Laser hair removal works by targeting and disabling individual follicles so they cannot grow back from that area of skin again. Most men and women require multiple sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for maximum effectiveness.
Patients must avoid waxing or plucking hair from treated areas during this period, since those hairs will be targeted during subsequent sessions of treatment.
What is the process?
Laser hair removal utilizes a laser beam to target and destroy hair follicles responsible for unwanted hair growth, making the procedure safe and relatively painless for most people. Prior to each session, it’s necessary to shave any new growth that may have emerged since your last shave session and wear goggles to protect your eyes from laser light exposure. Furthermore, your technician may apply topical anesthetic as an aid against discomfort during treatment.
Once the laser starts pulsing against your skin, it may feel like a series of stings; certain areas might hurt more than others. If you have sensitive skin, your technician might adjust its intensity for greater comfort during treatment. Also remember not to expose yourself directly or indirectly to natural or artificial sunlight as this could cause phototoxicity (hyperpigmentation) which leaves skin redden and swelled afterwards.
Regrowth after laser treatments is common, as the laser only targets hair follicles that are in their anagen phase – meaning that they’re actively producing new hair follicles. Trimming or shaving may still be effective treatments; however, waxing, plucking or tweezing could reactivate those hair follicles and cause unwanted regrowth.
Remember that laser hair removal treatments may cause permanent changes to your skin’s pigment. Therefore, it’s imperative that before beginning any laser hair removal treatment you consult with a dermatologist first to discuss whether or not this option is right for you and to receive pre-treatment instructions.
Laser treatments should be repeated every four to six weeks for optimal results, although each person may require more sessions depending on their hair growth cycle and specialist recommendations.
After your full course of laser treatments are complete, yearly touch-up sessions may be necessary in order to maintain a hairless complexion. Laser treatment has the potential to permanently reduce or even eradicate excess body hair completely.
What is the pain?
Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles with high-heat laser beams that essentially “shock” them, damaging and making follicles incapable of growing hair again – leading to a decrease in hair growth overall and an eventual reduction in growth, though it may take multiple sessions before you reach desired results. While some find the process painless, for others it can be moderately uncomfortable depending on skin sensitivity and pain tolerance levels; pain threshold levels vary for everyone depending on location and skin sensitivity – with legs often experiencing pain due to laser targeting follicles at their base.
Before your treatment begins, an aesthetician will apply a numbing cream to the area to reduce any discomfort you might feel during the process. Once this step has been completed, a technician will use a handheld device against your skin to activate a laser and trigger its laser beam – this may feel similar to having rubber bands snap against it or cause a mild stinging sensation similar to sunburn.
After your treatment session has concluded, you may experience redness and swelling around the treated area, much like sunburn symptoms. To reduce any discomfort you might feel from this phase, try applying a cold compress to the area for several hours afterward to soothe any inflammation or redness that arises.
Though laser hair removal is considered permanent, you may require annual touch-up sessions in order to maintain results. How often these treatments need to take place will depend on factors like hair color and skin tone as well as how many active follicles were present when receiving laser therapy treatments.
Laser hair removal can be done at any point in your life, though for optimal results try scheduling sessions when your body isn’t experiencing hormonal fluctuations. If possible, get it done one week after your period has concluded for maximum pain reduction and comfort.
What is the recovery period?
Laser hair removal recovery times typically are much faster than those associated with other cosmetic procedures; however, it’s still essential to follow any after-care instructions provided by your physician or laser technician. This may include applying cold compresses to the skin, moisturizing effectively and adhering to any additional instructions from them.
After their laser hair removal procedure, some patients may experience temporary puffiness or redness afterward; these sensations are due to hair follicles being damaged; laser energy absorbs pigment from hair shafts and destroys them, eventually stopping growth altogether. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction that could make matters even more uncomfortable for some individuals.
After treatment, patients may notice fine, soft hairs beginning to sprout again in their previous stubble areas. This is completely normal and it’s important not to pluck or wax these new growths – the goal should be waiting until all matured hairs have grown in before scheduling another laser hair removal appointment.
After their laser hair removal session, patients must avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds or other indoor tanning equipment as UV rays from the sun can damage skin cells and increase risks associated with complications. Furthermore, patients should eschew any other forms of hair removal such as waxing and tweezing to limit potential complications and protect their results.
Laser hair removal works best on people with dark hair and light skin, due to the contrast between their colors making it easier for the laser beams to target hair follicles. Lighter or darker complexions might need additional treatments which could become costly or time consuming. It is wise to consult a physician prior to undergoing laser hair removal if taking certain medications such as acne treatments or isotretinoin (Accutane). Certain medicines might make laser work on skin harder.
How long will the treatment last?
Laser treatments target hair follicles in their active growth stage. As laser light “shocks” them, you should see immediate reduction in hair regrowth after just one session; over time fewer and fewer will emerge, giving way to smoother skin without stubble. While results vary between individuals, most experience noticeable results after four to six treatments have taken place.
However, hair can return at different rates depending on your individual hormones and skin composition. If your hair grows quickly or thickly, additional treatments may be required in order to achieve your desired result.
Location can play an integral part in how quickly unwanted hair returns after laser treatments, particularly armpits and pubes which tend to have thicker locks of unruly stubble than other parts of your body. Therefore, multiple treatments might be required in order to experience maximum effectiveness from laser hair removal.
After your laser hair removal treatments have taken place, it’s essential that you refrain from plucking or waxing in order to maximize results in the long run. Doing so could reduce damage done by the laser treatment as any untargeted hairs may instead grow back in their place and potentially impact on results over time.
At first, your treatments may cause warmth or sunburn on the area treated, and it might feel sore for several hours afterward. This is completely normal, and can be soothed with cold compresses or moisturizer. Makeup may still be worn over this treated area on day two; just take precautionary steps like using sunscreen when heading outdoors.
Laser treatments tend to work best with darker hair and skin tones than lighter colors due to pigment in dark hair allowing laser beams to easily target hair follicles.
