Lawrence A. Schiffman, D.O., FAOCD - Board Certified Dermatologist

Lawrence A. Schiffman, D.O., FAOCD - Board Certified Dermatologist

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What Is Laser Hair Removal? A Quick Guide

Published November 1st, 2021 by Thepracticeagency

Who hasn't dreamt of having a body free from unwanted hair? Unfortunately, the body with unwanted hair comes at the price of constant shaving and waxing.

If you feel that these hair removal methods are too much for you, you can join the over 2.8 million Americans who know what is laser hair removal and prefer it to other shaving methods.

As a result, laser hair removal is one of the highly done cosmetic procedures expected to continue growing within a short time. Are you ready to bid goodbye to your razors and collection of the creams and oils you use in hair removal?

Read on for a laser hair removal guide and understand why it should be your next investment.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

This is the use of a concentrated beam of light known as a laser to eliminate unwanted hair. This laser emits light which is converted to heat and damages the skin follicles that produce hair. The damage of the hair follicles permanently stops hair growth in the area or delays growth for a while.

Although laser hair removal is effective on all skin and hair types, it is most effective on people with dark hair and light skin. For effective laser hair removal, you will need several treatment sessions for about 2-3 months.

You can have the procedure on any part of your body with unwanted hair except the eyelid and the surrounding areas. Additionally, laser hair removal is discouraged for people with tattooed skins.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

The main benefit of laser hair removal is that it removes unwanted body hair permanently or semi-permanently. Additionally, when done right, it has minimal to no injury on the skin.

This is unlike other methods of hair removal, which damage the skin due to repeated stress on an area.

How Do You Get Ready for the Procedure?

Preparing for laser hair removal several weeks before the date the procedure is scheduled increases your chances of excellent results.

Some of the preparations to take are such as finding the right service providers. Research your options and settle for the clinic you feel is best suited and equipped to handle the procedure.

You can determine this by asking them questions during orientation and gauging their preparedness based on the answers they give.

Remember to always take the procedure and laser hair removal advice from a professional and licensed person to avoid future regrets.

Next, prepare your skin for the procedure. Avoid waxing, plucking, and electrolysis at least six weeks before the procedure. Waxing or shaving will cause temporary damage to the hair roots, which are the target in the laser hair removal process.

Avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks before the procedure since sun exposure increases the likelihood of complications and makes the process less effective.

If the hair you intend to eliminate is too long, you can shave it about a day before the procedure. Your doctor will advise on how to do it without damaging the hair roots.

Having the procedure when the skin hair is too long may cause a laser burn. It is also necessary to talk to your doctor before the process to determine that the treatment is right for you.

They can determine this by checking your medical history, especially on skin-related issues.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure followed depends on the type of laser that your doctor is using. Ideally, they will place a cold gel or a cooling device on your skin and then place the laser on the skin.

The gel helps prevent the side effects of the laser on the skin.
After the laser activates, the laser beam passes to the hair follicles and damages them. This causes some discomfort or a cold sensation from the gel.

The time taken on this process depends on the part being treated. A large area may take up to an hour, while a small part takes only a few minutes.

What Do You Expect After the Procedure?

You might feel uncomfortable and have redness and swelling in the first hour after the process. Applying ice to the treated area will help ease the discomfort and swelling.

The doctor might also recommend a steroid cream, especially if you have a skin reaction after or during the procedure.

Avoid any method of hair removal on the treated area. Additionally, avoid exposing your skin to the sun after the treatment. Inform your doctor in case of any discomfort or pain days after the procedure.

What Are the Possible Risks of Laser Hair Removal?

Now that you know what is laser hair removal, it is necessary to understand the process's repercussions on you. The main risks involved are skin irritation and pigment changes. As mentioned above, you might have temporary swelling or redness, which causes skin irritation.

Luckily, these signs disappear within a few hours after the procedure.
On the other hand, the procedure might darken or lighten the treated area. This is especially for dark-skinned people or if you fail to avoid the sun after the procedure.

Other common side effects of laser hair removal are changes in skin texture, blistering, scarring and crusting. However, these risks should not scare you away since they are uncommon.

Laser hair removal may cause severe eye damage, so it is discouraged on the eyebrows, eyelids, and surrounding areas.

What Are the Results of Laser Hair Removal?

Don't expect immediate results after the procedure. Instead, the hair will gradually shed over the next days or weeks. How long these results last vary since some may last for several months while others even years.

You will need regular treatment sessions, especially if you expect permanent laser hair removal results.

How Much Does It Cost?

The average cost of laser hair removal is about $293 per session. However, this varies based on the size of the area being treated, the person performing the procedure, and the number of treatments required.

Have a clear quote of all expenses you will incur before you start the procedure.

Are You Tired of Waxing and Shaving?

If you are fed up with the time-consuming shaving and waxing procedures, it is time to learn what is laser hair removal and shift to it. Although the process is not always permanent, it will save you the torture of frequent shaving and waxing.

If you still have questions on laser hair removal, talk to us, and we shall make the process a walk in the park.

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