cosmetic physician you select offers high-quality machines tailored specifically towards your skin tone and type.
Untrained technicians carry the risk of burns or changes to skin pigmentation; therefore, you should only visit clinics with trained staff. If in doubt, check local laws regarding certification requirements for your dermatologist or aesthetician of choice – some states mandate all laser technicians have licenses while others don’t mandate any.
Time
Laser hair removal can be a lengthy process. Ideally, multiple sessions will be necessary in order to reach your desired result; this depends on factors like skin type and hair color as well as hormones responsible for hair growth. You may require up to 6 treatments; each session typically lasts a few minutes and you may experience redness or swelling afterward; therefore it’s essential that you follow all post-care instructions provided by your dermatologist.
Lasers target pigment, so hair lasers must target the color of your follicle to work effectively. As white or grey hair doesn’t respond as effectively, as do thicker than thinner strands; for optimal results, try not to pluck or wax before the procedure, as these actions remove some pigmentation that would help.
Keep in mind that lasers only work effectively if a hair follicle is in its anagen phase of development; otherwise, laser energy cannot reach it and people need to come for treatments every six weeks for best results.
Unskilled practitioners can lead to burns and scarring during laser treatments, so it is vitally important that a practitioner has been certified by their professional association and meets a certain standard in terms of their skill, knowledge and insurance coverage.
Due to certain medications that could reduce the efficacy of laser hair removal treatments, it is wise to consult your physician prior to beginning. Furthermore, pregnant women are advised against receiving laser treatments, as this could have serious repercussions for their health and shouldn’t undergo such procedures during their gestation period. Furthermore, sunlight exposure must also be avoided when receiving laser treatments for hair removal.
Safety
Laser hair removal is safe for most people when performed by a qualified practitioner. Although slight swelling and redness may temporarily appear after laser treatment, they should subside in a matter of days and scarring risk is minimal; though scars may result from not treating skin carefully afterward. It’s wise to keep treated areas protected from direct sunlight, using over-the-counter antibiotic creams if infections develop after treatment.
Prior to undergoing laser hair removal, it is wise to refrain from tanning, as this can reduce its efficacy. Exfoliation or peels should also be avoided in the weeks before treatment as these can irritate skin. Before beginning the procedure, numbing gel may be applied and eye protection worn; then technician shaves targeted area and emits laser light which most patients describe as feeling similar to sunburn or rubber bands; they might even smell the burned hair!
Laser hair removal only works when hair is in its anagen phase – when it is actively growing. You may require multiple sessions before seeing results and hair growth will cease after each treatment session. Therefore, it is advised not to skip sessions even during your period; diode lasers provide efficient treatments with one pulse that treat multiple hairs simultaneously for fast results.
