Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Ryan
Laser hair removal treatments have gained popularity as an effective and painless method to remove unwanted hair in the legs, underarms, bikini lines, and upper lip. In this procedure, a laser is used to emit light to be absorbed by hair pigments. The light will damage the hair follicles to inhibit or delay hair growth.
Although these treatments don’t usually remove hair permanently, they’re effective in delaying hair regrowth. Initially, there’d be several consecutive laser sessions needed to get rid of the hair follicles. After that, maintenance treatments may be needed, depending on the effect of the initial sessions. It’s a common observation that the most desirable hair removal effects happen for people with light skin and dark hair, though laser light is safe to use on all skin types.
Skincare clinics such as SKINsavvy and others offer laser hair removal treatments for both male and female clients. If you’d like to know more about this treatment, see the quick guide below for key information about laser hair removal.
Benefits
Laser light can target dark, coarse hairs with precision, which makes it safe to use because it doesn’t affect the surrounding skin. It’s also a speedy process, only needing seconds to treat a specific area on the skin in one session. For instance, one session for upper lip treatment can take only a few minutes while large areas such as the chest or the legs may take up to an hour.
Procedure
To start with the treatment, patients are asked to remove clothing that covers the area to be treated. Many clinics would provide patients a robe to be used for the session, as well as special goggles to protect the eyes. The doctor will then apply a cooling gel to the skin to offset any heat that may come from the laser. Some also use topical anesthetics to aid with the discomfort, if any.
Then, the tip of the handheld laser will be pressed and rolled on the skin to get the laser beams in close contact with the hair follicles. As the laser works on the follicles, you may feel some discomfort and warmth but the treatment should be relatively painless.
To achieve the desired effect, it’d usually take two to six sessions of laser treatment per area. The interval between treatments takes between one to four months, depending on the area being treated.
Pre And Post Treatment Care
Before the treatment, you may be instructed to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen as needed. You may also have to skip other hair removal methods like plucking or waxing that can potentially damage the hair follicles. However, you’ll need to shave the area to be treated a day before the laser session.
After the treatment, you may notice redness or swelling in the skin area. To alleviate any discomfort, you’ll need to apply ice to the skin as needed. Doctors or skincare professionals might also apply steroid creams for any immediate skin reaction. Sunscreen will also be helpful after the session to protect your skin from exposure.
Side Effects
Possible side effects may differ based on a person’s skin type and hair color as well as the kind of treatment done and how the pre-treatment and post-treatment care was followed. The most commonly reported side effects may include temporary redness and irritation and changes in skin color.
Cost
Prices per treatment might differ depending on the size of the area treated. For smaller areas such as the upper lip, the bikini line, or the underarms, costs usually range from $75-275. Medium areas may start at around $275, and large areas can cost up to $400.
Conclusion
The results of laser hair removal treatments may not be instantly noticeable and may differ for each patient. This is why you can expect the doctor to recommend repeated treatments depending on the results. The effects may last for several months for some while others don’t notice any hair growth even after a few years. Additionally, while laser hair removal treatments don’t guarantee complete and permanent effects, the hair that grows back after treatments usually have a finer texture and lighter color.
Before and after having a laser treatment, doctors advise patients to follow the recommended care procedures as needed to prevent pain, discomfort, or damage to the skin. Also, any skin problems or irritation may cause a delay between sessions, which can also derail the effects of the procedure. This is why a patient needs to take good care of the skin area pre and post-treatment.
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Do you need aftercare for laser hair removal?
For at least 48 hours following treatment, refrain from using steam rooms, hot tubs, or showers. If there is any pigmentation or discoloration, use a vitamin E lotion or oil. The skin will be soothed by this. After your treatment, stay out of the sun for at least two to four weeks.
How long is recovery after laser hair removal?
The ASAPS notes that swelling and redness are frequent but transient side effects of laser hair removal. You can also feel a little discomfort. According to the AADA, these adverse effects often go away within one to three days.
Are there long-term health effects from laser hair removal?
There hasn’t been much research done on the long-term effects of laser therapy, including the potential for an elevated risk of cancer. Following laser hair removal, several researchers have noticed changes in atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).
Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.
