Laser Hair Removal uses laser light technology to prevent unwanted hair growth. It has been experimentally performed for about twenty years and became commercially available in 1995.
It’s most effective on people with light skin and dark hair, as the pigment contrast allows the laser to target the follicle without damaging the surrounding tissue. But it can help anyone tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking.
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure to remove unwanted body hair. This minimally invasive treatment uses targeted laser light to damage the cells that produce hair growth without damaging the surrounding skin. A series of treatments might be needed to achieve permanent results.
During the laser hair removal procedure, a medical specialist cleans the treatment area and may apply numbing gel to reduce any discomfort. The laser specialist will then use a laser light to target the hair follicles, which are identified by the contrast between their color (dark hair against light skin) and their size. The laser destroys the follicles by heating them and disrupting their ability to grow hair. The process typically takes two to six sessions.
Before your first laser hair removal session, shave the area that will be treated. The short hairs are more likely to absorb the laser light, which will result in the follicle being destroyed. Additionally, avoiding tanning and sun exposure in the weeks before your appointment is beneficial, as the sun’s pigment can cause laser treatment to be less effective and increase the risk of side effects like redness or blistering.
You should also avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis in the weeks leading up to your appointment because these hair removal methods disturb the roots of the follicles. Additionally, if you have dark skin, your doctor may prescribe a skin bleaching cream to help lighten the skin so that the laser can better distinguish between the follicle and its surrounding skin.
How long will the procedure take?
Laser Hair Removal is a relatively quick and painless process. The duration of your appointment depends on the size and thickness of the area being treated. Small areas, like the upper lip, may take just a few minutes. Larger areas, like the legs, can take up to an hour. We apply numbing cream before treating the area to minimize discomfort. The cream takes a few minutes to take effect.
It is important to choose a cosmetic dermatologist with extensive experience performing laser treatments and who is certified in laser hair removal. Choosing an experienced practitioner can prevent unwanted side effects. Avoid med spas and other non-accredited salons as they may not be as skilled in the use of a laser for different skin types and colors. The wrong type of laser can cause burns or discoloration.
Before a laser hair removal treatment, we recommend you avoid tanning beds and other sun exposure. If you must be in the sun, wear a high-SPF sunscreen. Also, it is best to refrain from plucking, waxing or using other hair removal methods on the area being treated for a few days before treatment. During treatment, the area being treated might appear mildly red or swollen, but this is normal and should not be alarming.
After a laser hair removal treatment, most patients find that they do not need to grow their hair back for several months or even years. When the hair does regrow, it tends to be much lighter in color and finer than the original hairs. This results in a much less noticeable appearance for the hairs that are growing. Regular treatments with a laser help maintain these impressive results.
What will happen during the procedure?
The laser handpiece will be placed against the skin, and you may feel a slight sting as it passes over the area. The laser emits heat which damages and destroys the hair follicles. The heat damage also stops the growth of new hair from that follicle. This means that the hairs will not grow back and the area will be hair-free for a period of time, depending on your unique hair growth cycle. The hairs that do regrow will be lighter and finer than the original hairs. This is why multiple sessions are required for a more permanent result.
Your skin might look red and swollen after the treatment, but this is normal and should disappear within 12-24 hours. You should use a light moisturizer on the treated area to avoid dryness, and it is important not to expose your skin to sunlight after the treatment. It is also important not to pluck or tweeze the hairs as this can cause the growth of unwanted hairs in the future.
Some people can have temporary regrowth of hair from the destroyed follicles, especially during hormonal changes like pregnancy. But the majority of people can expect to see no more hair regrowth from the damaged follicles.
It is also important to know that only hair with pigment can be targeted by the laser and destroyed. So white, grey and blond hair will not respond as the laser light cannot produce enough heat to destroy them. For this reason, laser hair removal is more effective on darker skin complexions with dark hair. But it can still be used on people with lighter skin complexions as well, just not as efficiently as people with darker skin.
How will I feel after the procedure?
After your laser hair removal session, you might see some redness or swelling in the treatment area. These effects are usually mild and will go away on their own. Some people find that applying a cool compress helps reduce any discomfort they might experience after their treatment. It is important to avoid direct sunlight on the treated skin for a month after your session and to use sunscreen regularly when you do go outside.
Some people describe the sensation of a laser hair removal session as feeling like rubber bands flicking against their skin. Others compare it to a warm pinprick. Regardless of the sensation, it is much less painful than shaving or other hair removal options.
If you are a candidate for laser hair removal, you should avoid plucking or waxing the treatment area for six weeks before your appointment. This is because these treatments remove the hairs’ roots, which can interfere with your laser hair removal results. Additionally, you should not take any blood-thinning medications before your treatment.
Generally, laser hair removal requires four to six sessions for permanent results. In some cases, you may need additional sessions, or you may need to schedule touch-up treatments as needed. Compared to shaving and other hair removal methods, laser hair removal is much safer and more permanent. It also doesn’t require the constant upkeep of shaving, waxing, and threading.
Some hair will grow back after your laser hair removal treatments, but it should be significantly slower and thinner than before. If you do notice any new hair growth, you can always come in for a touch-up treatment at LH Spa & Rejuvenation. To keep your hair-free results, you should schedule regular maintenance treatments every three to twelve months, depending on your individual hair growth cycle.
What will happen after the procedure?
Hair follicles retain heat after the laser treatment, and this causes temporary redness and swelling. To reduce this, we will give you a cold compress to apply on the treated area. Avoid using hot water on the skin after your treatment, as it can cause burns.
For the best results, you will need between four and six treatments. These sessions are spaced 4-6 weeks apart. After the course is completed, you will notice an 80%+ reduction in hair growth, making you feel and look smooth!
Before your laser hair removal appointment, shave the area that will be treated. It is important to do this so that the hair is short enough for the laser to target it. You will also need to refrain from waxing, tweezing, or plucking the unwanted hair. It’s important to do this for two to three days before your session, so the follicles are not damaged.
During your treatment, you will be given protective eyewear to wear, and the laser technician will guide you through the process. The pulses of light felt during the laser process may be slightly uncomfortable, but it has been described as a warm pinprick or a rubber band snapping against the skin. The first treatment typically hurts the most, but subsequent treatments are much less painful.
When you finish your laser hair removal treatment, the hair that does grow back will be finer and lighter in color. The majority of clients do not see any hair growth in the treated area, and if they do, it is much less noticeable than before the laser treatment. To maintain the results, it’s recommended that you have maintenance laser treatments every 3-12 months depending on your individual hair cycle.
