Laser hair removal is an easy, noninvasive solution to permanently reduce unwanted facial hair. Safe for most skin types and easily completed during lunch breaks!
Most patients require two to six treatments at four to six week intervals, with broad-spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) applied after each one.
What to Expect
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method to permanently eliminate unwanted facial hair. Results usually take multiple sessions before becoming visible and subsequent treatments must continue regularly to keep unwanted hair at bay. If you’re considering laser hair removal treatment on your face, here are a few key points you should keep in mind:
Laser hair removal requires using a laser beam to target and destroy hair follicles that produce hair growth, with sessions typically spaced every four to eight weeks – though these could be closer together depending on your skin type or the area being treated.
Before the laser treatment begins, the area will be cleaned thoroughly and some patients may receive topical anesthetic to make their experience more bearable. Once ready for treatment, protective eyewear will be donned before sitting before the machine where you will be administered an application of laser to your area of concern; you may feel warm pinpricks sensation as the technician applies laser.
Laser treatment works by emitting pulses that will absorb pigment from hair follicles and cause them to break apart, with hair eventually falling out over several days or weeks as a result of its disintegration. For optimal results, it is also important to avoid tanning and utilize broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 protection daily in order to prevent dark spots from appearing on your skin.
After your laser hair removal sessions, you might experience some redness and swelling for several hours after treatment. Any pain and discomfort should soon subside over time; your doctor may advise applying ice to help ease discomfort. It is also essential to follow any instructions provided by the laser technician as not doing so could result in less-than-ideal results or make them more painful than they otherwise would be.
Finding a qualified and experienced laser technician for your treatment is of utmost importance. To find such a practitioner, either use an online register of certified providers, or ask your physician for recommendations.
Before embarking on laser hair removal, be sure to shave the area being treated. Shaving will make it easier for the laser to target and eliminate hair growth more effectively. Waxing, tweezing, and plucking should also be avoided as much as possible before treatment begins; natural or artificial tanning products cannot effectively treat tanned skin either.
Preparation
If you have been struggling to control an unruly unibrow or stubborn sideburns, laser hair removal could be your ideal solution. But before scheduling a session, ensure you are willing and committed to the procedure as well as fully aware of what to expect during treatment.
Your skin must be prepared for laser treatments by avoiding sun exposure and clearing away all creams, lotions, and makeup from the area being treated so the laser can focus solely on hair follicles without disturbing nearby tissues or cells. In addition, waxing or other hair removal methods must not be applied directly on this area for the duration of sessions.
Prior to arriving for your appointment, it may be beneficial to take pictures of the area being treated in order to compare before and after shots and better visualize your treatment results. Furthermore, asking your technician what pre-treatment care recommendations they have will allow you to feel more at ease about making treatment decisions.
Some skincare products increase photosensitivity, meaning that they can cause the laser to heat your skin faster than necessary and cause burns. Products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol should be avoided in the weeks leading up to your laser treatment; also try and limit sun exposure as much as possible and wear strong SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when outside.
Treatment itself will typically be fairly painless for most people; it feels similar to being poked with a pin or having a rubber band snap against your skin. Some areas will be more sensitive than others, but that sensitivity decreases with each session.
Once your laser treatment is over, apply a cold compress to your skin immediately and try not to expose it directly to sunlight. Your skin may appear red and swollen as a normal response from your body responding appropriately to laser therapy.
As with any medical procedure, laser hair removal must be performed under the guidance of a reputable dermatologist or aesthetician. Furthermore, you should notify them about any medications or supplements you are currently taking as certain ones could interfere with treatment. Overall, laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to eliminate facial hair permanently – simply be sure to prepare properly beforehand and adhere to instructions from your stylist post-treatment! You won’t regret it!
Procedure
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, your skin will be cleansed and some patients may receive a numbing gel for sensitive areas such as your face or underarms. While wearing protective eyewear during laser sessions.
Once numbing has taken effect, a medical specialist will use a handheld device to place pulses of light onto your skin using pulses of light that heat hair follicles, either weakening them or completely destroying them. You may feel a sensation similar to being shocked by rubber bands snapping against your skin; though not painful it may still be uncomfortable for some individuals.
As soon as laser pulses hit your skin, they may cause temporary irritation and redness that should pass quickly within hours of being exposed to laser hair removal light pulses. To soothe your skin after laser hair removal, apply aloe vera gel or another soothing product like soothing balm. You should also avoid hot showers or saunas because their extreme temperatures could irritate it further, while sun exposure increases contrast between hair color and skin tone, leading to more severe side effects than ever.
Laser hair removal works by damaging hair follicles with pulses of light that penetrate your skin, which means results may take several weeks before becoming noticeable. Some regrowth may occur but usually finer and lighter-colored than before if you continue receiving treatments on an ongoing basis – eventually you should see permanent hair reduction!
Some patients see drastic results after just one laser treatment, while most require multiple sessions for maximum effect. After finishing all necessary sessions, most people don’t experience new hair growth in the treated area for months or even years after treatment has finished – however some hair may sprout back out but typically in much thinner and less noticeable ways than before the laser treatments were administered.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, choose an experienced and trained practitioner. Make sure they’re registered on an official register to show they meet set standards for training, skill and insurance – this will reduce any complications from treatment. If any side effects arise during or following your session with laser therapy – such as irritation or redness – seek medical advice immediately – don’t ignore signs like redness as these could indicate serious infections and scarring issues; in the interim stay in touch with your aesthetician to notify them about changes to skin/hair care, changes that need attention or even adjustments on laser machine settings or for missed areas need re-treatment!
