What you need to know about laser hair removal 
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If you’re about to start laser hair removal, you may be wondering how often you’ll need to come in for your appointments. How many sessions will you need? Also, how long will the therapy last? We will answer all these questions below, but it is worth considering that the body’s reaction to local irritants is very individual.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a medical laser to remove unwanted hair. The technology works by targeting and destroying the hair follicles that produce hair. When hair follicles are destroyed, hair will no longer grow in that area.
This procedure can be used to remove hair from any part of the body. However, the most common areas to undergo this procedure are the face, legs, armpits and bikini line. Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair. However, it is important to note that this is not a permanent solution to your hair removal problem. Over time, the hair will grow back.
How often should laser hair removal be done?
Of course, this is not a one-time procedure. You will need multiple sessions for best results. The number of sessions depends on several factors, including skin and hair color, hair thickness and the area being treated. Most people require 6 to 8 sessions for best results. Sessions are usually held 4-8 weeks apart.
What are the side effects of laser hair removal?
Side effects are usually minor and temporary. The most common side effects are redness, swelling and itching. These side effects usually go away within a few hours after the procedure. Very rarely, some people may experience more noticeable side effects. These side effects include blisters, scarring, and changes in skin color.
What should you do after laser hair removal?
After the procedure, it is important to avoid exposure to the sun. This is because sun exposure can make the treated area more susceptible to skin irritation and damage. If you do go out in the sun, it is important to use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. You should also avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubs on the treated area.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair. However, there are several side effects that may occur after the procedure. The most common side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. These side effects are usually minor and go away on their own within a few days.
How safe is laser hair removal?
When it comes to body hair, the au naturel style is gaining traction, but most people continue to shave, epilate, or pull out their hair in one way or another. But following traditional beauty standards doesn’t always come cheap: Shaving can lead to nasty bumps, waxing can be a painful process, and hair removal creams can cause irritation and even burns. Besides, these are all temporary solutions to the current problem.
Laser hair removal promises that after a few sessions you can achieve almost permanent hair loss. Considering that most people require four to six sessions, the total amount can be more than 100,000 rubles. Although the high price makes this procedure less accessible to many, the laser’s ability to reduce hair growth is certainly attractive. But before you decide on laser hair removal, you need to think: How safe is it?
Before considering the risks, it is important to understand the basics of laser hair removal and how it works.
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to target the pigment in the hair follicle. The heat from the laser destroys the follicle’s stem cells, which prevents future hair growth. Depending on the complexion, thickness, size and depth of the hair follicle, the dermatologist will select different wavelength, energy and frequency settings of the laser beam that will suit the characteristics of your skin.
Due to differences in skin tone, skin type and hair color, some people are better candidates for laser hair removal than others. Because the laser targets hair pigment, people with blond, white, and gray hair do not have enough pigment in their hair to achieve maximum effectiveness from the treatment.
Hair removal also depends on what growth phase the hair is in, since only the growing hairs are affected. This is one of the reasons why multiple sessions are required over the course of treatment.
Hair falls out within a few weeks, and if laser hair removal is done correctly, you can expect about a 20 percent reduction in hair growth four to eight weeks after each treatment.
Laser hair removal can be performed on any part of the body where the hair is dark enough. However, caution should be exercised near the eyes and other sensitive areas due to the intensity of the laser radiation. If you wish, you can get a full Brazilian wax, but be aware that it will most likely not be very comfortable.
With laser hair removal you will most likely experience mild pain, some people compare it to the snap of an elastic band (over and over again). For those who have waxed in the past, this procedure will likely be less painful. More sensitive areas, such as your bikini line, will be more painful, but your doctor may give you a numbing cream.
Risks of laser hair removal
Lasers are not toys and can cause significant harm if directed incorrectly. If you contact a reputable specialist, complications will be minimal. But if for some reason everything goes wrong, here’s what you can expect:
- Temporary, mild swelling and redness after the procedure
- Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin)
- An outbreak of cold sores or herpes if you are prone to them
- Burns, blisters, or scars
People with dark skin also need to be extra careful. Their skin pigment, or even fake tan pigment, can be attracted to the laser in the same way as their hair, and for an inexperienced practitioner this can mean inadequate results or, worse, painful burns.
For those with dark skin, longer wavelength lasers are used because melanin absorbs less laser energy in the skin. Using shorter wavelength lasers on such people will result in burns. Pigment in dark skin or even fake tan pigment can cause painful burns during laser hair removal.
But this is not the only risk for people with dark skin pigmentation. They may get the opposite result: increased hair growth. This is most common with laser facial hair treatment in women of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian descent.
One of the risks of lasers in general is that the bright light can cause eye damage. Therefore, any reputable doctor should provide you with protective glasses or a special mask before starting the procedure. If you are not offered eye protection, you may want to reconsider your visit.
How to choose the right laser hair removal specialist
Although all the possible risks seem daunting, laser hair removal should be a relatively safe procedure if you see a competent professional.