Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair follicles. Here are some things you should know before undergoing laser hair removal treatment:
- How it works: During the treatment, a laser emits a beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in your hair follicles. This damages the follicles and inhibits hair growth. Laser hair removal is effective on most hair colors, but it works best on dark, coarse hair.
- Multiple sessions are required: Laser hair removal is not a one-time treatment. You’ll need multiple sessions, usually spaced several weeks apart, to achieve the desired results. The number of sessions required depends on factors such as the thickness of your hair, the area being treated, and your skin type.
- Preparation is necessary: Before your laser hair removal treatment, you may need to avoid tanning and certain hair removal methods such as waxing or electrolysis. Shaving is usually allowed, as it does not remove the hair follicle. You should also avoid using any products that can irritate your skin, such as perfumes or harsh soaps.
- It can be uncomfortable: Laser hair removal can be uncomfortable, and you may experience a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin. However, most people find the discomfort to be tolerable, and the treatment is usually quick.
- Side effects are possible: While laser hair removal is generally safe, there is a risk of side effects such as redness, swelling, and blistering. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days.
- It’s not for everyone: Laser hair removal may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions, such as skin disorders or diabetes. You should discuss your medical history with your doctor before undergoing laser hair removal.
- Results vary: Laser hair removal can be very effective, but results vary depending on the individual. Some people may require additional treatments or touch-ups to maintain the results.
In summary, laser hair removal can be an effective and long-lasting solution for unwanted hair. However, it’s important to understand the process, prepare properly, and discuss any concerns with your doctor before undergoing treatment.
You’ve probably wondered whether this treatment would be right for you, how it works or whether it would be of any long term benefit. To help you make a confident decision, here is a breakdown of what laser hair removal is and what to expect.
What is laser hair removal?
It is a very simple process that includes a small laser. This laser does one thing very well and that’s beaming straight through the skin and into one of your hair follicles. The heat emitted from the laser damages your hair follicle, which stops growth in the future. While targeting each follicle, the colour (pigment) of each hair is considered, as the darker the hair, the easier it is for the laser to locate and damage the follicle.
How many laser hair removal treatment would I need?
For this particular hair removal treatment, you would need between 6 to 12 treatments. One of our practitioners will sit with you during your consultation to pin down the exact amount of treatments you will need. After your treatments, some hair follicles will never grow back, as these follicles did a great job at absorbing the laser. However, some follicles will grow back after a period of time, this may be down to hormonal changes as our body changes with age. Any regrowth you do have will be much finer than before and lighter in colour (pigment).
Why do I need so many treatments?
When you begin your laser hair removal treatment, our practitioner will target the area where hair growth is regular. The treatment will then continue to break down other follicles around the area, while also getting rid of any potential follicles. Targeting potential follicles will occur towards the end of your treatment, to ensure you get the best results. To achieve the best results, completing the treatment is very important. You may even require less sessions than you think, so during your consultation, you can go into more depth with one of our practitioner.
What about facial hair removal?
There are many options for facial hair removal, for instance waxing, bleaching or threading; all of which can be very harsh on your skin, especially if you are prone to skin irritation or sensitivity. Amazingly, facial hair removal treatment with a laser is safe and achieves great results by effectively reducing hair on your face, neck or hairline.
Due to the heat used with laser hair removal, the temperature is always reduced when treating sensitive areas like your face. This treatment does work in the same way it does on every other part of the body, so the results will be the same. The laser will target the root of the hair and destroy it on contact. Once the follicle has been damaged, regrowth will be slow, but after a few treatments, you will be hair free.
Radiance Skin Care and Laser Clinic has a special team of laser hair removal practitioners, so you will always leave with great results, no matter your skin type.
What areas should I leave alone?
Laser hair removal treatment can be used on most of areas of the body, except inside the nose or ears. If there is a specific area that you would like to be treated, we will be more than happy to give our expert advice. Remember all consultations are strictly confidential and all our practitioners are professional and very well experienced.
What skin tones or hair types can you treat?
We can treat all skin tones and hair types with our laser hair removal treatment. The treatment is very effective on dark hair follicles as it is easier for the laser to target, so if you have fine light hair follicles, remember to give us a call to discuss the treatment.
How do I remove hair in-between treatment?
After your treatment, it will take around two weeks for your hairs to fall away from the skin. Should you want to shave, please allow two days after your treatment before doing this. It is also great practice to shave much less than usual, so the hairs can shed on their own. While going through your treatment, please do not tweeze, wax, pluck, or thread any hairs, this is to make sure that you do not remove the hair from the follicles the laser will need to target at your next visit.
What happens during laser hair removal?
Before the treatment, the area to be treated will be cleansed. Some patients receive a numbing gel. Numbing the area to be treated helps when a small area will be treated and the skin is very sensitive. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes for a numbing gel to work.
The laser treatment will take place in a room set up specifically for laser treatments. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the procedure. To perform the procedure, the skin is held taut and the skin is treated with the laser. Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin.
A laser removes hair by vaporizing it. This causes small plumes of smoke that have a sulfur-like smell.
How long your treatment lasts depends on the size of the area being treated. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. If you are having a large area like the back or legs treated, your treatment may last more than an hour.
What must I do after getting laser hair removal?
To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should:
- Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin.
- Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.
- Follow your dermatologist’s after-care instructions.
You will see some redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort.
Is there downtime?
No, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, your treated skin will be red and swollen. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities.
When will I see the results after having laser hair removal?
You will likely see the results immediately after treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment.
To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.
How long will the results of laser hair removal last?
Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects are minor and last 1 to 3 days. These side effects include:
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Redness
Other possible side effects are rare when laser hair removal is performed by a dermatologist or under the dermatologist’s direct supervision. Other possible side effects include:
- Blistering
- Herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreaks
- Infections
- Scarring
- Skin lightening or darkening
In time, skin color tends to return to normal. Some changes to skin color, however, are permanent. This is why seeing a medical doctor who is skilled in laser treatments and has in-depth knowledge of the skin is so important.
It is also important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions. Following both the before-treatment instructions and after-treatment instructions will greatly reduce your risk of side effects.
Is 3 sessions enough for laser hair removal?
So, how many laser hair removal sessions are necessary to get rid of your unwanted hair for good? The answer depends on your individual needs, but most people can finish their initial treatment within 4-6 treatments. When the sessions are done, you will enjoy the numerous benefits of a life without unwanted hair.
