A Clear Look into Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that helps eliminate unwanted hair. It involves your specialist using highly concentrated light beams to destroy hair follicles. The pigment in the hair follicles absorbs the light, leading to hair destruction. You can have laser hair removal treatment on various body parts, including your face, legs, chin, back, arm, bikini line, and underarms. There are different hair removal lasers, and your specialist Kenneth Thompson MD will recommend the one right for you, depending on your skin type and the area of concern. Laser hair removal is more effective than waxing and plucking as it eliminates hair permanently.

What happens before laser hair removal?

Before the laser hair removal, your specialist will examine the area of concern to ensure you are fit for the treatment and determine the type of laser right for you. The specialist will recommend you limit hair plucking, waxing and electrolysis six weeks before the treatment. Also, avoid sun exposure six weeks before the procedure, as it can make the treatment less effective.

What should you expect during laser hair removal?

Your specialist will trim the hair being treated a few millimeters above your skin surface. The specialist may apply a topical numbing agent on the area of concern for about twenty to thirty minutes before the process to ensure you are comfortable during the treatment. Depending on the color, thickness, location of your hair, and skin color, the provider will choose a suitable laser and adjust it accordingly.

You and your provider may wear eye protection gadgets depending on the laser used. The provider may also protect the outer skin layers with a cold gel or cooling device. The gel helps the laser light to penetrate your skin. Your specialist will direct a light pulse to the target area and monitor it for several minutes to ensure the laser has the correct settings and observe for harmful effects. After the procedure, your provider may give you ice packs, anti-inflammatory gels, or cold water to relieve discomfort.

What happens after the laser hair removal procedure?

After laser hair removal, the treated regions may appear and feel sunburned, but the effects fade within one or two days. You can use cool compressors and moisturizers to alleviate the side effects. Unless you have blisters on your face, you can wear makeup the following day after treatment. Your specialist will recommend you put on sunscreen for a month after treatment to avoid temporary color changes on the treated skin.

Although rare, patients with darker complexion have higher chances of experiencing blisters. Swelling, redness, and scarring can also happen, but in rare cases.

When will you see the results of laser hair removal?

You may need several laser hair removal treatments to see effective results. In most cases, doctors schedule the treatments four weeks apart. You will receive treatment until your undesired hair permanently stops growing. The results vary in different patients, depending on the skin type and the number of treatments one receives.

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that helps eliminate unwanted hair. The therapy uses highly concentrated beams of light to destroy hair permanently. Schedule an appointment at A Beautiful You Medical Spa for laser hair removal to eliminate your unwanted hair.