Laser hair removal treatment uses laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) to destroy the follicles that produce unwanted hair. The procedure is effective on the face, arms, legs, underarms, and bikini line.
Unlike shaving, waxing, and plucking, laser hair removal is safe for most people. It's also relatively painless and doesn't require any downtime.
How does it work?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that uses light energy to permanently reduce unwanted hair growth. It is a medical treatment that requires special training and is only performed by licensed doctors or technicians.
It has become a popular cosmetic dermatology treatment and is expected to reach over 1.5 billion people worldwide by 2022. It is an effective method of permanent hair reduction and can be used for a variety of areas on the body, including the underarms, bikini line, and pubic area.
The treatment works by delivering pulses of high-energy laser light to the skin's surface. The laser's wavelength is matched to the pigment in dark hair, destroying it while leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
Because hair is in different stages of growth at different times, it takes multiple treatments to remove all unwanted hair from an area. Your doctor will determine when you should get your next session.
Preparation
If you've decided to remove hair from your body with Laser Hair Removal, then you will need to follow a few guidelines to ensure your treatment is safe and effective. You will need to take several precautions before and after your session to reduce the risk of side effects such as skin irritation, burns, and discoloration.
First, it is important to stop plucking, waxing, and similar hair removal methods for a minimum of 24 hours before your appointment. This will allow the laser to target the pigment within your hair follicle, which is the key to laser hair removal success.
Second, it is important to avoid any cosmetic enhancements such as Botox or dermal fillers for a period of 14 days before your laser hair removal session. This will ensure the laser targets only your hair follicle and not any pigment in your skin or other structures.
It is also essential to avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks before and after your treatment. This includes tanning beds and self-tanning products as these can lead to unwanted side effects such as darkening or discoloration of the skin.
Side Effects
Laser Hair Removal is an effective way to remove unwanted hair. However, it does not guarantee permanent removal. It may take multiple sessions to completely get rid of your unwanted hair.
If you are planning to have this treatment done, make sure you are following all of your doctor's instructions. In addition to avoiding sun exposure, you should also limit plucking and waxing for six weeks before your appointment.
When performed by an experienced practitioner, laser treatments are safe and effective. Some patients report minor side effects after therapy, including redness, swelling, and irritation.
Burns and blisters are rare but can occur when laser treatment is not carried out correctly. This can be especially common for people with dark complexions or who have recently been exposed to the sun.
These types of side effects are more likely to occur when you have a provider who is not as skilled in using laser technology. To help prevent these side effects, find a clinic and practitioner who puts patient safety first.
Results
Laser hair removal treatment is a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair. It works by beaming a highly concentrated pulse of light into hair follicles, which causes heat to destroy the Chromophores (melanin or pigment) that make up the hair.
This treatment is ideal for removing unwanted body hair, including the face, arms, legs, chin, and bikini area. The procedure is non-invasive and a safe, painless alternative to shaving or waxing.
Most patients need multiple treatments to achieve a complete and permanent reduction in their unwanted hair. The number of sessions required for a patient depends on the size of the treatment area and its growth rate.
After completing the recommended series of treatments, most patients see hair-free skin for months or years. Some hairs may grow back, but they are less noticeable and often finer than before.