What is Laser Hair Removal? Is it permanent?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure used to remove unwanted hair from the body. The procedure can be used for any part of the body but the most common areas are the face, underarms, bikini area, back, and legs. While the procedure does not lead to permanent hair loss, most people see about a 10 to 25 percent reduction in hair growth after just the first treatment. Most people need about 6 treatments, with sessions being about six to eight weeks apart. This helps capture more hairs in different growth phases. After all your treatments, you might not have new hair growth for several months or years.
How does it work? Is this for me?
Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis in which the heat from a laser destroys cells that have a lot of pigment, or color. Being that dark hair has the most pigment, it absorbs the most heat and transfers that heat to the hair follicles and destroys them, so hair cant grow. A hair follicle must be in the growth stage for it to work. Follicles are in different stages at different times, thus multiple laser treatments are necessary.
Anyone with excessive body hair can receive laser hair removal. It is merely just a cosmetic procedure to improve your self-image or appearance. Laser hair removal is most effective for people with thick, dark hair, and light skin. The distinction between skin color and hair color makes it easier for the hair to absorb heat. Therefore, it may not work as well for those with dark skin, or hair that’s blonde, red, white, or gray.
Laser hair removal may be an ideal solution for those that are experiencing hirsutism and/or hypertrichosis. Hirsutism is a condition in which women grow dark or coarse hair in areas where men usually have hair. Whereas hypertrichosis is when men or women grow excess hair anywhere on their bodies. These conditions could be the result of a number of things, including certain medications, hormone imbalances, conditions passed from parents to children through genes, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or tumors that produce hormones.
A talk with your healthcare provider is advised before receiving laser hair removal. You may need to avoid the procedure if you are pregnant, taking certain medications, have genital herpes or are prone to cold sores, have keloid scars, or have or have had skin cancer.
Is it safe? What can I expect after? Any side effects?
Laser hair removal is usually safe and effective for most people. Only licensed professionals should perform laser hair removal. Possible side effects include blisters, burns, herpes outbreaks, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, infections, and scars. After the procedure, your skin may be red, swollen, and a little painful. It’s best to use a cold compress and avoid natural or artificial sunlight on the affected area. Other than that, you should be able to return to normal activities right away. Also, avoid waxing, tweezing, and plucking hair in the affected area.
How do I prepare for the procedure? What happens during laser hair removal?
In the weeks leading up to the procedure, avoid tanning beds and try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Otherwise, laser hair removal may not be as effective and could lead to side effects. Laser hair removal treatments do not work on areas with hair longer than a grain of rice. Thus, prepare by shaving the area that will be treated two to three days before the procedure.
What are the benefits?
In comparison to other hair removal methods, such as shaving or waxing, the results of laser hair removal last a lot longer. Another benefit is that it is cost-effective. While you may pay more upfront, over time you will no longer have to spend money on wax treatments, razors, creams, or any other hair removal method. There are also no ingrown hairs, razor burns, or irritation to worry about. Laser hair removal can even improve ingrown hairs.
One other benefit to consider is the precision of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal targets hairs right down to the follicle. Precision usually leads to faster results. Speaking of faster results, most people can achieve permanent hair loss within 3 to 7 treatment sessions, so laser hair removal is very successful.
Sold yet?
As you have read, there are many benefits to laser hair removal but there are some things to consider. For example, the upfront costs, the time consumption, and potential changes in the pigment of the skin. When all considered, laser hair removal has been proven to be a successful method of long-term hair reduction. Before deciding to begin the procedure it is important to understand all that it entails.
