Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment that uses intense light beams to target pigments in hair follicles and permanently damage them. Though temporary discomfort may result, many compare the sensation to being pinpricked.
Laser technology continues to advance rapidly and there are now various options for darker skin tones that offer fast and effective results from lasers – these include Alexandrite laser and IPL technology.
Cost
Laser hair removal is an economical and safe solution to eliminating unwanted hair. The procedure works by sending pulses of light directly into each individual follicle to dismantle it and prevent further hair growth. Unlike waxing or shaving, laser hair removal doesn’t leave your skin with razor burn or ingrown hairs after treatment; however it is wise to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 protection prior to and post procedure; additionally if taking antibiotics or pregnant, waiting a few days would be wise before going through with this procedure.
When treating body areas with coarse hair, more sessions will likely be needed than with lighter locks. You should expect some discomfort during your sessions, though many have likened them to warm pinpricks; if necessary, over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease discomfort during treatment sessions.
Another factor influencing the cost of laser hair removal treatments is where they take place. Some med spas charge higher prices due to higher overhead costs related to maintaining laser machines and equipment as well as paying rent or property taxes, among other expenses.
Laser hair removal services vary significantly in price based on the type of laser used to perform it, with certain machines better suited to light skin with darker hair while others will not work on dark or tanned skin. You may need to experiment with several lasers until finding one suitable for both your skin type and hair color.
Laser hair removal may have an initial higher cost, but over time it proves cheaper than shaving and waxing expenses – with long-lasting results to show for it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, board-certified dermatologists should be used for treatments as this ensures you’re receiving high-quality care that avoids complications.
Safety
Laser hair removal can be a safe and effective treatment when administered by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist. The procedure uses a medical device which emits laser light onto your skin that converts into heat that damages or destroys hair follicles. Although results vary from person to person, laser treatments should not be seen as permanent solutions; be aware of potential medications which could alter skin sensitivity or cause pigmentation issues before proceeding with this course of treatment.
When receiving laser light therapy, a technician will use cooling gel to protect the eyes while applying a covering over the area being treated. They then use a handheld device to deliver laser light over this target area – monitoring its beam to ensure it suits both skin type and hair color needs. Overall, the procedure should be relatively painless with some temporary discomfort such as redness similar to a warm pinprick sensation; some compare it with having their eyes poked out by pins.
Before beginning laser hair removal, it is vital to avoid plucking, waxing, and shaving as these practices will disrupt the natural growth pattern of your hair and prevent it from being targeted by laser treatment. Sun exposure should also be limited since prolonged sun exposure will make treatment less effective and increase complications afterward. Furthermore, any drugs which could increase light sensitivity or pigmentation such as antibiotics, anti inflammatories, acne medication or medication prescribed for cancer or diabetes should also be avoided as this could make treatment less successful or lead to further pigmentation aftercare complications afterward.
Not many at-home laser hair removal devices advertised online and in magazines are actually lasers; many are Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machines with FDA clearance that must be used correctly for optimal results; otherwise they could result in burns, changes to skin coloration, scarring and scars – particularly those targeting darker skin tones where these devices tend to fail more easily or cause more skin damage than laser devices would.
Side effects
Laser hair removal is an effective solution for unwanted facial and body hair. Though it takes multiple sessions to fully eliminate all hair growth, the procedure is generally considered safe for most individuals. Some may experience mild side effects like redness, swelling and irritation post treatment – the best way to minimise these side effects would be following instructions provided by your practitioner as well as taking appropriate care afterward.
During a laser hair removal treatment session, a technician will use a handheld device and activate it with pulses of light to apply a pulse against your skin. They then monitor for several minutes to make sure they’re using appropriate settings and that no allergic reaction has developed against the light source. Most individuals find laser hair removal to be painless or less uncomfortable than waxing or threading; however it’s essential that you discuss this aspect with your dermatologist beforehand.
Before receiving treatment, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds as exposure can cause pigment changes to your skin which are sometimes temporary but potentially permanent if left unchecked. After your session, use sunscreen on any areas treated, particularly areas which were addressed directly.
Laser hair removal often causes irritation. Although this side effect should subside within several hours, you can reduce its discomfort by applying ice packs directly to the affected area. Furthermore, shaving the area can increase risk and complications significantly.
Other potential side effects may include blistering, scarring and changes to skin texture. While such side effects are rare when administered by board-certified dermatologists, they can occur if using an at-home laser system or receiving treatment from non-certified providers. You can lower the risk of these adverse side effects by moisturizing irritated areas regularly while limiting sun exposure by wearing broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and protecting it with moisturizer.
Though most patients do not experience these side effects, those considering laser hair removal should consult with their dermatologist before beginning. In particular, patients taking Accutane or having genital herpes should avoid laser hair removal treatments as well as pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should not receive this therapy.
Results
Laser hair removal is an efficient, painless solution to unwanted body hair that has quickly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in America. A great alternative to shaving or waxing, laser hair removal offers long-term results with just one visit from an accredited provider – make sure that before undergoing this procedure that a consultation appointment has been arranged beforehand!
Prior to beginning treatment, your physician will review your medical history and discuss the benefits, risks and potential side effects associated with laser hair removal. They may also ask about your expectations from this procedure to help them assess if you qualify as a candidate for laser hair removal.
Before getting laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to avoid tanning as the color of both your skin and hair can affect its effectiveness. Your pigmented hair must be darker than your skin tone so the laser can differentiate between the two and effectively destroy only unwanted hair; otherwise, the laser could end up damaging both tissues instead of just targeting unwanted follicles.
Laser hair removal sessions involve you sitting comfortably while a technician uses a handheld device to administer pulses of laser light to the area being treated. This light penetrates your follicles and absorbs any pigments present; eventually damaging them and stopping future hair growth. Multiple sessions may be required before optimal results are reached depending on how quickly hair grows in that specific target area.
Soon after the session, your hair should begin to fall out gradually over time – this process typically takes one week – but remember that hair grows in cycles; therefore it will not completely vanish immediately; you must schedule regular sessions with your specialist in order to reach desired results.
Many are surprised to learn that laser hair removal can actually be an easy and safe treatment method, being even more effective than more commonly-used methods of hair removal. You can either perform the treatment in a clinic setting or at home with FDA-approved electronic devices; either way it’s important to carefully research your equipment and adhere to all instructions as incorrect use could damage skin permanently.
