Life-Changing Facts About Laser Hair Removal You Need To Know
Summary:
- Months or years of hair-free living: Laser hair removal treatment lasts longer than other methods because it targets the follicles themselves.
- Any area of the body you want hair-free: Wherever you have hair that you want to remove, the laser can reach.
If you’re one of the many people with unwanted hair on their bodies, you’ve probably already tried waxing, shaving, and other short-term hair removal methods. Still, if your persistent hair growth is still a daily struggle, laser hair removal methods present a long-lasting option that’s well worth a try.
Continue reading to learn more about this treatment for hair removal, what to expect, and the potential side effects so that you can make an informed decision.
What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal Service
#1 How It Works
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated light beam to remove hair because the melanin or pigment in the hair absorbs the light from the laser. When the melanin absorbs that light energy, it’ll convert to heat and damage the hair follicle to prevent or delay hair growth. Your skin will look and feel much smoother for a long time.
#2 Everyone Can Benefit From Laser Hair Removal
People of all skin types can benefit from this cutting-edge hair removal procedure. However, the treatment works better for light skin with dark hair since the laser targets melanin.
A higher melanin concentration in your skin or a lighter hair color will make it harder for the laser to target your hair pigment, but it is still possible.
#3 Laser Hair Removal Is a Long-Lasting Solution
This procedure will produce long-lasting results that you can’t achieve with plucking, waxing, or shaving, which keep the hair follicles intact. It often takes two to six hair removal treatments to get the results you want—plan for appointments every four to eight weeks for fast-growing hair and as long as 16 weeks for the areas with slower growth.
People often wrongly assume that laser hair removal treatment will result in permanent hair reduction. While this is not always the case, you could still be hair-free for months or years! Regrowth won’t be as noticeable, and minor maintenance laser appointments will keep all your treated areas smooth and beautiful with ease.
#4 Laser Hair Removal Works on Any Part of the Body
You can use laser hair removal methods on small areas or larger areas, including the following:
- Neck
- Face
- Upper lip
- Chest
- Armpits
- Shoulders
- Back
- Bikini area
#5 The Risks of Permanent Hair Reduction Are Minimal
Laser hair removal is safe, but it is crucial that you only get services from a skilled medical professional, such as a board-certified dermatologist or medical doctor. Otherwise, the risks include severe injury with the laser, with potential burns, scars, and permanent skin discoloration.
Even under the care of a highly skilled medical professional, you might experience the following minor side effects after laser hair removal:
- Swelling around the treated areas
- Discomfort
- Red skin
- Temporary skin pigment changes
Common side effects typically disappear one to three days after the treatment, including skin discoloration. Follow the aftercare instructions for a quicker recovery.
#6 Expectations for a Hair Removal Appointment
When you’re ready to undergo this treatment, you’ll need to find a board-certified medical professional specializing in cosmetic surgery or dermatology. The initial appointment should include a consultation that covers everything from your medical history and skin disorders to previous hair removal methods and the costs of laser hair removal. The doctor will also discuss the benefits of the treatment and how to care for your skin during recovery.
When it’s time to remove the hair, you can expect the process to look as follows:
- Laser to skin: The doctor will hold a specialized hand-held laser to your skin within the targeted area. They’ll either use a cool gel to protect your skin or a laser device with cooling tips.
- Light to follicle: After turning on the laser, the beam of light will reach your hair follicles just below the skin’s upper layer.
- Heat to follicle: The heat energy from the light will fry the follicles to prevent future hair growth. (Some people feel slight discomfort and warmth during this part of the procedure, but most people only sense the coldness from the cooling gel or specialized tip).
The time it takes for the treatment to conclude depends on the size of the treatment area. For example, an upper lip could take several minutes, and a hairy chest could take an hour. Also, since it’s a cosmetic procedure, health insurance typically will not cover this treatment.
How To Prepare for Your Treatment
When you schedule your treatment, your doctor will give you specific instructions. The general guidelines include avoiding medications, activities, and environments that could cause skin irritation or affect your treatment, such as:
- Tanning beds
- Blood-thinners
- Sun exposure
- Skin-darkening creams (including tanning lotions)
- Plucking or waxing four weeks before treatment
Jovem Medspa Offers Laser Hair Removal
Could laser hair removal treatment be your answer to smoother, more beautiful skin? Dr. Abha Gyani, M.D.’s team at Jovem Medspa in San Antonio, Texas, offers an array of non-invasive cosmetic procedures to help you meet your body goals, including:
Contact us or Call (210) 900-3945 today to learn more.
About The Author
