Laser hair removal uses pulses of laser light to damage the hair follicle and temporarily stop it from growing. The procedure is popular with women and men who want to remove unwanted hair.
Choosing the right practitioner for your treatment is crucial. You should look for someone who is registered on a register that shows they meet set standards in training, skill and insurance.
The cost of laser hair removal can vary depending on the type of treatment and area(s) of the body you’re having treated. This procedure is considered cosmetic and isn’t covered by medical insurance, although some plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans. You may be able to use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to cover some of the costs.
The number of laser hair removal sessions you need will vary according to the size and location of the area being treated. For example, smaller areas of the face and upper arms typically require fewer treatments than larger areas such as the legs or back. The color of your skin and hair also plays a role in how many sessions you’ll need. Lighter hair and skin types require fewer sessions than darker hair and skin tones because the laser’s energy is more easily absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle.
For most people, the average number of sessions required is four to six. Each session lasts 30 to 180 minutes, and you’ll wear protective goggles during the procedure. You should avoid shaving, waxing or plucking the area before your treatment. You should also avoid spray tanning, as it can cause discoloration in the treated area.
You should also choose a qualified laser technician. Look for one who’s licensed to perform the procedure and is registered on a board that shows they meet certain standards of education, skill and insurance. Before you schedule a consultation, make sure that your technician offers a patch test so you can ensure the treatment will be safe for you. In addition, your provider should discuss the results you can expect and answer any questions you have about the procedure.
Safety
Laser hair removal is one of the safest and most popular aesthetic treatments available. However, there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as skin redness and irritation, folliculitis perifollicularis, and edema (swelling). These side effects should subside within an hour of the treatment. These risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by a certified dermatologist, and patients should follow aftercare instructions carefully to avoid complications.
During the treatment, the laser emits a high-intensity light that passes through the outer layers of the skin and is absorbed by pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. As a result, the heat from the laser causes destruction of the follicle without damaging surrounding tissue or structures. In addition, the laser energy prevents the regrowth of new hair. This process is relatively painless, but it may cause a slight stinging sensation.
For the best results, patients should shave the area to be treated 24 hours before their appointment. Although the hair doesn’t have to be present for the laser to work, shaving helps ensure that the laser beam is focused on the actual hair follicles rather than other nearby structures or the surface of the skin. It is also recommended that patients wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 after the treatment, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
Some people are more sensitive to the laser hair removal treatment than others. For example, dark-skinned individuals may experience more severe or prolonged redness of the skin. They may also develop blisters. However, these side effects are rare and usually mild and go away on their own.
In some cases, the laser hair removal procedure can lead to burns or scarring if it is not performed properly. This is particularly the case when it is done by an unlicensed practitioner or using a home laser device. In addition, the reflected and scattered laser radiation emitted from these devices can be a fire hazard and can cause permanent damage to the eyes or skin.
Patients who undergo laser hair removal should be informed that the procedure does not remove all the hair in an area and requires multiple sessions to achieve desired results. Moreover, the patient’s hormonal status is important, and it should be evaluated by performing several hormone assays, including the testosterone level. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid dysfunctions, and adrenal hyperplasias can reduce the response to laser treatment.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal can be a great solution for people who want to get rid of unwanted hair. The procedure is safe and effective for most patients. However, there are some potential side effects, including redness, swelling, and irritation. These side effects are typically temporary and usually improve over time. In addition, it is important to avoid exposure to sunlight after a laser hair removal treatment. This is because the sun’s UV rays can cause permanent damage to the skin.
During a laser hair removal session, you will wear goggles to protect your eyes from the laser light. The technician will apply a cool gel to the area before using the laser. Then, they will give the treatment area a pulse of light and watch it for several minutes to ensure that there is no bad reaction. Depending on the type of laser used, you might experience mild discomfort during the treatment. Many people compare the feeling to a warm pinprick. Some people also feel a slight itching in the days and weeks after a laser hair removal session. The itching is a sign that the laser has penetrated deeply into the hair follicles and effectively removed the hair.
In most cases, it takes a few treatments to notice results from laser hair removal. The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. For example, some people might need sessions every four weeks while others may need sessions every six to eight weeks. Some areas grow hair faster than others, so it is essential to plan your sessions accordingly.
If you are considering laser hair removal, make sure to choose an experienced and qualified practitioner. Ideally, they should be on a register that shows they meet set standards in skill and insurance. You should also check that they use FDA-approved equipment. Choosing the right practitioner is an important part of the process, as they can have a significant impact on how well your treatment works.
There are some people who should not undergo laser hair removal, including those with keloid scarring or skin healing problems such as hypertrophic scarring. These people should consult with a dermatologist before having the treatment. It is also not recommended to have laser treatment during pregnancy. It is best to wait until after the baby is born and your hormones are back to normal.
Results
Laser hair removal is a long-lasting cosmetic procedure, and most people see results that last for years. But it’s important to remember that results vary from person to person. That’s because your hormones and specific hair cycle affect how much hair regrows after a treatment.
During the treatment, a laser beam is passed over your skin to destroy any hair follicles that are in the anagen growth phase. This is why it takes multiple sessions – the number of treatments depends on your hair color, skin type and other factors.
You may notice some hair fall out immediately after your session, but it will likely take a few days or weeks before you start to see significant results. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions after your treatment because the area may be swollen and red for a while. To help minimize these side effects, use a cold compress on the area as needed.
After your treatment, you’ll likely need to schedule regular touch-up sessions. These are typically scheduled four to six weeks apart. This will prevent any unwanted hair from growing back in the treated areas, and they’ll also ensure that any regrowth is finer and lighter in color.
When choosing a practitioner to perform your laser treatment, it’s important to check their credentials and training. If they’re not a licensed dermatologist, you’ll want to find one who is. They should also be using an FDA-approved laser device with a spot size that’s appropriate for the area of your body you want to treat.
During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals for treatment. If you’re interested in permanent results, we recommend getting a series of laser treatment sessions. You’ll need multiple sessions because the heat from the laser only targets hair follicles in the anagen growth phase. Any hair follicles that are in a resting or telogen growth phase will be missed by the laser.
We’ll evaluate you to determine if your skin tone, hair color and other factors will make it difficult to achieve permanent results with laser therapy. If so, we’ll provide you with a list of other treatment options to consider that will offer you the best possible outcome.