Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to damage hair follicles that produce unwanted stubble on your skin, inhibiting or delaying their growth over time. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve lasting results.
Although FDA-cleared at-home laser hair removal devices exist, no large studies have compared their efficacy with treatment provided in doctor offices.
Pre-Appointment Consultations
Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved scientific process for permanently eliminating unwanted body hair. Laser energy is directed at specific hair follicles to damage them so that future hair growth cannot take place.
Dr. Guanche notes that the first step of laser hair removal should begin with consulting an aesthetic professional to discuss treatment plans, length of appointments and any related costs. You will have an opportunity to ask any pertinent questions and ensure you qualify as a good candidate for treatment at this meeting.
“It is essential to find a reputable clinic with trained, licensed therapists,” notes he. To do this, inquire about their training, experience and equipment available at the clinic as well as any payment plans or specials that make treatment more cost effective.
An experienced therapist will apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area before starting laser treatment. You will wear protective goggles during this procedure to safeguard your eyes; then the laser machine will transmit pulses of laser energy directly onto the skin in order to target pigmented hair follicles and permanently destroy them.
As with most treatments, multiple sessions will likely be necessary in order to treat an area effectively, the exact schedule varying according to its size and your personal preferences. Some individuals prefer having treatments every eight weeks while others may wish to wait four to six months between treatments.
Prepping skin for laser hair removal treatments can speed results and minimize side effects, helping speed results faster while decreasing risk. Two weeks prior to treatment it’s advisable to refrain from tanning beds and self-tanners, as sunburn can prevent laser from reaching hair follicles effectively. Shaving is also vital, reducing ingrown hairs as well as complications.
Once your initial laser hair removal treatment is complete, maintenance visits should be scheduled every few months in order to keep the follicles dormant and avoid further hair growth. Over time, these appointments should become less frequent as growth can slow down significantly compared to before; but at least you won’t have to spend so much time shaving or waxing!
Post-Appointment Care
First step to successful laser hair removal is selecting an experienced medical provider. A board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon specializing in laser hair removal should be your top choice, although licensed nurses or physician’s assistants also qualify. When looking for treatment facilities it’s also essential that they offer treatments for patients of different skin tones and colors.
Your technician will use a hand-held laser device to deliver laser energy directly onto the skin area being treated, from minutes up to an hour for larger areas such as your back. As it works its magic on unwanted hair follicles, leaving surrounding skin intact; for added comfort use a topical numbing cream beforehand for optimal results.
Most people experience no major adverse side effects from laser hair removal; however, some may experience mild irritation or redness at the treatment area. A cold compress can help relieve symptoms. If severe reactions arise, steroid creams might be prescribed by your physician to aid healing.
For optimal laser hair removal results, it is advised that you shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment – however close shaves may diminish its efficacy and prevent laser treatment from working efficiently. Also avoid waxing, plucking or chemical depilatories in this area before your laser session and to reduce burn risks and pigment changes avoid sun exposure prior to booking an appointment.
Remind yourself that laser hair removal isn’t a permanent solution; even after successful treatments have taken effect, new hair growth may still arise due to hormone fluctuations or other factors. If this does happen, additional sessions of laser treatment could help address it.
Your physician will work out an individual plan that helps you reach your desired results and schedule regular treatment sessions to remove all unwanted hair. Most clients typically need six-8 sessions spaced four or six weeks apart.
Preparation for Treatment
If you’re sick of shaving your legs or waxing your bikini line, laser hair removal could be the perfect solution for you. Using focused beams of light to permanently eliminate unwanted hair from the skin, many find laser treatment very effective. The first step should be locating a licensed, certified provider offering this service; ask friends for referrals or search online reviews in order to choose an ideal clinic; once chosen, arrange an initial consultation session with the technician so you know exactly how it works and what to expect from this experience.
At your initial meeting, a technician should review your medical history and discuss all risks, benefits and costs associated with treatment. Inquires should also be answered; any queries should also be voiced. Photos will typically be taken of areas to be treated before/after treatment evaluation by the technician.
Before your laser hair removal treatment appointment, it’s a good idea to shave the area that will be treated. Also avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure as both can diminish its efficacy. Furthermore, plucked or waxed treatments on that area could disrupt its hair follicles, potentially disrupting their effectiveness as well.
Before your treatment begins, the technician will apply a topical numbing cream to the area to reduce discomfort during the process. However, some individuals may be more sensitive to pain; therefore, you may wish to bring along pain-relief medication as additional protection.
Your technician will begin laser treatment, which typically lasts 10-15 minutes for small areas and up to an hour for larger ones. As it moves across your skin, some slight discomfort may arise as its light penetrates it.
After receiving treatment, it’s normal for your treated area to remain red and tender for several hours afterward; this is perfectly normal, and keep in mind that permanent results could take several months or years before appearing – however you will likely still have occasional hair growth, although much lighter and thinner than before.
Post-Treatment Care
After your treatment, it is vital that you follow your dermatologist’s recommendations in order to reduce side effects and discomfort. According to ASAPS, redness and swelling are among the more commonly experienced side effects from laser hair removal treatments and should subside within one to three days. It’s also recommended to stay away from hot tubs, saunas, and working out immediately following treatments as these may increase risks further. Applying an ice pack directly on the treatment area as well as over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may provide immediate pain relief from discomfort caused by treatments.
Prior to laser treatments, it is wise to shave at least 24 hours prior. For the laser to effectively target hair follicles, their presence must first be ensured through shaving. Waxing, threading and plucking should also be avoided in this area as well as exfoliators/tanners/exfoliation products used there – your dermatologist can provide specific skin care tips tailored towards your type and color to help ensure optimal results from laser therapy treatments.
Most people require multiple laser hair removal treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart for maximum effectiveness. While some individuals can achieve long-term hairlessness, occasional regrowth will occur especially during hormonal fluctuations like pregnancy and menopause.
Laser hair removal treatments typically make a significant impactful difference on people’s quality of life, regardless of the number of sessions needed. No longer must time be spent every morning shaving away unwanted hair in front of the mirror to keep up with it; most don’t see any new growth after treatment in treated areas. And those who occasionally notice new growth report it being finer and lighter in color than before the series of sessions began.
As technology evolves, laser hair removal has become safer and more effective for all skin colors and types, as well as more accessible with at-home devices that cost far less than in-office treatments. When purchasing such devices it is crucial that reputable distributors offer outstanding customer service with affordable repairs available if any complications arise.
