Laser hair removal may be your answer if you want to stop shaving, waxing or plucking your hair. This non-invasive solution works by targeting and destroying the base of the hair follicle to stop further hair growth.
Before beginning treatment, an analgesic ointment will be applied to help minimize pain. Please refrain from tanning the area beforehand as this can interfere with results and compromise results.
What is it called?
Cold laser hair removal, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), employs non-thermal wavelengths of light without producing heat to cause biological reactions in the skin, increasing cell regeneration and producing an overall rejuvenated effect. This treatment works by deactivating hair follicle bases to prevent future hair growth – an ideal option for those seeking an alternative to electrolysis or more invasive procedures such as chemical peels.
Laser Hair Reduction procedures are generally completed in an office setting and require minimal recovery time. Prior to beginning, topical numbing ointment may be applied in order to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Once activated, the laser emits an energy beam that penetrates your skin and targets pigmented hair follicles which are destroyed with energy beam.
The wavelengths of laser light are carefully chosen to avoid damaging skin and producing unwanted side effects such as burns or discoloration. Spot size of laser beam and fluence (energy density) determine how deeply lasers can target hair follicles; higher spot sizes and fluence allow more hair follicles to be targeted during one session.
Comparative to electrolysis, laser hair removal is safer and more effective. It works particularly well on people with light skin and dark hair because their contrast makes it easier for follicles to absorb heat more efficiently; however it may not always work for people with very dark skin or blonde, gray, white or red locks.
Prep for your laser treatment by shaving the area that will be treated several days in advance and refraining from tweezing or waxing the area as these activities could impede its success. Your healthcare professional will provide protective eyewear during your laser session; keep in mind that laser hair removal may require multiple sessions depending on your condition and skin type for best results.
What is the procedure called?
Laser hair removal uses a laser device to target pigment in your hair and destroy its follicle, inhibiting future growth and providing safe and effective hair removal alternatives such as waxing, shaving and plucking. Laser hair removal offers safe and long-term solutions to unwanted body hair; in many cases it even reduces ingrown hairs! Laser hair removal treatments should be administered by a dermatologist in an office setting for best results and may require multiple sessions for best outcomes.
Laser devices emit a beam of light which penetrates your skin and is absorbed by dark pigment in hair follicles, heating up and killing them. This process is quick, noninvasive, and suitable for most parts of the body – topical numbing ointments may be applied prior to treatment to minimize discomfort – some describe its sensation as similar to being hit with rubber bands snapping against your skin.
If you are considering laser hair removal, be sure to visit a board-certified dermatologist. These professionals have been specially trained in using cutting edge laser technology to safely and effectively eliminate unwanted hair while improving appearance. Many providers even provide financing plans so this cosmetic procedure becomes accessible.
As laser hair removal is generally safe for all skin types, it is wise to consult with a qualified medical provider prior to beginning treatment. There may be risks associated with laser hair removal such as scarring and changes in complexion; however, such instances are rare when performed by licensed professionals.
What is the pain like?
Cold laser hair removal is widely considered safe and virtually painless when performed correctly by professionals, due to the laser penetrating deep into your skin to target pigment in hair follicles which disable their production of more hair. Still, it’s important to discuss with a licensed professional your pain threshold prior to beginning any procedure, and inquire as to any methods they could employ to lessen discomfort during your procedure – possibly using topical numbing agents or even icing prior to the process.
A doctor or technician will use a hand-held laser instrument to apply heat directly onto your skin and start treating unwanted hair growth. A cooling device or gel may be added onto the laser tip in order to protect skin from discomfort during this procedure, and you will also receive eyeglasses or goggles to wear during it.
As soon as the laser beam is applied, you may feel a mild sensation similar to being pinprickled by something warm. Soon thereafter, hair follicles begin shrinking and dying off quickly-an entire area can be treated in just one second!
Cold and hot laser hair removal both offer distinct advantages; choosing between them depends on a number of factors such as your desired results and skin tone; cold laser hair removal is typically more suitable for lighter tones with finer hair than its hot counterpart.
Cold lasers are more gentle than their hot counterparts, which may cause burns or other damages to the skin if misused improperly. Furthermore, cold lasers tend to cause less hyperpigmentation — an effect in which dark spots form on your skin that is likely caused by overexposure of light wavelengths — than their hot counterparts.
Preparing for cold laser therapy requires taking certain steps: it’s best to avoid tanning for several weeks prior to treatment and shaving the area two or three days beforehand; waxing, tweezing or plucking should also be avoided prior to laser treatments.
What is the recovery like?
Cold laser hair removal is a minimally-invasive procedure. It works by emitting light energy that’s absorbed by pigment in hair follicles, effectively disabling them and stopping further hair growth. While this treatment should be safe for most patients, certain medical conditions or medications may disqualify it as suitable. Furthermore, multiple sessions may be necessary in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Before beginning treatment, your dermatologist will clean and exfoliate your skin before administering topical anesthetic. Tanning or sunbathing in the days prior to your appointment is advised as this makes it harder for the laser to target melanin within your hair follicles; to minimize discomfort take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed.
After receiving laser treatments, most people experience redness and small bumps on their treated areas that will fade within hours or days; if not, regular washing with cold clothe or applying an ice pack could also help alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, taking anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol could provide comfort from discomfort or swelling.
Waxing, tweezing or plucking unwanted hair before treatment will help ensure it catches all active growth phases of follicles. In order to make laser treatments even more effective and decrease sun exposure risk while providing effective moisturization after laser light has been exposed on skin surfaces can also aid results.
During a laser hair removal treatment, you’ll wear protective eyewear and receive cooling gel before the laser beam is used to target specific hairs on your body. Pulses of light from the laser may feel similar to warm pinpricks or rubber band snapping against your skin; subsequent sessions should be spaced about six to eight weeks apart so it can capture different growth phases for each individual hair follicle.
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, two of the more frequent side effects of laser hair removal, can be minimized by staying out of direct sunlight and wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher. Exfoliation also can help keep skin in good condition and should be done regularly to maintain health and condition.
