Unwanted hair is an increasingly prevalent problem that many individuals attempt to address by shaving, waxing, plucking or electrolysis; but these methods rarely yield long-term success.
Laser hair removal is a safe, efficient solution to get rid of unwanted hair. Most patients need four to six treatments spaced eight weeks apart in order to see results.
How Long Does It Take?
Laser hair removal uses a laser beam to target and destroy the germ cells responsible for hair production, stopping their ability to make new locks while at the same time not damaging any other parts of the skin. You will wear protective eyewear during treatment to shield your eyes from the laser’s beam.
You will require multiple treatments for optimal results. Appointments should be scheduled every few weeks so as to allow the hair follicles time to regenerate; depending on how quickly or slowly their hair grows, individual results may differ accordingly.
After receiving laser hair removal treatments, some individuals experience permanent results; however, most will require touchup treatments every half or full year in order to maintain desired levels of hair reduction. These touchup sessions should occur every six or twelve months.
If you are considering laser hair removal, it is vital that you visit a board-certified dermatologist experienced with cosmetic procedures. A dermatologist can help provide insights on how long results might last as well as whether this particular procedure suits you best.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, it is crucial that you avoid waxing and plucking as these methods of hair removal remove roots and hair follicles from the surface, making it harder for laser treatment to find them. You should shave within 24 hours prior to your appointment in order to ensure all follicles on the surface remain fully intact for this treatment method.
Laser technicians will assess your laser to make sure it is safe for your skin type and may make necessary changes, depending on whether or not you have dark/tanned skin, tattoos or take certain medications (for instance). Dr. Bernstein suggests consulting your dermatologist as to which types of lasers they use in practice.
Laser hair removal is a straightforward way to make your body hair-free, yet uncomfortable initially. But over time the pain should subside – providing it is done correctly by an experienced dermatologist. Make an appointment today to learn how you can permanently reduce unwanted body and facial hair with laser treatments!
How Much Does It Cost?
Laser hair removal costs vary based on body part and treatment area. Consultations is important in providing you with an accurate cost estimation that meets your unique requirements.
Full course treatments usually require two to six sessions spaced out every four to six weeks, each time using a laser beam and with protective goggles on. Prior to each session, numbing gel will be applied directly onto your skin before being fitted with protective goggles for your session. When your laser blasts the hair follicles with light energy, turning pigment into heat that damages or vaporizes them and destroys germ cells responsible for hair production, preventing future hair growth from ever sprouting again.
Procedure can be uncomfortable, though everyone’s tolerance varies. Some compare it to feeling as if a rubber band snapping against their skin. Sometimes technicians can alter machine settings to reduce beam intensity; or if discomfort becomes an issue you could opt for topical anesthetics instead.
Before your appointment, it is advisable to refrain from engaging in any sunless tanning or hair removal methods that could disturb the skin, such as waxing. Also avoid taking blood-thinning medication. For darker skin tones, your doctor might suggest using a skin bleaching cream first as this could reduce irritation during laser treatment. Tweezing or plucking the area could result in ingrown hairs which must be avoided at all costs.
Laser hair removal may seem costly initially, but it’s an investment worth making for your long-term wellbeing. Laser treatments can save thousands in years spent waxing or shaving; plus you’ll save yourself hours grooming your body manually with razors!
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery, so private insurance typically doesn’t cover its cost. However, insurers may consider it medically necessary if treating medical conditions like hirsutism or hyperhidrosis; consult your specialist about submitting a claim for coverage and any payment plans or flexible financing options they offer for affordable laser hair removal treatments.
What Are the Side Effects?
Laser hair removal performed by an experienced practitioner will greatly reduce your risks of complications, particularly if you take time to review your medical history before your appointment. This will enable the physician to properly assess your skin type and color to determine if laser treatment will be compatible.
This procedure may cause some discomfort, but most people tolerate it well. Your doctor will press a hand-held device against your skin, emitting laser pulses that damage hair follicles in order to stop further hair growth and release heat pulses that feel similar to rubber bands snapping against the skin or an intense sunburn-like sting; cooling gel may be applied afterwards for added comfort.
After your appointment, it is normal to experience redness and swelling that will usually subside within an hour or two; using an ice pack may speed the healing process even faster. Be sure to follow all post-treatment instructions, including staying out of direct sunlight and not taking certain medications prescribed by your physician.
After your treatments, a few hairs may grow back lighter and thinner than before; after several laser sessions, however, you could eventually achieve completely hair-free skin – though some people require periodic touch-up sessions in order to maintain desired results.
Laser hair removal performed by an untrained provider may lead to burns, blisters and permanent changes to skin tone or scarring; the risk is greatly reduced when choosing a dermatologist with extensive experience with lasers and knowledge of various skin types.
Laser hair removal can be an effective and safe solution to unwanted hair growth and maintenance costs. It may also improve skin complexion by decreasing stray hairs such as ingrowns and razor bumps; eliminate shaving, plucking and waxing altogether and shorten grooming time considerably. However, it’s important to recognize the limitations of laser hair removal so you have realistic expectations regarding what it can accomplish for your needs.
How Does It Work?
Hair removal can be performed using a laser machine which emits high-heat light that passes through both your skin and pigmented hair, converting heat energy into energy that damages hair follicle bulbs, stopping future growth. The process typically is quick and relatively pain-free for large areas such as back. In certain instances, topical anesthetic may be used for added comfort.
Laser hair removal works best on those with dark, coarse and thick hair since the contrast between their skin color and hair color enables light to more easily penetrate hair follicles and damage them. However, it may work on people with lighter complexions as long as light penetration does not go too deeply into their skin; melanin blocks light from penetrating. Blonde or red-blonde follicles will remain unaffected.
Laser hair removal results in finer and less noticeable hair growth that will return over time, depending on an individual’s individual circumstances. Some follicles may never regrow at all while those that do often appear lighter-colored than before treatment began.
At least multiple treatment sessions may be necessary to completely rid one area of unwanted hair, though even then some regrowth is likely. This is because laser can only destroy those hair follicles in their anagen phase of development that have entered their active growth phase.
To maximize the efficacy of laser hair removal appointments, it is best to shave one day prior to each visit. This ensures there will be enough hair on your skin surface so the laser can effectively penetrate it and kill hair follicles. Also avoid waxing or plucking this area prior to treatment.
