Laser hair removal is becoming increasingly popular as a way to get rid of unwanted face and body hair. It can take a long time to shave, pluck, or wax your hair. If you have a problem with excessive hair growth in unwanted places, laser hair removal is a good option. Hair removal with lasers is known to last much longer. If you are considering laser hair removal, here is some information that you should be aware of.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure to remove unwanted hair with the use of a concentrated beam of light (laser). Laser hair removal removes unwanted hair from the face, underarms, back, legs, and bikini area by emitting powerful, pulsating beams of light. Despite the fact that laser hair removal effectively reduces hair growth, but it does not ensure permanent hair removal. Patients with various skin types can benefit from laser hair removal, but those with light skin and dark hair will have the best results. Hair removal typically necessitates multiple treatments. You may require at least six treatments spaced a few weeks apart for the best effects.
What are the Advantages of Laser Hair Removal?
- One of the best advantages of laser hair removal is it can be done anywhere on the body, and the machine is capable of covering enormous areas quickly. There are no restrictions on where you can undergo laser hair removal.
- If you’re searching for long-term results, laser hair removal is the way to go. Some people see long-term results, but the majority of people see results that last months or years.
- Lasers can target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
- Laser hair removal is the approach to go if you want to save time. If you are getting treatment on a huge area of your body so you will be under a laser treatment in a very few minutes at a time.
- As for pain, laser hair removal is midway between shaving and waxing. Also, before and after the laser treatment, technicians use ice to assist in numb the area.
What are the Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal?
- It is too costly. It may potentially be more cost-effective over time as a long-term hair removal technique.
- Laser hair removal may be done on almost everyone, but it works best on persons who have light skin and dark hair.
- Your hair must be in a specific stage of growth for the laser to totally destroy the hair follicle. As a result, many treatments are necessary. You won’t get the same immediate benefits as waxing, but the effects will remain longer.
- Multiple sessions are required to observe real benefits, ranging from three to eight depending on the size of the area, and you must wait at least six weeks between treatments.
- Laser hair removal can cause burns or scars on the skin if performed by an unskilled technician.
How Does Laser Treatment Work?
Lasers emit a single-color wavelength of light. This light is used to target the pigment in individual hairs in laser hair removal. The light passes through the hair shaft and into the hair follicle. The heat from the laser damages the hair follicle, making it impossible for a hair to grow from it. Hair has its own growth cycle, consisting of periods of rest, shedding, and growth. Hair in the resting phase can not be seen by the technician or laser, thus it may be necessary to wait until it regrows before removing it.
Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
Side effect risks vary depending on skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and pre-and post-treatment upkeep. The following are the most common laser hair removal adverse effects:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discomfort
As a result of laser hair removal, the affected skin may darken or lighten. These modifications could be temporary or permanent. All those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment, as well as those with darker skin, are the most affected by skin whitening.
Blisters, crusting, scarring, or other changes in skin texture are rare side effects of laser hair removal.
Due to the risk of severe eye injury, laser hair removal is not suggested for eyelids, brows, or adjacent areas.
It’s also critical to adhere to your dermatologist’s advice. Following the recommendations before and after treatment will greatly reduce your chances of experiencing side effects. A person should avoid the sun after having their hair removed.
What to do Before and After Getting Laser Hair Removal?
The most important thing when you opt for laser hair removal is to know the pre-treatment care and aftercare of laser treatment. The targeted area will be cleansed before treatment starts. Sunless skin lotions that darken your skin should be avoided. Avoid sun exposure before and after treatment, as directed by your doctor. Before the treatment, check with your doctor to see what medications you should avoid. The hair follicle can be disturbed by the waxing, plucking, and electrolysis so you must be avoided for at least four weeks prior to the treatment.
Follow the after-care instructions provided by your dermatologist. Apply ice to the affected area to relieve any discomfort. Avoid shaving, waxing, or plucking hair for 24 hours after treatment, exfoliation, extreme sweating, swimming, and very hot showers. Every day, apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen. Do not use any tanning beds, sunlamps, or other indoor tanning devices. If a blister appears, you do not need to puncture it. Also, apply antibiotic ointment to any broken skin till it heals. To avoid any side effects, remember to follow these pre-and post-treatment instructions.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting laser hair removal, speak to your dermatologist first. Dermatologists are aware of the precautions that must be taken in order to deliver laser hair removal that is both safe and effective.
Shaving, plucking, or waxing hair can be time-consuming in our day-to-day busy lives. To get rid of unwanted face and body hair, many people turn to laser hair removal. Permanent hair removal is not guaranteed with laser hair removal. The majority of people have hair removal that lasts several months, also lasts for years. But it’s the one of the most effective methods for decreasing hair growth over time. Even if hair regrows, there will be less hair overall.
