Laser Hair Removal is a popular cosmetic treatment that reduces unwanted hair growth. The melanin in your hair follicles absorbs the energy/heat from the laser beam, which damages the follicle and prevents new hair growth.
Most people need 6-8 treatment sessions. This is because hair grows in cycles and the laser only targets hair in its growing phase.
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective way to permanently reduce the amount of unwanted hair on most parts of the body. It is an ideal option for women suffering from hirsutism or other medical conditions that cause excessive hair growth, as well as men with excessive hair growth due to hormonal imbalances.
The process begins when the medical specialist cleans the treatment area and applies a topical anesthetic if necessary. Once the skin is ready, the medical specialist will use a special laser device to deliver pulses of light energy that target hair follicles. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. You may experience slight discomfort during the laser process, which has been described as a warm pinprick or the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin.
After the procedure, it can take several days to a few weeks for damaged hairs to fall out in treated areas. This shedding can sometimes appear as continued hair growth, but it is simply damaged follicles shedding their pigment. It is best to avoid sun exposure after a laser hair removal session, and to apply moisturizers or makeup only as needed to help your skin recover from the treatment.
It typically takes a series of six to eight treatments to achieve the desired results for permanent hair reduction. It is important to follow your doctor’s before-treatment and after-treatment instructions.
How long will the procedure take?
The treatment session lasts from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the body area being treated. Numbing gel is applied to the treatment area, and you’ll be given protective eyewear. The discomfort associated with laser hair removal is minimal, and it can be relieved with ice packs or cool compresses. Immediately after treatment, the skin will be red and swollen. This is normal and will resolve on its own within a few hours.
Some patients need multiple treatment sessions to permanently reduce unwanted hair. This is because not all hair follicles are in the growth phase at the same time. The number of treatment sessions depends on the individual’s hair color, type and thickness, and the area of the body being treated.
It’s important to avoid waxing, plucking, and electrolysis for six weeks before your treatment. This allows the laser to reach the hair follicles and eliminate them. You should also avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen with a high SPF on the area that you’re having treated.
Women who are frustrated with excessive hair growth can benefit from laser treatment to reduce their facial and body hair. The procedure is especially effective for those who suffer from hormonal imbalances such as hirsutism. Women who undergo laser hair removal treatments often report that they no longer need to shave their upper lip or sideburns, and their hair grows back finer and lighter in color.
How will I feel during the procedure?
During laser hair removal, pulses of light will be sent to the treatment area. This sensation has been described as a warm pinprick or rubber band snapping against the skin, and it is typically tolerable for most people. You may be given a topical anesthetic before the procedure to help reduce your discomfort.
You’ll likely experience redness, irritation and tenderness in the treated areas after the laser treatment. These are short-term symptoms that should clear up on their own. The skin might also appear slightly discolored after the procedure, but this is a temporary side effect and should fade within a few days. Blistering is possible in a small number of cases, but it should not last long.
It’s important to talk to your dermatologist before your treatment to determine if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that might impact your ability to receive laser hair removal or affect the results. The dermatologist will also explain the benefits and risks of laser hair removal so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
If you’re tired of constantly shaving, waxing or tweezing your unwanted hair, laser hair removal is an easy and effective way to get rid of it. To learn more about laser hair removal, contact a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in NYC to schedule a consultation. She will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that eliminates unwanted hair, prevents ingrown hairs and treats post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for even skin tone.
How will I know if I’m ready for the procedure?
Bidding goodbye to unwanted body hair is liberating, and laser hair removal offers a permanent solution. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before your first session.
It’s important to be aware that multiple treatment sessions are required for most patients, and you should not schedule your appointments too close together. If you do, the hair follicles will have already entered the active growth phase again and may not respond to the laser treatment. It’s also important to avoid shaving, waxing or tweezing the area before your appointment as this can damage the hair follicle and cause patchiness when it regrows.
Your skin will be in a state of heightened sensitivity immediately following the laser hair removal procedure, and it’s recommended that you avoid steam, saunas or hot tubs for the two weeks leading up to and after your session. You should also apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily that is free of added fragrances, like this option from Venus.
You’ll also want to stock up on a few razors for the areas you plan to shave between treatments, since you will be doing so less frequently than with other methods. Lastly, it’s recommended that you bring a water bottle to your appointments because staying hydrated will help the skin heal more quickly and effectively. And be sure to skip the perfumed lotions and stick with a simple, sensitive skin-approved cream, like this option by Dermalogica.
How will I know if the procedure is working?
One of the best indicators that laser hair removal is working is that when hair does grow back, it’s finer in texture and lighter in color. This is a result of the fact that the treatment has damaged and destroyed the structure of the hair follicle, stunting it’s ability to produce new growth. This is a good indicator that your full course of treatments will have successful results.
Shaving the area prior to your treatment session is a good idea as it will remove the top layers of the skin and allow the laser to reach the targeted follicles more effectively. You should also avoid sun exposure or any medications that can cause bleeding, such as aspirin, before your appointment.
You should expect a mild discomfort during the treatment. Many people compare it to a warm pinprick. You can also use a topical anesthetic before your appointment to reduce the discomfort, but it’s usually not necessary. If you do choose to use a topical anesthetic, be sure that you follow all instructions for application.
After your treatment, you may experience redness and swelling, but this will fade within a day or so. You should also avoid taning or using tanning beds while you’re undergoing laser hair removal. If you do, the heat can create a warm environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to infection. You should also refrain from waxing, plucking or tweezing the treated area.
How will I know if I’m satisfied with the results?
It can take several sessions to see significant hair reduction. This is because of the natural hair growth cycle. Laser treatment targets hair follicles in their new-growth phase. It’s important that you don’t pluck, wax or use other methods of hair removal between treatments to maximize results. Gently exfoliate the area with a washcloth or scrub around three times per week. You’ll also want to wear a good-quality SPF lotion daily to prevent darkened skin that can interfere with laser treatment effectiveness.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the results. While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it’s not a permanent solution. Hair can regrow, but it will typically be finer and lighter in color. Some individuals may require maintenance laser treatments to maintain smooth, hair-free skin.
Another way to measure customer satisfaction with Laser Hair Removal is through First Contact Resolution (FCR). This metric measures the percentage of cases where customers’ concerns are resolved on their initial contact with the company. This includes pre- and post-treatment surveys, and it can be used to evaluate how effective a practitioner’s care is in meeting or exceeding customers’ needs.
Laser Hair Removal is appropriate for most skin tones and types. However, it’s not recommended for white or gray hair because the laser cannot target the pigment in these hair follicles. It’s also not recommended for vellus hair or “peach fuzz” because the laser can’t distinguish these hairs from the surrounding skin.