Laser hair removal is a procedure for removing unwanted hair. Common treatment areas are the legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini line. Except for the eyelid or vicinity, it is possible to cure undesirable hair in almost any place.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal targets the pigment in individual hairs with light. The light enters the hair follicle after traveling along the hair shaft. The hair follicle is destroyed by the heat from the laser light, making it impossible for hair to grow there again.
A distinct growth cycle for hair includes periods of resting, shedding, and growth. It may be required to wait until the hair grows back to eliminate recently removed hair in the resting phase, as it won’t be visible to the laser or technician. Most people require multiple laser hair removal sessions for two to three months.
The effectiveness of laser hair removal is influenced by skin type and hair color. The basic concept is that light should be absorbed by the pigment in hair but not by the pigment in the skin. The laser should not harm the skin; it should only damage the hair follicles. The best results are obtained with black hair and pale skin, which contrast.
However, thanks to advancements in laser technology, laser hair removal is now an option for people with darker skin tones. The danger of skin injury is more serious when there is minimal contrast between hair and skin color. Gray, red, blond, and white hair colors don’t absorb light effectively. Therefore laser hair removal is less successful on them. However, light-colored hair laser treatment solutions are still being researched.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
A destroyed hair follicle cannot grow hair again. However, those who have hair removed should anticipate some hair growth in the treated area. It is possible to treat the area once more to lessen the number of hairs that grow back. In some circumstances, it is possible to get rid of all hair.
The type of hair that grows back and the expertise of the individual who removes the hair are two elements that affect whether or not a hair will grow back. Most people discover that their new hair is lighter and less apparent than their old hair when it grows back. It is because even if the laser misses the hair follicle, it could still inflict harm.
The hair will ultimately grow back if a hair follicle is injured but not destroyed. The majority of people will have some hair regrowth because it might be difficult to remove every single hair follicle.
People who want to get rid of all their hair may need many treatments since hair can have treatment once it grows back. Sometimes hair may be too thin, too short, or treatment-resistant. In these circumstances, a person may opt for other hair removal procedures, such as plucking stray hair.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Most of the clients find laser hair removal to be safe and comfortable. It doesn’t seem like the procedure has any long-term health problems. However, some people who have had laser hair removal could encounter minimal side effects. Some patients experience stinging, burning, or discomfort during treatment. As a result, many technicians numb the area they are treating using a numbing cream. The numbing cream, however, may cause an allergic reaction in some people or skin irritation in others.
Minor side effects are usually encountered and may include:
- changes in skin tone, particularly for those who have a dark complexion, which is usually temporary
- skin irritation
- the skin becomes dry or blistered
Scarring can sometimes happen from hair removal-related irritation. Additionally, diseased skin can become damaged. Skin infections can spread and become fatal, although rare.
A thorough medical history and a discussion of advantages and risks can help the physician choose the best course of action and lower the chance of significant side effects.
After removing their hair, a person should stay out of the sun. The risk of blisters and scars might increase when the sun irritates the skin. People should visit a doctor if they have severe discomfort, a fever, crusting, blisters, skin damage, or infection symptoms.
What to prepare before getting laser hair removal?
If you’re interested in laser hair removal, look for a specialist certified in a field such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery who is well-experienced with laser hair removal. Make an appointment for a consultation with the doctor before having laser hair removal to determine whether this is the best course of therapy for you.
Discuss the treatment plan during the consultation. Additionally, the doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to get ready for laser hair removal. These may include:
- Stay out of the sun – Whenever possible, avoid the sun both before and after treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen before going outside every time.
- Lighten your skin – Avoid sunless skin care products that darken your skin. If you have tan or darker skin, your doctor may also advise using a skin-whitening cream.
- Avoid blood-thinning medicines – Before the procedure, find out from your doctor which medications you should avoid, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Avoid other hair removal treatments – The hair follicle should not be disturbed by electrolysis, waxing, or plucking for at least four weeks before treatment.
- Shaving the area to be treated – Trimming and shaving the day before laser therapy is advised. The hair shaft is left intact beneath the skin’s surface. However, it eliminates hair above the skin and may cause burns to the skin’s surface.
Bottomline
A person’s body hair can be significantly reduced with laser hair removal. Most people’s hair will eventually regrow in some places. Even if hair does regrow, there will be less hair overall, looking smoother skin.
Better outcomes are achieved with some skin tones and hair types than with others. The only way to be sure of what to anticipate is to consult a physician, dermatologist, or other qualified professionals.
Book your appointment at Meraki Medical Spa and discuss treatment goals with our physician and hair removal expert to gain a realistic understanding of what to anticipate from laser hair removal.