If you find yourself shaving, waxing, or tweezing unwanted hair more often than you would like, then laser hair removal is definitely an option that is worth considering.
Laser hair removal is the process of beaming highly concentrated light into hair follicles, the pigment in these follicles then absorb the light, which causes the hair to be destroyed. It’s very fast, pain-free, and not overly expensive, which has helped to make laser hair removal one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the U.S.
Laser hair removal is particularly effective at removing unwanted hair from legs, arms, underarms, bikini lines, the face, the chin, as well as other areas.
What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
One of the main benefits of laser hair removal is precision. Lasers are able to selectively target coarse, dark hairs, while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
Another big benefit is speed. It takes only a fraction of a second for each laser pulse, and each pulse is able to treat a number of hairs at the same time. This equates to being able to treat an area about the size of a quarter, every second. With speeds like this, you can treat an area like the upper lip in under a minute, however larger areas such as legs or the back can take up to an hour.
Predictability is another huge benefit, most patients will find they have permanent hair loss after an average of 3 to 7 sessions, at which point it is no longer necessary to worry about that unwanted hair or how to treat it.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure which requires training and carries potential risks, it’s more than just simply “zapping” unwanted hair, and you need to ensure you do your research before deciding on a doctor or professional to carry out the procedure for you.
Once you have found a certified professional to do the procedure, they will explain what you need to know in advance in order to prepare. Usually this consists of limiting plucking, electrolysis, and waxing, for up to six weeks before your treatment, the reason for this is that the laser targets the roots of the hair, and these roots are temporarily removed when you wax or pluck the hairs, so for the best results, you need those roots to be available during the laser removal.
You will also be advised to avoid exposure to the sun for six weeks before and after your treatment, as exposure to the sun makes the procedure less effective, and can also increase the risk of complications after treatment.
What should I expect during laser hair removal?
Before your treatment starts, the hair being targeted will be trimmed down to a few millimeters above the surface of the skin. Some type of topical numbing medicine is usually applied 30 minutes before the procedure begins, in order to help numb the pain of the stinging sensation caused by the laser pulses. The doctor handling your laser removal treatment will adjust the laser equipment depending on the thickness, color, and location of the hair being treated, as well as the color of your skin.
Depending on the type of equipment being used, you may be required to wear appropriate eye protection. The outer layers of your skin will also be covered with a cold gel to protect them. This will help the laser light to penetrate the skin.
Once this has been done, the technician will give a pulse of light on a small area and watch for several minutes to ensure the best settings were used, and to check for any bad reactions to the treatment.
Once the treatment has finished, you will likely be given some anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, and will be able to schedule your next appointment for around 5 weeks time. Your treatments will continue until the hair stops growing permanently.
If you are considering laser hair removal, then make sure you choose a certified hair removal professional. If you are located in Ocala, Florida, then one such professional is Dermalase Medical Spa. They provide a range of procedures including laser hair removal using the most advanced and latest technology.