Laser hair removal works when the pigment in hair absorbs light emitted by a laser and absorbs its energy, heating up its follicle and inhibiting future hair growth.
Both Alexandrite and diode lasers produced similar results when tested early on, showing significant long-term hair reduction after only four treatment sessions.
What is the procedure?
Laser hair removal is a fast and painless solution for anyone wanting to remove unwanted hair from a specific area. The procedure uses light-based lasers to target melanin pigment in hair follicles, which is then destroyed during an appointment that usually only takes minutes per small area or longer for larger ones. Results from laser hair removal tend to be permanent although multiple sessions may be needed in order to achieve your desired outcome.
Laser treatments can be effective treatments for men and women of various skin tones, although active infections, cuts or scars should be healed before beginning laser hair removal treatments. Furthermore, it’s advisable to limit sun exposure – real and fake tanning alike – four weeks prior to your appointment as melanin in your skin can hinder laser’s ability to target pigment within hair follicles.
While ruby lasers are highly effective at treating fair skin tones, they’re less suitable for darker complexions due to their narrow beam. Alexandrite and Diode lasers, on the other hand, can treat darker complexions more efficiently by adapting their wavelength of light beam to best match individual skin tones.
Alexandrite and diode lasers utilize shorter wavelengths that penetrate deeper into your skin, targeting melanin in hair follicles without damaging epidermis, making them especially effective for people with dark skin tones and coarse, thick hair.
ND:YAG laser hair removal is one of the safest options for darker skin tones, thanks to its long wavelength that safely reaches deep into skin layers without harming upper layers and targeting hair follicles without causing damage – thus making this treatment preferred among dark-skinned people. Also referred to as photofacial, this form of laser hair removal destroys melanin in your follicles to stop further hair production and serves as an effective photo-facial method.
How long will the procedure take?
Laser hair removal is a safe, fast, and effective solution to unwanted hair removal. Before seeking this type of treatment, however, there are important considerations you must make beforehand: you should select an experienced practitioner with appropriate training to perform the procedure, and research the various laser types available; using inappropriate ones could cause harmful side effects that you should consider carefully before making a decision.
At your laser hair removal appointment, the area being treated will first be cleansed thoroughly and, if applicable, may also receive numbing gel to ensure an enjoyable procedure without discomfort. After applying this agent, a medical specialist will focus the laser onto the desired area, with each pulse lasting fractions of a second and treating multiple hairs simultaneously in one pass. Treatment time depends on the size of the area being addressed – smaller areas may take only minutes while larger ones could last an hour.
After beginning treatment, you will immediately notice that your hair in the treated area has thinned significantly compared to before. This is because hair follicles have been damaged, leading to hair falling out over time. As each treatment session passes by, more hair will fall out from its root; and this process could continue for weeks afterward.
After receiving hair removal treatments, it’s essential that you wear sunscreen every day in order to help prevent further hair regrowth in the area. Be wary of direct sunlight on treated skin; instead use broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen instead for daily protection. Also avoid scheduling too frequent treatment sessions, which could disrupt natural hair growth cycles and make it harder for you to reach your goal of hair removal.
Laser hair removal requires between three and eight sessions for optimal results, depending on your skin type, hair color and any hormonal fluctuations that arise with age.
What are the side effects?
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to permanently get rid of unwanted hair. The laser heat destroys each individual follicle without harming surrounding skin cells; most patients require multiple sessions before results become permanent. When selecting your practitioner make sure they are qualified, insured and registered so you know they meet set standards in training and skill.
Lasers used for hair removal employ a beam of light that penetrates hair follicles to cause thermal damage that prevents further hair production. You will require multiple sessions with several weeks in between treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Diode lasers differ from Alexandrite lasers by having longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin, which makes it particularly suitable for treating darker skin tones without risking changes to surface color as with shorter wavelength lasers. Furthermore, Alexandrite’s larger spot size makes it better suited for treating coarse and thick hairs.
Diode and Alexandrite lasers are generally considered safe; however, some individuals may experience redness, swelling and pain at the treatment site after treatment has taken place. While these reactions should resolve themselves within days or weeks following your procedure, it’s essential that you follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider prior to and following it to minimize side effects and protect yourself.
Most patients require two to six laser treatments to achieve lasting hair removal results, though after each one you should remain virtually hair-free for months or years! Although some finer and lighter-colored hair may return, their growth cycles tend to be much slower than before and this depends entirely on genetics and hair growth cycles. Re-treatment schedules will differ according to age.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
Before beginning laser treatment, make sure you are completely at ease. Be fully informed about what will happen and be prepared to undergo multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. Furthermore, have a clear idea of what the procedure entails as well as any questions or voice any concerns that may arise during its execution.
Make sure that any products used on the area that will be treated at least two to three days before your appointment. This includes topical creams such as moisturizers, perfumes or deodorants as well as cosmetics like makeup as it may interfere with laser’s ability to locate and destroy hair follicles. Furthermore, avoid direct sun exposure on this treatment area and use high quality broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen or higher to protect it.
Before your laser session, it’s essential that the area be properly prepped by shaving it before coming in for your appointment. This will ensure there are no unwanted hairs lying above the skin’s surface that could be burned by its energy. Furthermore, this allows your laser to focus its beam on melanin deposits within hair follicles without harming any surrounding cells or harming surrounding melanin levels.
In general, both Alexandrite and Diode lasers are effective on all skin tones; however, those with darker complexions may benefit more from Diode laser treatment due to its ability to penetrate deeper into tissue layers – making it more effective on dark hair growth while decreasing risks of hypopigmentation.
Before choosing any laser hair removal treatment, be sure to find a certified technician with proper licensing and certification to perform it. Get references or search online for a reputable clinic nearby, then book a consultation to determine whether laser hair removal is suitable for you – an experienced technician should provide all of the information that’s necessary. Are you ready to put an end to unwanted hair for good? Call our clinic now and book your consultation!
