What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a beam of light to remove unwanted hair. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, which damages the sacs in the skin that produce hairs. This damage inhibits future hair growth.
Laser hair removal is an advanced method of getting rid of body hair, and although the technology involved might make it seem like a pricey option, it is actually quite cost-effective in the long run. The cost of laser hair removal fits every budget, making it the most popular option for hair removal.
Laser hair removal is a procedure used to remove unwanted hair on the body. It’s noninvasive, which means it doesn’t require any cuts in your skin. People may get this treatment on any part of their body, but the most common areas are:
Face.
Underarms.
Bikini area, or any areas that grow pubic hair.
Back.
Legs.
Laser hair removal targets the cells that contain a lot of pigment, which is why it tends to be most effective on dark hair. The heat from the laser transfers to the hair follicles and destroys them, which prevents new hair from growing.
It’s important to note that laser hair removal only works on hair follicles that are in the anagen, or growth, stage. Since follicles are in different stages at different times, most people need multiple laser treatments to achieve desired results.
Benefits of Laser hair removal
- Requires no preparation
- Can be done in under 45 minutes depending on location and hair amount
- Can be done on almost any body part except eyes and tattooed skin
- Minimally invasive
- Works on the majority of skin types
- Doesn’t hurt, patients might only feel a very slight pinch or tug
Laser hair removal is a great way to get rid of unwanted hair. It’s quick, easy, and painless. Not to mention, it’s much more convenient than having to shave or wax every now and then.
What happen during the process?
Laser hair removal involves several steps. First, your healthcare provider will clean the area to be treated. They will also give you protective glasses or goggles to wear, and they will wear protective eyewear too. Next, they will treat your skin with the laser. This might feel like a series of stings or like a rubber band snapping against your skin. The whole procedure might take a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on the size of the area that is being treated. You might smell smoke and burning hair during the procedure; this is normal and is just the hair burning away from the laser’s heat.
For some people, unwanted body hair can be a major confidence boost and can help them feel more comfortable in undertaking activities. Thus, permanent hair removal through lasers can prove to be a life-changing event for those who need it most.
After the procedure
For the first few hours after laser hair removal, you might notice redness and swelling. To reduce discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don’t use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your doctor. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.
Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
Depending on factors like skin type, hair color, and pain tolerance, results from laser hair removal can vary. Some people experience mild to moderate side effects after treatment, but these are usually easy to treat with the right guidance. For example, swelling, redness, and irritation in the treatment area are common side effects that usually go away after a few hours. The target area might also experience slight discoloration, becoming darker or lighter in comparison to the rest of the skin.
Results
It takes more than one treatment to get rid of all the hair. That’s because hair follicles grow in cycles, and the laser works best on follicles that are in the new-growth stage. Most people who get laser hair removal treatments have hair-free skin for several months to years. But sometimes the hair grows back. If it does, it’s usually finer and lighter in color than before.
Despite what many people think, laser hair removal is actually a very affordable option for hair removal, especially in the long run. The initial cost may be higher than some other methods, but it is worth it because you will save money in the long run.