Laser Hair Removal is a quick and relatively painless procedure. It uses heat from the laser to destroy the hair follicle, which prevents new growth of unwanted hair.
The laser primarily targets pigment, or melanin, in the hair. For this reason, it works best on people with contrasting skin and hair colors.
Laser Hair Removal is a safe, reliable method of removing unwanted hair. It does not damage the surrounding skin, but it can cause mild to moderate side effects such as redness and itching. These side effects usually last a few hours and will not be permanent. However, it is important to follow a doctor’s instructions for before and after laser treatments to prevent complications. Some patients may require multiple treatment sessions to get permanent results, and they will likely need a touch-up session once or twice a year.
It is also a safer option than alternative methods like shaving, which can lead to nicks, cuts and razor burn. This is because lasers do not pierce the skin but rather target melanin, which is responsible for hair color. People with lighter hair, though, may find that laser treatments are not as effective because they do not contain enough melanin to be targeted by the device.
While there are many benefits to laser hair removal, it is important to choose a qualified practitioner. Look for a doctor who is board certified in a specialty such as dermatology and has experience treating a variety of skin types. Avoid spas, salons and other facilities that allow nonmedical personnel to perform laser procedures.
Before you have a laser hair removal treatment, you should avoid plucking and waxing the area because these techniques will disrupt the hair follicles. Additionally, you should avoid sun exposure and tanning beds because these can make the procedure less effective. It is also important to discuss your medical history with the doctor before you undergo the treatment and to tell them about any medications you are taking, including blood-thinning agents.
After a laser hair removal treatment, you will notice that your hair follicles have been destroyed and are no longer producing hair. Some people notice a decrease in the number of hairs immediately after the procedure, while others will see a reduction over several weeks and months. Most patients will require between four and six treatment sessions to achieve permanent results, but it is important to keep in mind that the hair reduction process is not immediate.
Effective
Laser Hair Removal is an effective way to remove unwanted hair from the face and body. During a treatment session, a technician will apply a cooling gel to the skin and then pulse a light over the area. The light will be absorbed by the pigment in your hair, and it will destroy the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding tissues. This prevents the hair follicles from growing new hair, and it also makes it difficult for the new hair to grow in the area.
The number of sessions you need to achieve your desired results will vary. You can expect to need at least six sessions for facial hair and eight or more sessions for body hair. Laser hair removal has a high success rate and is very safe, especially when performed by a qualified practitioner.
You may experience some discomfort during your treatment session, but it is usually not painful. Some people compare the feeling to a warm pinprick. A numbing cream may be applied to the skin before the procedure. Depending on the area being treated, the process can take up to an hour or more.
Most people notice a decrease in the amount of hair growth after just a few treatments. The remaining hairs will be thinner and lighter in color, which makes them less noticeable. You may also notice some hair follicles that haven’t been destroyed and are regenerating new hair, but this is usually only temporary and will fade over time.
A qualified practitioner will be able to tell you whether or not laser hair removal is right for you. It is important to choose a practitioner who has a lot of experience and is registered on a register that shows they meet certain standards in training, skill and insurance. It is also a good idea to ask for references from previous clients.
Some areas of the body may not respond as well to laser hair removal, including the chin and neck, back and shoulders, and arms. This is due to the contrast in pigment between the hair and skin tone. This does not necessarily mean that the treatment is not successful, but it may require more treatments and regular maintenance sessions.
Time-Saving
Laser Hair Removal is a quick, effective, and reliable way to get rid of unwanted hair. Unlike shaving and waxing, lasers don’t just remove the surface of your skin- they target hair follicles in order to destroy them forever. As a result, you’ll never have to deal with unsightly stubble or bumps again! In addition, laser hair removal saves you money in the long run by eliminating your need to spend time and money on shaving and waxing.
You can expect a treatment session to take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated and your tolerance to pain. A numbing gel will be applied to the targeted area before your session begins. Ideally, you should avoid plucking and waxing the area for 6 weeks before your session. This is because these treatments remove the hairs’ roots, which will interfere with the laser’s ability to target the follicles. You should also limit sun exposure before your session as this can make the skin sensitive to the laser’s heat.
Once the numbing gel has had a chance to kick in, the process itself is relatively painless. Many people compare it to the sensation of having a rubber band snapped against their skin repeatedly, but only for a millisecond-the amount of time it takes for the laser to zap your hairs! In general, this is a much less painful experience than waxing or at-home IPL treatments.
As a bonus, most patients notice that any hair that does grow back between laser sessions is sparser and finer in texture. In addition, it’s generally a lighter color and doesn’t look as noticeable. While you may need maintenance treatments from time to time, most patients find that they no longer need to shave or wax their body.
After your treatment, your skin might be slightly red and swollen, but this is usually minimal and will fade within a day or two. You’ll also likely notice that your hair is beginning to shed, but don’t worry! This is normal and will be taken care of during your next laser treatment session.
Reliable
When performed correctly by a licensed professional, laser hair removal is incredibly safe. Unlike waxing, which uproots the hair from its root, lasers simply disable the dark pigment and stunt future hair growth. The treatment is quick and relatively pain-free, with many comparing it to a warm pinprick. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from using a cooling gel and/or topical anesthetic prior to their treatment session.
However, a number of factors influence the effectiveness and safety of laser hair removal. These include skin color, the contrast between hair and skin tone (the darker the better), and hormone influences on hair regrowth. It is also important that your practitioner understands and adjusts the fluence, spot size, wavelength, and other laser settings to best accommodate your specific skin type.
To be effective, the laser light must penetrate the outer layer of your skin to reach the dark pigment within your hair follicles. When a pulse of the laser’s light is delivered, this pigment absorbs the energy and converts it to heat, damaging the follicles and inhibiting future hair growth. Because of this, the process is most effective on dark hair on light skin.
The process also works best on thicker hairs, as these hold more melanin than lighter hairs. While a few hairs may not be completely removed, this can make your skin look significantly less cluttered, and your natural, shedding hairs will eventually fill in the gaps.
In addition to adjusting the laser and its settings, it’s also important that you avoid certain behaviors before your treatment sessions. For example, tanning before a laser hair removal appointment can increase the chances of a burn or blister. You should also refrain from applying over-the-counter antibacterial creams to the treated area, as these can cause the area to become irritated and inflamed.
It’s also a good idea to schedule your treatments at least three weeks apart. This will give your skin time to recover between each session and minimize the risk of complications. The most common side effects of laser hair removal are temporary redness and swelling, which are easy to treat with aloe vera or a soothing moisturizer. If you notice any more severe side effects, such as skin infections or a change in pigment, contact your dermatologist.