Laser hair removal works best on those with darker hair and lighter skin, since their contrast allows the laser to target melanin-rich hair more accurately. Avoid sunless tanning creams, and wait for natural or artificial tans to fade before scheduling your laser appointment.
Hormonal fluctuations may prompt unwanted hair regrowth, so plan for periodic touchups to maintain desired results.
What Is It?
Laser hair removal is a safe, efficient solution for eliminating unwanted facial hair that can help create smooth, beautiful skin. Treatment entails pulses of light being directed onto your skin’s surface to target and kill hair follicle pigment. Typically this process can take anywhere between several minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Your dermatologist will numb the treatment area with an ointment or topical anesthetic before applying special goggles to protect them from laser light. When your treatment is finished, you may return to normal activities immediately; your doctor may suggest applying lotion or anti-inflammatory cream directly over it to reduce discomfort, as well as using broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily to minimize direct sunlight on it until healing has taken place.
Laser hair removal typically causes side effects of itching, redness, and swelling at the treatment area for several days afterward due to inflammation in your hair follicles. These side effects usually only last a short while before subsiding again.
Laser hair removal works best on dark, thick hair due to melanin’s targetting of melanin molecules; however, it cannot work on blonde, gray or white hair which lacks melanin molecules. Furthermore, those who have either natural or artificial tanning must wait until it fades before beginning laser treatment; you should also forego using self-tanners, spray tans and tanning beds at least a month prior to your appointment as these could interfere with laser treatments’ efficacy. Furthermore, before booking any appointment it’s wise to shave treatment area before commencing laser treatment – plucked waxed or electrolysis products can potentially hinder its effectiveness!
How Does It Work?
Laser treatments use lasers to destroy pigment in hair follicles and stop future hair growth, creating smooth, permanent skin that will make you look and feel your best. Unlike traditional hair removal techniques such as waxing, plucking, shaving or creams that cause surface damage in minutes such as waxing, plucking or shaving; laser treatments do not damage this surface area of your skin while offering quick results!
Many people experience reduced unwanted hair after just one session; however, others require two or more to see an effective reduction in thickness and quantity of unwanted hairs. For permanent reduction, however, laser treatments at four to six-week intervals should be administered; in addition, annual touch up sessions may also be necessary to keep results stable over time.
Before beginning laser treatments, it’s essential to understand how your skin tone and color can impact its effectiveness. People with darker hair tend to respond better than those with lighter hues because their contrast makes it easier for practitioners to target hair follicles more effectively.
Laser hair removal can be performed on any part of the body, though facial and bikini area treatments typically prove easiest. Chest, back, arms and legs usually present greater challenges due to longer and thicker hairs that need removal.
Before beginning treatment, it’s recommended that you refrain from tanning or using sunless body creams in the treatment area. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to consult your dermatologist if taking blood thinners or have medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease as these might need special consideration.
How Long Does It Take?
Laser hair removal can be completed quickly. Depending on the size and complexity of the area being treated, the procedure could last from minutes to an hour or longer. Before starting laser treatment, a topical anesthetic may be applied to make the experience even more comfortable. Patients with darker skin should select an experienced technician to use laser technology appropriately based on their tone and color because darker complexions may be more susceptible to laser burns, hyperpigmentation (loss of pigment in skin cells), blistering scarring and infections than lighter complexions.
Once a laser treatment has been administered, the area may feel hot and sting for some time afterward, though any itchy or scratchy sensation should usually be alleviated by applying soothing creams or compresses. Direct sunlight should be avoided immediately following a laser session as prolonged sun exposure may result in side effects.
Some individuals may experience hair regrowth following laser treatment, though it usually returns finer and lighter in color due to laser lightening melanin in hair follicles. Should new growth appear after laser treatments have taken place, it’s important not to use shaving products on it to ensure healthy growth.
Many individuals require multiple laser treatments in order to reach their desired goals. For optimal results, laser sessions should be scheduled at four- or six-week intervals for facial, bikini area and axillae laser treatments. When scheduling these sessions, always consult with your practitioner beforehand so they can recommend an optimal re-treatment interval that will lead to desired results. This way you’ll ensure they reach them.
What Are the Side Effects?
Laser hair removal side effects will depend on your skin type and medical history, with potential reactions including redness, swelling, pigmentation change, blistering or bruising in the treatment area that generally subside within days – for optimal results it is essential that patients follow pre and post treatment instructions as provided by their dermatologist in order to reduce these side effects.
Laser hair removal procedures typically utilize a topical anesthetic for increased comfort during treatment, though sun exposure should be limited before beginning, to allow laser treatments to function optimally on tanned skin. You should also refrain from waxing, shaving and plucking hair in the treatment area during or following your procedure – additionally using broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen can protect skin after laser hair removal procedures have taken place.
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in hair follicles and damaging them, which then stops hair growth – effectively ending your need for shaving or waxing altogether.
However, it is important to keep in mind that some hair may grow back over time. While this may be disappointing, most patients find that when their regrown hair reappears it tends to be lighter and finer than it was prior to laser treatment.
An effective way to determine whether laser hair removal is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with an experienced dermatologist. At Pine Belt Dermatology, our knowledgeable staff can discuss all of its advantages and risks so that you can decide if laser is suitable. Contact us now to set an appointment!
What Can I Expect?
Laser hair removal may feel similar to being pinged by multiple pinpricks. Numbing cream should be applied prior to treatment to minimize discomfort. Depending on the size of the area being treated, laser hair removal could take between minutes and an hour, leaving red and swollen spots similar to sunburned areas after each session; using moisturizers as prescribed and avoiding direct sunlight should help speed healing time and ensure optimal results. While blisters are rare side effects from treatment; generally they only last temporarily.
Laser hair removal results may last months or even years; when some regrowth does occur, it often comes back finer and lighter in color than before. Most people need multiple laser sessions spaced out over four to six weeks; your dermatologist will let you know when it is safe to have another session.
Before your first laser hair removal session, it is wise to refrain from tanners, waxing and plucking in the area being treated as well as sun exposure or medications which could thin out blood flow.
Your doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam to evaluate hair thickness and complexion as well as discuss desired treatment goals with you.
After laser hair removal, it’s crucial that you follow your physician’s instructions carefully in order to reduce risks such as blistering, scarring or changes in skin color. If any symptoms appear after treatment – blistering, scarring or changes in color for example – consult a dermatologist immediately or visit an emergency room as severe reactions could potentially be life threatening.
