Rufus R. Noble What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal uses a laser or a concentrated light beam to remove hair from different parts of the body.
Laser hair removal is an alternative to shaving, tweezing, or waxing.
In the U.S., laser hair removal is a very popular cosmetic procedure. It sends a beam of highly concentrated light to the hair follicles. The pigments in the hair follicles absorb light. The hair is destroyed.
Electrolysis vs. Laser hair removal
It is considered to be more permanent than electrolysis. The probe delivers an electric current to each hair follicle and stops hair growth. It is more expensive and takes longer than laser hair removal. Hair removal It can be a crucial part of the transition for transgender and gender-expansive people and helps ease feelings of unease or dysphoria.
Laser hair removal is a method that uses high-intensity light to destroy hair follicles, leaving less hair. Photo credit: Robertprzybysz/Dreamstime
Benefits of Laser Hair Reduction
Lasers can be used to remove unwanted hair on the face, legs, chin, arms, underarms, bikini lines, and more. Lasers are not allowed on eyelids, surrounding areas, or tattooed areas.
Laser hair removal has many benefits.
Precision. lasers can selectively target coarse, dark hairs while leaving surrounding skin unharmed.
Speed. Every laser pulse takes only a fraction of a second, and it can treat multiple hairs simultaneously. Every second, the laser can treat a small area about the size of a quarter. The upper lip, for example, can be treated within a minute. Larger areas like the legs or back may take an hour.
Predictability. The majority of patients experience permanent hair loss within three to seven sessions.
Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal involves more than ”zapping away” unwanted hair. This is a procedure that requires training and can be dangerous.
You should avoid electrolysis, plucking, and waxing for six weeks prior to treatment if you plan on undergoing laser hair removal. This is because the laser targets hair roots that are removed temporarily by plucking or waxing.
- Know your skin care products’ ingredients.
Avoid sun exposure six weeks prior to and after the treatment. Sun exposure reduces the effectiveness of laser hair removal and increases the likelihood of complications.
Avoid taking blood thinners before the procedure. If you regularly use aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, talk to your doctor to find out which ones to stop.
Your doctor may prescribe skin-bleaching cream if you have darker skin. Do not use any sunless creams that darken your skin. Your skin should be as light as you can for the procedure.
Should you shave before laser hair removal?
The day before the procedure, you should trim or shave your hair.
What will happen if you do not shave prior to laser hair removal?
The procedure won’t work as well if your hair is too short. Your hair and skin may also be burned.
What to expect during laser hair removal
During the laser procedure, your hair pigment will absorb the light beam. The laser will convert the light into heat, which damages that hair follicle. The hair will eventually stop growing due to this damage. The procedure is performed in two to six sessions.
Before laser hair removal
Before the procedure begins, the hair that will be treated will be trimmed a few millimeters over the skin. The technician will usually apply a topical anesthetic 20-30 minutes prior to the procedure in order to reduce the pain of the laser pulses. The laser equipment will be adjusted according to your skin’s color and the location, thickness, and color of the hair you want treated.
You and the technician may both need to wear eye protection depending on the type of laser or light source being used. The technician will also use a cooling device or cold gel to penetrate the outer layer of your skin.
Laser hair removal
The technician will then give the area being treated a light pulse. The technician will watch you for several minutes in order to ensure that they have used the right settings and are not having an adverse reaction.
- Do You Get Enough Sleep?
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Some temporary discomfort may occur, including redness and swelling. Laser hair removal is compared to a warm prick. It’s also less painful than other methods of hair removal, like threading or waxing.
After laser hair removal
The technician may give you ice packs, antiinflammatory creams, lotions, or cold water to relieve any discomfort. The next appointment will be in 4-6 weeks. You will receive treatments until your hair stops growing.
At-Home Laser Hair Removal
It’s possible to buy hair removal tools at home. However, since this is a treatment, it’s best to leave it to a professional. The safety and effectiveness of home devices have not been studied over a long period. They’re also not held to the same standard as professional tools because they’re cosmetic devices and not medical.
Recovery and Risks
Aftercare for laser hair removal
For 1-2 days, the treated area may look and feel like it has been sunburned. You can help by using cool compresses or moisturizers. You can apply makeup to your face the day after treatment unless it is still blistered. Avoid tanning beds, sunlamps, and any indoor tanning equipment.
Side effects of laser hair removal
The treated hair will fall off over the next month. Use sunscreen to prevent any temporary color changes.
Additional side effects that may occur include swelling, redness, and scarring. Rarely, permanent scarring or changes to skin color can occur.
Laser Hair Removal Risks
Blisters can be more common in people of darker complexion. A rare side effect can be the hair treated turning gray or the hair surrounding the treated area growing more.
Do not let an unlicensed technician handle your project. It would help if you only went to someone who you trust. Check the credentials of any doctor or technician who will be performing laser hair removal.
