Laser hair removal on the face can be life changing for those suffering from excessively thick facial hair. It can make that twice daily shaving ritual an ancient memory.
Find a medical spa run by board-certified physicians with expertise in dermatology, plastic surgery or otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) so your technician knows which laser best suits your skin type.
Pros
Many individuals suffer from unwanted hair growth, which can be an irritation for both men and women alike. Shaving, waxing or plucking require constant upkeep in order to keep unwanted hair at bay; laser hair removal offers a semi-permanent solution that can effectively reduce and remove it from areas like face, arms & legs, bikini line and stomach – and more!
Laser hair removal involves targeting a targeted beam of light at your skin, which absorbs pigment from your hair shafts and follicles to produce heat that blasts away unwanted hair while simultaneously disabling cells responsible for new growth – eliminating future hair growth altogether.
Contrary to other hair removal options, laser treatment does not cause painful bumps or ingrown hairs like shaving can. While not completely pain-free, most patients find laser hair removal less painful than waxing or tweezing; in addition, large areas can often be covered within minutes using this approach; additionally numbing creams may be applied beforehand to reduce discomfort and accelerate treatment time.
Laser treatments are generally considered safe; however, it’s still essential that you find an experienced technician when seeking laser treatments. Untrained technicians may cause side effects including light spots, dark spots, scarring, itching and swelling if they use the wrong laser for your skin type; in extreme cases this could even result in permanent damage to the surface of the skin.
Laser hair removal doesn’t provide an indefinite solution, but it has proven highly effective at significantly reducing and preventing the regrowth of unwanted hair after six consistent sessions. Plus, its maintenance requirements are lower than other techniques – particularly useful for women living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who experience excess hair growth.
Before your laser appointment, it is necessary to exfoliate and avoid tanning and applying sunscreen during the days leading up to it. Facial peels or chemical treatments, which may irritate skin further and make laser treatment ineffective, should also be avoided as these could further irritate it and hinder results. At your appointment, a technician will apply numbing gel and provide eye protection before setting the machine against your skin – then target specific hair follicles by pulses lasting just a fraction of a second until pulsed laser targeting will activated by technician for proper action to be taken against these.
Cons
Laser hair removal can be transformative for some people, freeing them from daily shaves. But it should be remembered that it may not be 100% effective or the cure-all for everyone and can even contribute to more and thicker hair growth in some instances. Furthermore, not every skin type responds positively; therefore it is crucial that prior to beginning treatments it is discussed with an appropriate practitioner (especially if hormonal imbalance exists) beforehand.
Procedure can also be painful; laser emits heat energy into tissue, leading to discomfort. Topical anesthetic may be applied prior to starting treatment in order to lessen any pain; alternative treatments include using a cool air compressor or ice pack during sessions.
Side effects from laser treatment may be uncomfortable but are generally limited to redness, itching, and crusting of the skin; these usually pass quickly and are temporary. Other possible adverse reactions include skin discoloration caused by pigment-rich areas of your skin competing with it for absorption of its energy; this is more prevalent among darker skin tones but can be reduced by lightening before laser treatments begin.
Laser hair removal may seem expensive upfront; however, in comparison with regular waxing or razor purchases it could save money over time by eliminating these services as payments need no longer be made on an ongoing basis.
Removing hair requires time. While one session for smaller areas might last 20 minutes, treating all your body may require six sessions and multiple visits in order to ensure all the follicles have reached the appropriate phase for treatment.
Before and after receiving laser treatments, it is vitally important to stay out of the sun or other forms of tanning as this may interfere with results and lead to dark spots on the skin. A dermatologist can suggest sunless tanners for lightening your complexion prior to receiving laser treatments. In addition, avoid shaving, waxing or pluckering in this area as this could disturb hair follicles and negatively impact results of laser therapy treatments.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal can be safely performed when administered by an experienced practitioner; however, in untrained hands it could prove hazardous, leading to burns and scarring on the skin.
Laser treatments are an intensive procedure that works by targeting each hair follicle at its root and disabling it by sending energy through the skin into its shaft and hair follicle. This prevents further hair production from that particular follicle. They’re effective regardless of skin tone; therefore it is wise to consult with a dermatologist regarding both your skin type and hair color before beginning this treatment regimen.
Make sure your technician is licensed for laser hair removal by checking a registry that lists their credentials demonstrating they meet set standards in terms of training, skill and insurance – this will reduce risk and help avoid complications.
Removing hair permanently with laser hair removal may take multiple sessions and possibly regular maintenance sessions to keep hair growth under control, however these treatments are less painful than waxing and will save money in the long run since you won’t have to purchase replacement razor blades when they run out.
Redness and itching are two of the most frequently reported side effects of laser hair removal on face. Both side effects are temporary due to damage done to follicles and may require moisturizer or cold compresses in order to mitigate. For best results, apply moisturizer before and after laser hair removal on facial.
Blistering and discoloration of the skin are also potential side effects, and should be avoided by staying out of direct sunlight until your skin has completely recovered from treatment. You can do this by wearing protective clothing over your face during sun exposure sessions to protect it until its time for skin recovery to occur.
One possible side effect of laser hair removal treatment is an increased chance of ingrown hairs, but you can minimize this effect by exfoliating with salicylic acid regularly or scheduling your laser session when hair growth is in an anagen phase; this will increase its effectiveness and ensure all unwanted hair is targeted by treatment.
Cost
Laser hair removal may be more costly than traditional methods, especially when purchased as part of a package that includes multiple treatments, but its initial costs could be offset by reduced maintenance expenses such as waxing or shaving.
Patients typically see significant reduction in unwanted hair after just six sessions with laser hair removal, and the effects can last for years, alleviating the need to constantly shave or wax your body and face.
One of the primary barriers to undertaking laser hair removal on their faces is fear of the associated discomfort. While laser treatments may sometimes feel unpleasant, it should not cause skin damage such as blistering. Instead, laser treatments feel similar to snapping rubber bands against your skin.
Concerned about discomfort? Numbing gels may help ease discomfort; in addition, cooling devices may further diminish sensation and make the treatment experience more bearable.
When selecting a laser hair removal provider, its location, type of laser used and physician who performs the procedure all play an integral part in determining the final price. Before making any definitive decisions about treatment, always get an expert quote before making your selections.
Laser hair removal may be one of the more costly treatments, yet most insurance providers do not cover it as an elective cosmetic procedure and therefore not medically necessary. You may still use your FSA or HSA account if eligible to pay for treatment expenses.
Laser hair removal can be effective on virtually every area of the body, including legs, arms, chin and bikini area. It works best on individuals with dark hair and light skin as this contrast makes it easier for the laser to detect and target hair follicles more effectively. Therefore, it is important that individuals be aware of both their skin tone and hair color prior to considering laser treatments as a viable solution.
