Laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair. The pigment absorbs the light energy to damage the follicle and stop further hair growth.
Treatment sessions depend on an individual’s needs; most require six to eight sessions over four to eight weeks to ensure all active hair follicles are treated during their active growth phase.
Areas of the Body
Laser hair removal treatments are most often applied to legs and underarms, but you can treat any area on the face or body where unwanted hair exists, including chest, stomach, back, shoulders or hard-to-reach places such as ears and nose. While results from laser hair removal can last long-term it is essential that all treatment sessions be attended in order to see optimal outcomes.
Prior to receiving laser hair removal treatment, be sure to shave all areas that will be addressed, rather than waxing or plucking them. This helps avoid ingrown hairs and skin irritation after your sessions; your technician may provide numbing cream if required for the initial session.
Laser hair removal requires you to sit or stand before the treatment machine while a technician uses a laser device against your skin. The laser emits energy which targets pigment within follicles to destroy them, effectively stopping your body from producing more hair follicles in subsequent sessions – typically four weeks apart depending on hair color, coarseness and hormonal factors.
Some individuals may have more sensitive skin, but laser hair removal treatments tend to be well tolerated by most. You might experience a brief burning sensation during treatment; if necessary, your dermatologist can administer topical anesthetic prior to your session for maximum efficacy. Also beware sun exposure and fake tanning prior to seeking laser hair removal treatments as these can reduce its efficacy.
Beyond these factors, other elements may affect how effective laser hair removal treatments are, including family history of hirsutism, medications you take and nutrition. Your dermatologist may suggest genetic counseling before proceeding with laser treatments if this applies to you.
Skin Tones
Laser hair removal involves targeting melanin in hair follicles with light from a laser, which converts into heat that destroys them permanently. This process is repeated until all hair in a treatment area has been eliminated permanently. Furthermore, there is also cooling technology which safeguards layers of your skin from any potential damage. Therefore it makes laser treatment suitable for all skin tones.
People with darker hair typically see the best results from laser hair removal, though any skin tone with melanin in its hair follicles could benefit. Unfortunately, not all laser devices can differentiate between your pigmented skin and your hair; using an incorrect laser could result in burns, scarring and permanent pigmentation of darker skin tones.
Lasers that feature longer wavelengths can easily distinguish between skin and hair tones, making them appropriate for all skin types and tones. At your consultation appointment, your laser provider will use the Fitzpatrick Scale to assess your skin type before suggesting an ideal laser for you based on safety concerns. It is also important to keep in mind that tanned skin doesn’t respond the same as naturally dark skin so make sure you inform them beforehand which kind of tan you have before booking an appointment.
Before beginning laser therapy treatments, it’s also important to refrain from waxing or any other forms of hair removal for at least three to four weeks prior to each session. Furthermore, alpha hydroxyl acids and retinoids-containing skincare products should also be avoided in this area as these may increase skin sensitivity causing more severe burns.
Interested in exploring laser hair removal as a means of reaching your aesthetic goals? Get in touch with Milan’s highly experienced technicians now – we would be more than happy to discuss any treatment concerns or aesthetic goals you have, while creating an individualized plan tailored specifically for you that can be carried out at our state-of-the-art facility.
Hair Color
Laser hair removal used to be limited to those with lighter skin tones and certain hair colors in the 1990s; thanks to modern advances, however, any complexion can now be treated successfully with laser. When seeking treatment at home using at-home laser tools it is wise to consult a trained professional; at-home tools pose risks that should not be underestimated: burning can occur if used incorrectly against pigment in the skin rather than hair follicles and tattoos may obstruct this ability of the device to work effectively.” “Burns could occur due to targeting pigment in skin instead of hair follicles when targeting pigment in skin instead of targeting hair follicles when laser light hits its targets.” According to dermatologist Winnie Moses of Parfaire Medical Aesthetics’s founder Winnie Moses “the main risk associated with at-home laser tools is that when not properly utilized against an appropriate skin tone and skin type as it could also burns occur because targeting pigment rather than hair follicles which then interfere with device working properly.”
Individuals looking to use at-home devices should follow the directions carefully and avoid sun exposure during treatment. Most devices warn against excessive sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours post treatment as it can trigger chemical reactions in the skin that result in redness and peeling, though this should resolve within several days; otherwise a derm should be consulted as soon as any redness or swelling persists.
At the time of laser hair removal treatment, it is strongly advised that other methods be avoided such as shaving and plucking in order to maximize effectiveness of treatment. Shaving can disrupt hair follicle growth cycles and interfere with receiving all the benefits from treatment; waxing and electrolysis could further diminish this benefit.
Individual results will depend on how often treatments are scheduled and spaced apart, but generally speaking six sessions is enough to achieve permanent change. Remember to plan in advance so your hair follicle has time to recover between each treatment session.
All it takes to reap the benefits of laser hair removal is patience and commitment. Through proper treatments and care, your hair will become less stubborn, saving money by forgoing more painful or time-consuming options like shaving and waxing – not to mention relieving yourself of stress related to constant shaving and plucking!
Skin Type
Although laser hair removal might sound intimidating, the procedure itself is an easy and safe one. Pigment in hair follicles absorb light energy that damages their cells, stopping further hair production. Furthermore, skin and hair color contrast make it easier for lasers to target just those follicles without harming nearby tissue.
Laser hair removal produces permanent results; however, multiple sessions may be necessary as not all follicles are in active growth at once. Treatment sessions should be spread out over 4-8 weeks for face removal and 6-8 weeks for body and legs respectively.
At your laser hair removal appointment, a cosmetic dermatologist will press a hand-held instrument against your skin’s surface and apply a cooling device or gel on its tip for added comfort and reduced discomfort. Next, the laser beam passes through to heat up follicles until they’re destroyed by laser energy and become destroyed as well.
For optimal results, avoid sun exposure prior to starting any treatment and shave the area that will be treated two to three days before. Waxing, tweezing or plucking of hair in these areas should be avoided for best results.
Dr. Michele Green at Spring Street Dermatology on Manhattan’s Upper East Side can assess your skin tone and hair color to create an effective laser treatment plan tailored specifically for you that removes unwanted hair, reduces ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation and other associated skin problems. She’ll customize a schedule designed to eradicate all unwanted hair while eliminating ingrowns, hyperpigmentation or any associated issues.
Home or non-specialist medical spa laser hair removal should be avoided, as such devices and practitioners are untrained to use laser technology effectively for your specific skin type, leading to complications like discoloration or burns. If any issues arise from laser hair removal, seek advice immediately from a cosmetic dermatologist; common complications from laser hair removal include:
