Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to remove unwanted hair from various parts of the body. During the treatment, the laser emits a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, damaging the follicle and preventing future hair growth. Laser hair removal can be used on many parts of the body, including the face, legs, underarms, bikini area, and back. It is effective for both men and women and can help reduce the need for frequent shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.
Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin color — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.
Before the treatment
Your provider will assess your skin and hair type and discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. The doctor will also offer specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal.
These might include:
- Staying out of the sun. Follow your doctor’s advice for avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen
- Lightening your skin. Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin. Your doctor might also prescribe a skin bleaching cream if you have a recent tan or darker skin
- Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment
- Avoiding blood-thinning medications. Ask your doctor about what medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, to avoid before the procedure
- Shaving treatment area.Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface
During the treatment
You will be asked to wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser. The doctor might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment.
A handheld device is used to deliver the laser energy to the treatment area. You may feel a slight tingling or warming sensation as the laser energy is delivered, but most people find the treatment to be relatively painless. The length of the treatment will depend on the size and location of the treatment area.
After the treatment
You may experience some mild redness, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area. These side effects should subside within a few hours to a few days. Your provider may recommend that you avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen on the treated area for a few days after the treatment.
Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. Repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage (the laser is only effective on hair follicles that are in the active growth phase). Most people need between 6-8 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results.
Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, but it might last for years as well. But laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it’s usually finer and lighter in color. You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.
While laser hair removal is generally safe, there is a risk of side effects such as skin irritation, discoloration, or scarring. It’s important to choose a licensed and experienced medical professional to administer the treatment and to discuss potential risks and benefits before undergoing laser hair removal.
Safe Procedure
The person doing your laser hair removal must be experienced and suitably qualified
It's Not Permanent
You'll need regular sessions to keep hair from regrowing
Minimal Downtime
You can return to your daily routine immediately after
All Areas Of The Body
Suitable for all areas on the body except eyelids
Laser hair removal involves the use of laser pulses. These pulses emit light into the skin that destroys the root and follicle of the hair. When the root and follicle are destroyed, hair can no longer grow.
How long your treatment lasts depends on the size of the area being treated. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. If you are having a large area like the back or legs treated, your treatment may last more than an hour.
For most people, laser hair removal does not hurt. However, it all depends on your threshold for pain. Most people say that it feels like snapping a rubber band against the skin. But if you’re overly sensitive to pain, you may experience some minor discomfort.
For this process to work, the hair must be targeted during an active growth phase. However, individual hairs usually grow at different rates. Therefore, it takes several treatment sessions to capture every hair in the growth phase and produce optimal results. In most cases, you’ll need between six and twelve treatments. These treatments are spaced out four to eight weeks apart. The waiting period is necessary to target every hair follicle while it’s in an active stage of the growth cycle.
Some people see permanent results, while some people may need a touch-up treatment every six to twelve months. Results vary depending on your hair type and skin type. Proper preparation and aftercare can also affect how long the results last
