Regardless of the reason you want to remove unwanted body hair, laser hair removal can be a great option. Laser hair removal involves exposing the hair follicle to pulses of light, which kill the follicle and remove the hair. The procedure has been used for over 20 years as an experimental technique, but only recently became commercially available. Here’s what you need to know. Listed below are the main benefits of laser hair removal.
Procedures
Patients who desire to remove excess body hair can undergo several procedures to achieve a softer, smoother look. Laser hair removal uses concentrated light technology to remove unwanted body hair. This treatment is effective on all body parts and can last from three to seven sessions. The procedure is minimally invasive, and patients usually experience minimal discomfort. Most patients report only mild discomfort during and after the treatment. However, some people experience significant discomfort. For more information, contact your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
While laser hair removal works well for most people, it does not offer permanent results. You may need to go in for multiple sessions and occasionally maintain your results. It is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair. After laser hair removal, you can go about your normal daily activities, including working or playing sports. You should schedule maintenance sessions to maintain your results and avoid further hair growth. Depending on your skin type, you may need several treatments before you achieve permanent hair removal.
Side effects
There are some potential side effects of laser hair removal. Although most of these are minor, some people experience serious problems after the procedure. These side effects are temporary and often depend on the practitioner performing the procedure, your preparation for it, and how well you look after yourself afterward. The only side effects that may last longer are rare, but if you do experience a long-term problem after undergoing laser hair removal, you should contact your provider immediately. Ask to speak to a physician on staff, or seek medical advice from a dermatologist.
A common side effect of laser hair removal is skin redness, especially in the area being treated. Redness is common after the procedure and is similar to the effect of waxing. This reaction is generally temporary and goes away within one to two hours. During the recovery period, you should take cool baths or apply topical anesthetic to the affected area. The redness and swelling usually disappear within an hour. The area will appear as fresh plucked skin.
Cost
Laser hair removal is an expensive cosmetic procedure, but the price depends on many factors. The area you live in can have a big effect on cost. High cost-of-living areas will have higher prices than those in lower-cost areas. You should also consider the number of treatments you need to achieve permanent hair reduction. Each treatment may require multiple sessions, so check out the average cost of laser hair removal in your area. The table below will help you determine how much laser hair removal will cost.
Once you have a general idea of how much laser hair removal will cost, you can shop around for the best price. Make sure to compare providers in your area. It’s also a good idea to consider geographic locations because demand for laser hair removal is often higher in coastal areas. Ask about financing options for the treatment. Be sure to check interest rates, too. After all, no one wants to be stuck paying for a procedure they can’t afford.
Recommendations
Recommendations for laser hair removal vary by area, but the average is six to eight treatments. Depending on the size of the area being treated, it may take as few as one session or as many as 10 sessions. Laser hair removal is effective when hair is still actively growing in the anagen (growth) phase, or is in the telogen (shedding) phase. This means that the laser can even target existing hair follicles.
For a fast-growing area, multiple sessions will likely be necessary. For a slower-growing area, several sessions may be necessary. Since hair growth and loss occur in cycles, multiple sessions may be necessary. Your medical provider will determine a treatment plan based on your unique needs. If you’re considering undergoing laser hair removal, be sure to discuss your options with a provider who is knowledgeable about this method.
Precautions
While few complications are reported with laser hair removal, there are some things that you should avoid. First, shaving is not recommended a week before treatment. It may darken your skin. If you have darker skin, your doctor might recommend skin bleaching cream. In addition, other hair removal methods, such as electrolysis, can disturb the follicle. Additionally, you should avoid any blood-thinning medications. After shaving, you should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight for seven days.
While most patients do not feel any discomfort during the treatment, they should make sure to wear appropriate eye protection. Patients should avoid using cleansers that contain alcohol. A cooling device may also be used on the laser instrument. It is advisable to wear a surgical mask to minimize the risk of side effects. Once the laser has been pressed onto the skin, an intense beam of light will pass through the skin to the hair follicles. The intense heat produced by the beam will damage the follicles, inhibiting hair growth. The patient may feel a pinprick or a cold sensation after the procedure.