Laser Hair Removal is a quick and virtually pain-free way to remove unwanted hair. It works best on people with dark hair and light skin because the contrast makes it easier for hair follicles to absorb the heat of the laser.
Prior to laser treatment, avoid using any sunless tanners or other skincare products that might increase your photosensitivity. It is also recommended that you shave the area. Contact IPL Langley for professional help.
Laser hair removal involves a series of treatments over the course of several months. Most people see results after 2-6 appointments. However, some people require additional sessions to achieve the desired result. During each session, the technician will pass the laser over your skin to remove unwanted hair. Lasers work by targeting the pigment in your hair follicle, destroying it and preventing new growth. As a result, it’s important to choose an experienced and qualified laser specialist for your treatment.
Before the procedure begins, your doctor will provide you with protective eyewear. Then, they will apply a cooling gel or ice pack to the surface of your skin. They may also use a topical numbing cream if necessary. It’s important to avoid sunless tanning or using other hair removal methods (like plucking or waxing) before your treatment because the heat from these activities can disrupt the pigment in the hair follicle, making it more difficult for the laser to target the follicle during treatment.
Some patients experience mild discomfort during the procedure, which can feel like a series of stings. Others report that the sensation feels similar to a rubber band snapping against their skin. The entire procedure typically lasts a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. During the treatment, you might also notice a sulfurous smell caused by the laser’s heat.
Patients who aren’t ideal candidates for laser hair removal include those with light skin or white, gray, or red hair. Because lasers depend on pigment to target the follicle, they won’t be effective for these types of hair color. Those who are taking certain medications, especially those that increase blood circulation, should also avoid laser hair removal.
Getting started
Laser Hair Removal is a simple and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair on your face, arms, legs, or bikini area. It works by targeting the melanin in hair follicles and permanently damaging them. The number of treatment sessions you need depends on your skin’s reaction to the laser light, but most people see results within a few weeks.
Before a session, it’s best to avoid waxing and plucking the area you want treated. These actions remove hair from the surface of the skin, so the laser can’t target it, and they also disrupt the growth cycle. Instead, focus on shaving the area. This will allow the hair to fall out naturally and reduce the amount of new hair growth.
For the week before your appointment, avoid exposing the skin to the sun. This can cause the skin to tan, which may affect your results. If you must go outside, use a powerful sunscreen and cover the skin with loose clothing or an umbrella. You should also avoid hot tubs and excessively hot baths and showers.
You should also tell your practitioner about any medications you take, especially blood thinners such as aspirin. This is important because some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the light, which could lead to burning or blisters during the treatment.
During your treatment, you can expect a slight sensation of heat or tingling as the laser light is used to destroy hair follicles. This will usually be followed by a few hours of redness, which should fade gradually. It’s also a good idea to apply aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil to the treatment area. It will help soothe the skin and prevent any discomfort.
Results
In the past, women and men had to rely on hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, creams, and threading. These methods can be painful and labor-intensive, not to mention expensive over time. Fortunately, laser hair removal offers an effective and permanent solution to unwanted body hair. But before you decide to get rid of your unwanted hair, it is important to understand the procedure and its potential side effects.
If you want to receive the best results from your Laser Hair Removal treatment, you will need to follow all of your dermatologist’s instructions. This will include avoiding sunbathing and getting a tan before the treatment. You will also need to avoid tweezing, picking, or waxing your hairs. This is because these treatments remove the hairs from the roots and will prevent your skin from receiving the full benefits of the laser hair removal process.
Some patients will require more sessions to get lasting results. The number of sessions you will need will depend on the area being treated and the type of laser used. It is a good idea to consult with an experienced and board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City, before your laser hair removal procedure.
During your consultation, you will discuss what areas you would like to have treated with the laser and what type of hair growth you are experiencing. Some people are prone to regrowth after having laser hair removal, which is why it is important to schedule touch up maintenance treatments on a regular basis. If you have a hormonal imbalance that is causing you to grow unwanted hair, Dr. Green can prescribe birth control pills or Spironolactone to help slow down the regrowth.
Side effects
Laser Hair Removal is a safe procedure when done by an experienced practitioner. However, if you choose a less-qualified practitioner, side effects can occur. These can include burns, changes in skin color, scarring and blistering. If these occur, your dermatologist may recommend that you do not undergo treatment until the problem resolves.
Laser treatments work by targeting dark target material—in this case, melanin in hair and skin—while leaving the surrounding area unharmed. The pulses of light heat the melanin, which damages the basal stem cells that cause hair growth. This damage causes the hair to fall out and reduces the amount of hair that grows in the future.
When undergoing laser hair removal, your doctor will apply a numbing cream to the area to avoid any potential discomfort. The technician will then begin pulsing the laser onto your skin. You will feel a series of stings, which might last for several minutes or up to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. Some people may also notice a smell similar to smoke or burning hair, which is normal.
Before your laser hair removal session, you should avoid sunless skin creams that darken the skin and limit plucking, waxing or electrolysis for six weeks before the treatment. You should also discuss any blood-thinning medications you take with your doctor. These may interfere with the laser’s ability to target the hair follicle.
When performed correctly, laser hair removal can be permanent for most people. But you will likely need several treatment sessions to fully remove all unwanted hair. And you will need touch-up sessions yearly to maintain the results. Using a reputable practitioner and following their before-and after-treatment instructions will help reduce the risks of side effects and complications.
Cost
Laser hair removal is a popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that eliminates unwanted hair in many areas of the face and body. It’s a long-lasting solution for most people, though you may need to engage in maintenance treatment sessions on occasion to keep your skin hair-free and smooth. It is important to note that because laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure, it’s not covered by insurance.
While laser hair removal is safe for most patients, it’s essential to seek a qualified medical professional who has undergone training and has the experience necessary to ensure you receive the best results possible. While med spas often offer laser treatments, it’s important to find a board-certified dermatologist with the right level of expertise and skills to perform your procedure without risking side effects.
For some, the hair growth around the legs, armpits, chin and bikini area can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Shaving and waxing are short-term solutions for removing unwanted hair, but these methods can cause razor bumps, ingrown hairs and other irritations. Laser hair removal removes the source of these problems by targeting pigment and destroying the hair follicle, so new hair cannot grow in its place.
Laser hair removal has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use at home, but this option should only be performed under the supervision of an experienced healthcare provider. At-home devices don’t have the same safety standards as those used by medical professionals and might not be effective on all skin tones, especially dark-skinned individuals.
