One of the most popular cosmetic procedures nowadays is laser hair removal. It beams highly concentrated light at the hair follicles. The follicles’ pigment absorbs light and destroys the hair. Laser hair removal is a reasonable alternative if you’re unsatisfied with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to eliminate unwanted hair. Lasers can remove hair from the face, leg, chin, back, arm, underarms, bikini line, and other regions. Lasers can target dark and coarse hairs while the surrounding skin is undamaged.
Some other hairs are treated simultaneously with each laser pulse, which lasts just a short period. Every second, the laser can treat an area around the size of a quarter. Large areas, like the back or legs, could take up to an hour to treat, while small parts, like the upper lip, can be treated in less than a minute.
What to Prepare Before Having a Laser Hair Removal Session?
Laser hair removal is more than simply removing undesirable hair. It is a medical procedure that could be risky and requires training to perform. You should carefully verify the credentials of the physician or technician doing the treatment before receiving laser hair removal.
- Before receiving treatment, all treatment areas should be fully shaven. The legs should be shaved at least 24 hours before your visit to prevent irritation. For two weeks before or between laser treatments, refrain from waxing, tweezing, epilation, or using chemical depilatories.
- You should avoid the sun for six weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure reduces the effectiveness of laser hair removal and increases the likelihood of side effects.
- Avoid using topical products that promote photosensitivity in the treatment regions (such as hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide) three days before treatment.
- Avoid getting Botox injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion in the treatment region two weeks before the hair removal session.
- Ensure you have taken a shower or bath and that your skin is free of lotions, oils, creams, or fragrances before the session.
- Before your appointment, let your physician know if you are taking any new or changing drugs, including antibiotics.
What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
The hair to be treated is trimmed to a few millimeters above the skin’s surface shortly before the procedure. To reduce the sting of the laser pulses, a topical sedative is typically administered 20 to 30 minutes before the laser treatment. The laser equipment is modified based on the color, thickness, and position of the hair being treated as well as the color of your skin.
Depending on the laser or light source, you and the technician must wear eye protection. Using a cold gel or another specialized cooling device will also be essential to protect the top layers of your skin. It will facilitate skin penetration by the laser light.
The technician will then apply a pulse of light to the treatment spot and monitor it for a while to ensure that the best settings are used. They will also make sure to look out for adverse effects.
After laser hair removal, redness and swelling in the treatment area are common side effects. It could last for a few days. For a few hours after treatment, the treated region may feel like it has been sunburned or burned by a razor. Aloe vera and hydrocortisone can be purchased over the counter to treat redness and irritation.
On average, the treated area’s hair will gradually fall out over two weeks. Patchy hair growth is expected and will disappear when your laser hair removal treatment is finished.
You can be given ice packs, anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, or cold water after the treatment to relieve pain. Four to six weeks may pass before your next appointment for therapy. The treatments will continue until the hair stops growing.
Risks and Recovery
Your skin’s treated region will feel and appear sunburned for a day or two after treatment. Moisturizers and cool compresses could be helpful. Unless your skin is blistering, you can wear makeup the next day if your face received treatment.
Your treated hair will fall out throughout the following month. For the next month, wear sunscreen to help avoid any short-term changes in the color of the treated skin.
After the Laser hair removal procedure, wearing clothing that is too tight or rough may cause discomfort. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing or apparel that exposes the treatment region to prevent the soothing topical cream from getting on your clothes.
How Painful is Laser Hair Removal?
Although every individual has a different threshold for pain, most patients do not find it painful. However, you should be prepared for moderate discomfort if you’re particularly sensitive to pain. Make sure you are at ease with the procedure before your first session. Consider it before going under the laser if you need more clarification.
Everyone experiences laser hair removal procedures differently. They frequently rely on the individual’s skin type, tone, and hair color. And if you’re eager to have that hair permanently removed, this is the moment to be thrilled. Imagine not worrying about waxing or shaving again after a few sessions!
How Many Sessions Should You Have?
The average number of treatments required is between 4 and 8, although this medical procedure cannot be guaranteed due to several factors. The most excellent outcome requires multiple treatments at 4 to 10 weeks intervals. Irregular treatment regimens and lengthy breaks between sessions may diminish the effectiveness of laser hair removal.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Laser hair removal reduces hair permanently anywhere on the face or body where flawless skin is desired. Only variations in hormone levels can activate some hair follicles. Treatments for laser hair removal do not prevent new hair development in those follicles. Patients may experience hair growth due to various hormone-related conditions, including pregnancy and aging-related hormone changes.
When getting a laser hair removal treatment, choose a reliable facility. If you have sensitive skin, consulting an expert and reputable clinic will help you avoid any issues or irritations. Have you thought about undergoing laser hair removal? Check out Skinlogicx and find out if laser hair removal is the right choice for you.
