saad The spike in the number of people looking for laser hair removal has led many aesthetic professionals to ask questions about this increasingly popular treatment. Find all your laser hair removal needs answered here in this FAQ: everything you could ever want to know about laser hair removal, compiled for easy reading.
Why Do Patients Opt For Laser Hair Removal?
Unwanted body hair can be a nuisance for many people. Whether it is on the upper lip, hands, feet, bikini area, or back, legs, and arms – it can cause distress and cosmetic anxiety. People become frustrated and uncomfortable with the repeated need to shave, wax, or pluck unwanted hair from their bodies. Therefore, the demand for permanent hair removal has increased exponentially.
Who Can Get The Treatment?
Women and men both go through the process of removing unwanted hair from various parts of their bodies. Women tend to remove hair from areas such as their armpits, bikini line, and leg regions, whereas male clients focus on removing hair from places such as the back, neck, or chest.
When laser hair removal first came out, it was primarily for people with light skin and dark hair. However, newer technology has made it possible to use this procedure on people of various skin tones and hair colors.
How To Prepare for The Treatment?
To ensure optimal results from laser hair removal, you must refrain from plucking, waxing, and tanning for six weeks before your first treatment. Before receiving treatment, avoid taking medications such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, and pain relievers. Take a shower, shave and clean up before your treatment. Do not use any lotion or moisturize.
What Is The Procedure:
During the procedure, a laser emits light rays into the skin area where the unwanted hair is. These light rays damage the hair follicles through heat and light energy. Each burst of light energy treats multiple hairs in a few seconds, making this procedure efficient and fast for patients. Treatments typically last between ten and thirty minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
It takes four to six sessions to see permanent, long-lasting results since your hair grows in different stages. Patients require touch-ups over time. Patients should notice changes after the first treatment. Hair will grow back thinner and less dense, and skin softer. Results will increase and improve with each additional treatment because it destroys all the follicles responsible for hair growth.
What To Do Post Laser Hair Removal?
The patient should protect their skin from the sun to prevent side effects. Following Laser Hair Removal, you should:
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Avoid tanning post-treatment.
- Pay attention to the dermatologist’s instructions.
You may feel some tenderness or swelling after treatment. It is common for it to look like a mild sunburn. Cool compresses can provide relief from pain and discomfort.
Is there downtime?
Laser hair removal does not usually require much time for recovery. You can expect redness and swell on the treated skin area immediately after the treatment. Most people can resume their routine afterward.
What are the possible side effects?
Minor side effects are the most common but only last for two to three days. These include:
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Redness
Other side effects are rare when a qualified dermatologist performs or supervises the procedure. These side effects are:
- Blistering
- Herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreaks
- Infections
- Scarring
- Skin lightening or darkening
Over time, skin color will eventually fade back to its original state. However, some changes in skin tone can be irrevocable. Therefore, one must see a dermatologist who specializes in lasers and has knowledge of skin when seeking treatment.
Final Thoughts:
Laser hair removal plays a significant role in treating unwanted body hair. There has been a vast improvement in the use of lasers over recent years, with dermatologists leading this way.
In the past, laser hair removal was only available for people with dark-colored hair and light skin. As technology advances, it has become a viable option for those with dark skin and light-colored hair. But, ensure to execute it cautiously. A qualified dermatologist knows the necessary precautions to ensure safe and effective laser hair removal.
