Why You Should Not Get Laser Hair Removal

By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

why you should not get laser hair removal

Laser hair removal involves emitting pulses of light that penetrate the skin to damage and destroy hair follicles, with optimal results when the hair color contrasts against skin tone.

Before beginning this procedure, it is recommended to refrain from using sunless tanning lotions and any direct or indirect sun exposure, and refrain from tweezing or waxing to maximize results of treatment. Tweezing or waxing could also hinder progress of treatment results.

1. It is not permanent

After receiving laser treatments, hair regrowth may return, though usually lighter and finer than before. This is likely due to laser light not completely eliminating all hair follicles; some will continue producing hair even after they’ve been destroyed by laser light; additional sessions may be necessary in order to achieve satisfactory results depending on both type of hair being treated and practitioner performance.

A skilled practitioner will monitor their patient’s skin closely, using a cooling device prior to using laser hair removal on them in order to prevent burns and blisters. A practitioner with extensive training in laser hair removal should perform it. Beauty spas that employ nonmedical staff such as electrologists or estheticians to perform laser hair removal are best avoided as their nonmedical staff may only possess limited knowledge about its technology and could lead to burnt skin or unwelcome side effects; lawsuits have already been filed against these practitioners due to burnt skin injuries or side effects caused by laser hair removal treatments performed on clients by nonmedical staff who only possess basic knowledge.

Hair growth after laser treatments depends on a person’s hormone levels and genetic predisposition, along with type of laser treatment and how prepared one is for it. Waxing and shaving the area prior to laser treatments are likely to disrupt hair follicles; additionally, sun exposure should be limited as any laser can burn skin.

Laser hair removal can save a great deal of time, by eliminating the need to shave or wax regularly, ingrown hairs and other complications associated with unwanted hair growth. But if the results of laser hair removal or unpleasant side effects do not meet expectations or you experience unpleasant reactions it would be wise to consult a board certified dermatologist who has in depth knowledge about all parts of the body – they will assess the extent of your problem and suggest alternative procedures, such as electrolysis (which provides long-term hair removal solutions).

2. It is painful

Laser hair removal is a procedure in which powerful wavelengths of light are directed at unwanted hairs to safely eradicate them without damaging the skin beneath. At times, laser hair removal takes several treatments over months to achieve an almost hairless surface; however, the procedure is far less painful than alternatives like shaving or waxing. At laser treatment sessions, protective goggles must be worn to shield your eyes from the laser beam and an anesthetic may be provided to reduce discomfort. You can request a cool air blower as an added measure to ensure the area doesn’t become overheated. After receiving treatment, it may feel slightly sore but usually subsides within hours. If it persists longer, try applying an ice pack directly on the affected area for relief. Furthermore, tanning or sunless skin creams should be avoided prior to an appointment as these can increase pigmentation and cause further irritation during treatment.

Many people notice that certain parts of their bodies are more sensitive than others. For instance, upper lip tends to hurt more than bikini area or armpit due to higher concentration of nerves in these spots. People with darker skin tones also tend to experience greater discomfort but this could simply be down to their individual pain tolerance level and not related to laser type used.

As the best way to reduce discomfort during laser hair removal, scheduling your appointments outside of your menstrual cycle or when drinking caffeine will help. At these times, your pain receptors will be amplified, making the discomfort easier to bear and improving results overall.

Before your session, it is also advisable to shave the area, but avoid shaving too closely as this could compromise its efficacy. In addition, plucking, waxing or using razors in the treatment area in the weeks leading up to it can disturb follicles and stimulate hair growth. Finally, if taking blood thinners this could impede its success; make sure your doctor knows.

3. It is expensive

Laser hair removal may seem expensive at first, as multiple sessions spaced four or six weeks apart over years can add up quickly. But when considered against other more costly products and treatments such as razors, depilatory creams and wax treatments – laser treatments actually represent better value.

Laser hair removal can save both money and time. Eliminating the need to regularly groom unwanted hair, it allows you to focus on other activities without constantly spending your free time on grooming your unwanted locks.

Laser hair removal offers another major benefit, in that it typically works across skin colors and types. There may be exceptions; for instance, people with dark hair and dark skin tend to experience decreased effectiveness as the contrast between their melanin content in their hair and that found on their skin makes it hard for the laser to detect hair growth.

People with these characteristics should opt for electrolysis instead of laser hair removal; laser can become less effective if taking medications that cause sun-induced hyperpigmentation or have genital herpes.

As soon as you decide that laser hair removal might be right for you, the first step should be scheduling an initial consultation with a provider. Once there, they can assess your skin type and hair color before offering advice about which treatments may best fit you.

If you opt for laser hair removal, it is crucial that you work with an experienced practitioner with adequate training and certification. An improper procedure could result in burns, blisters, skin discoloration and scarring.

Before your treatment begins, it is wise to forgoing other methods of hair-removal as these could impede its effectiveness – including tweezing, plucking and shaving. Furthermore, be sure to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 protection on any treated areas.

4. It is not safe

Laser hair removal can be dangerous in the hands of an untrained individual. Misuse could result in blisters, permanent skin color changes and scarring; thus it is imperative that you seek medical advice from a provider with experience using lasers as well as knowledge about different skin types and follow their pre/post treatment instructions precisely in order to significantly lower any risks of side effects.

Lasers work by targeting melanin (the pigment that makes up your skin and hair color). People with darker skin tones have an increased risk of burns as the laser’s melanin-targeting system may mistake your natural tone for redness and blotchiness, leading to unwanted side effects like redness and blotchiness. An experienced physician should provide tailored laser treatments tailored specifically to match both their patient’s skin tone and hair color needs.

Laser treatments offer an alternative to waxing, shaving or plucking by permanently disabling hair follicles so they cannot regrow again. Since hair grows in three stages (anagen, catagen and telogen) multiple sessions will likely be necessary in order to treat all follicles at one time.

Once laser therapy has successfully removed unwanted hair, it should not reappear for several months or years; when it does return, however, it usually grows back lighter and less noticeable than before.

Laser hair removal rarely causes serious adverse side effects; however, pregnant women and those near their eyes should avoid receiving treatments during their pregnancies are advised not to undergo it. Common reactions after treatments include itching and redness of the skin after, which are generally short-lived and easily treatable at home. People with sensitive skin may be at an increased risk for blisters or crusting forming in blisters or crusting may occur more commonly but these incidents should still be rare; those that develop discolorations due to laser hair removal treatments usually recover quickly by adhering to their doctor’s pre and post care instructions during and post treatments.

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