Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent solutions for eliminating unwanted body hair. It reduces time spent depilating, shaving and waxing, as well as pigmentation issues in certain areas of skin.
Before beginning treatments, avoid tanning as both natural and artificial tanning can compromise their effectiveness. Patients generally require four-8 sessions spaced three or four weeks apart for maximum results.
Why it works
Instead of just shaving or waxing away surface-level hairs, laser treatments aim to attack their roots to provide long-term hair removal solutions that produce permanent results – many people even see permanent improvements after just one or two sessions of laser therapy! Although new hair may grow back over time, its growth will be lighter and finer with reduced volume than before treatment began.
Laser treatments work by targeting pigment in hair follicles that give hair its color. As such, darker and coarser hair tend to respond better than lighter locks to laser treatment sessions; those with dark locks might even find that regrow is less likely after multiple sessions; lighter locks might require additional upkeep or additional sessions of laser treatments may need additional maintenance sessions to achieve results as expected. It’s essential that before beginning treatments at Mallucci London that all necessary information about your unique hair color and skin complexion be discussed with an expert beforehand to ensure optimal outcomes will occur as intended.
As a general guideline, one should expect the hair removal process to be as painless as experiencing a light sunburn. While numbing creams may help ease discomfort temporarily, excessive usage should be avoided due to potential side effects. Furthermore, tanning or the use of tanning lotions or sprays before scheduling an appointment may make your skin more sensitive than anticipated and increase discomfort during laser treatments.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it is recommended to shave the area that will be treated. In addition, plucking or waxing should be avoided for approximately six weeks prior to your appointment as these activities can temporarily discolor skin tone making it harder for laser to target hair follicles effectively.
At all times, it is crucial to heed your practitioner’s aftercare instructions and stay out of direct sunlight; direct sunlight may reduce the effectiveness of laser treatments. When venturing out into the sun, use sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating; this will protect your skin from UV rays which may cause premature skin aging and hyperpigmentation.
How it works
Laser hair removal uses a medical-grade laser device to target unwanted hair follicles by sending light through the skin and converting it to heat, damaging and inhibiting hair growth. With continued sessions, this treatment may eventually produce permanent results; however, results may take several months due to hair growth cycles including growth, resting and shedding phases; targeted treatments must cover these all.
Beginning the procedure begins with a pretreatment consultation to make sure you’re an ideal candidate for laser therapy. Your physician will ask about your medical history, medications and any conditions like diabetes or epilepsy which could impact how the laser therapy works for you.
Your doctor will use a handheld device to treat you. Depending on the area being treated, this may be slightly uncomfortable – for instance, the chest might feel warm from laser therapy but shouldn’t be painful. During the procedure, try relaxing and staying still as much as possible; make sure no eyebrows or makeup is being added since these actions may interfere with its accuracy and prevent your skin from fully benefiting from it.
Make sure that you shave one day prior to any appointment so that your skin is smooth for maximum effectiveness and reduced discomfort. Furthermore, try not to remove any hair via waxing or plucking in the six weeks leading up to laser therapy, as this could compromise its results and hinder its results.
Laser hair removal sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes and your doctor may apply a topical numbing cream prior to treatment to ease any discomfort. You should avoid exposure to sunlight before or after laser sessions as this could make your skin more sensitive and less effective in responding to treatment.
After your laser treatment, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions as to when and how long before exposing yourself to water again. Doing this will protect your skin while also ensuring the most successful results from laser therapy.
What to expect
Permanent laser hair removal could be your answer if you want to say goodbye forever to razor bumps, shaving cuts and ingrown hairs. This cutting-edge treatment works by targeting specific cells responsible for producing hair production; damaging these cells until they no longer produce it. While all hair may not be permanently eliminated with only several sessions required to see results; many men and women find that eventually their razor bumps have all but gone away completely.
Before seeking laser treatments for hair removal, it’s essential that you find a board-certified physician with experience performing this procedure on your particular skin type. Furthermore, spas and salons that employ nonmedical personnel to administer such treatments may not possess adequate training or equipment suited specifically to your condition.
Shaving is key before your laser hair removal appointment as it allows the laser to easily penetrate the surface of the skin and reach hair follicles that lie underneath. Waxing or tweezing will only serve to create less contrast between pigmented skin and pigmented hair follicles, which prevents laser from targeting them effectively.
At first, laser hair removal treatments can be somewhat uncomfortable, though their discomfort should subside with each session. A technician will apply cooling gel to your skin before using a device resembling a rubber band to gently pulse over your target area. Many men and women report feeling like tiny rubber bands flicking their skin. Discomfort usually lasts around one or two minutes.
After having laser treatment, it’s recommended to avoid direct sunlight for at least seven days and apply powerful sunblock when outside. You may experience redness or swelling which may be soothed with cold compresses.
Most patients require six to eight laser treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart in order to achieve optimal results, although this varies according to hair density and location. Even after completing their final laser treatments, new hair may arise during hormonal fluctuations; this is extremely unlikely and easily remedied through touch-up treatments.
Cost
Laser treatment for permanent hair reduction may save money in the long run when compared with shaving, waxing and plucking unwanted hair on a regular basis. While initial investment may appear costly at first, results could far outstrip initial costs over time.
Laser treatments work by targeting pigment in hair follicles and disabling it with light energy, thus destroying them with light. The pigment absorbs this energy, which vaporizes its contents preventing future hair growth from that follicle. Unfortunately, not all follicles respond equally, thus necessitating multiple laser hair removal sessions before desired results are realized; touch ups may be recommended every four to six weeks for several years post initial procedure.
Cost for laser hair removal treatments will depend on several variables, including your geographic location and practitioner experience level. Dr. Michele Green possesses extensive expertise in non-invasive cosmetic treatments and will develop an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically for you based on your unique goals and needs.
When choosing to have your laser treatment performed in an upscale medical office like Dr. Green’s private dermatology office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, such as his private dermatology practice in Dr. Green’s Private Dermatology Office of Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, you can be confident that it will be performed safely and effectively. Practitioners are likely to apply numbing cream prior to beginning, and will wear protective goggles for your comfort during the procedure.
Most insurance providers don’t cover laser hair removal treatments, but you should inquire about package pricing options and flexible payment plans. Also see if your employer provides health spending accounts and inquire about financing solutions.
Dr. Michele Green offers the ideal way to determine the cost of laser hair removal by scheduling a consultation appointment and gathering a detailed medical history and physical exam to identify any potential issues that might impede results. She then creates an individual treatment plan including number of treatment sessions necessary and any applicable fees.
