Hair removal through laser can be one of the most daunting self-care steps. It uses light-based energy to target hair follicles under the skin, which reduces hair growth in the treated area. Indeed, laser hair removal has become a popular choice for those who want a solution to remove hair that is more permanent than other methods.
What Happens During Laser Hair Removal?
Before the procedure, the aesthetician cleans the treatment area before applying the numbing gel, especially for sensitive skin. The aesthetician and the patient must wear special protective eyewear to prevent eye damage from the laser during the procedure. Once the numbing gel kicks in, the aesthetician focuses a beam of high-energy light on the desired area.
Moreover, how long the procedure can last will depend on the area of treatment. Small spaces can take a few minutes than larger areas, such as the chest, which can take an hour or more. Keep in mind as the hair vaporizes from the laser’s energy, the smoke puffs can create a sulfurous smell.
What’s The Preparation?
Before the appointment, the provider should provide thorough preparation instructions. Following these instructions improve the procedure’s effectiveness and reduces the risk of side effects.
Below is the recommendation commonly suggested:
- Before the procedure, avoid sun or heat for a few days, including tanning.
- Stay away from waxing and plucking.
- Avoid irritating the skin.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, that may increase bleeding.
- The procedure should not be performed for any active infection, such as a cold sore or bacterial skin infection.
Additionally, applying a skin-bleaching compound to the treatment area might be recommended for those with dark skin.
Is it Safe
When performed by a dermatologist or other qualified expert, laser hair removal stops the follicles from growing new hair. Since it’s not linked to any long-term side effects, laser hair removal is safe for most people.
Although discussions about the side effects still abound, temporary and minor side effects can occur post-treatment. Here are some minor side effects that are common.
- Skin irritation
- Redness
- Pigmentation changes
While rare, laser hair removal may also lead to more severe side effects, such as:
- Excessive hair growth in the treatment area. After the procedure, this effect is sometimes mistaken for hair shedding.
- Changes to overall skin texture. Increased risk if recently had a tanning session.
- Scarring. So far, the most common to those who tend to scar easily.
- Blisters and skin crusting. Due to immediate sun exposure, these side effects may occur after the procedure.
Does it work?
Laser hair removal therapy works but rarely achieves permanent hair removal. Nonetheless, this procedure can significantly reduce hair growth. In fact, many people will experience hair-free for a few months after the first treatment.
Eventually, the hairs will grow back, but they often become finer, lighter, and less noticeable than before. Keep in mind that multiple sessions may be required to achieve a more permanent or satisfactory result for unwanted hair.
However, hair may stop growing back altogether after enough treatments. Also, laser hair removal may be more effective on dark hair. On the other hand, people with blond, reddish, or gray hair may not notice much change since laser lights are repulsed to dark hair and are often not successful on light hair.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Removal of hair from a destroyed hair follicle is permanent. However, those who undergo hair removal can expect some hair in the targeted area to grow back. Gradually, it is possible to treat the area again to lessen the number of hairs that regrow.
In fact, it may even be possible to eliminate all hair in some cases. Depending on numerous factors, hair may or may not grow, which include the hair type that regrows and the aesthetician’s skill in removing the hair. When hair regrows, most people find it lighter and less noticeable than before.
The reason is that the laser may even damage the hair follicle after failing to destroy it. The hair will eventually regrow if a hair follicle is damaged but not destroyed. It can be challenging to destroy every hair follicle so most people will see some regrowth.
On the other hand, treating hair that regrows is also possible, but people who aim to eliminate all the hair may need several treatments. Sometimes, hair may be too light, short, or resistant to treatment. In these cases, a person might use other hair removal methods, such as plucking stray hair.
How Long Will It Last?
As indicated, laser hair removal is permanent once the hair follicle is destroyed. However, the hair will eventually regrow when the hair follicle is only damaged. Due to the person’s unique hair growth cycle, it also takes time for the hair to regrow.
There may be some people with hair that grows more quickly than others. Hair in a resting phase will grow back more slowly than in another phase. Moreover, it is also expected that some hair regrowth may happen within a few months, and they can opt for more removal treatments once this happens.
Why Are Follow-up Sessions Needed?
To get the best of laser hair removal, follow-up treatments are necessary. Depending on each patient, the exact number of maintenance laser treatments can vary. Between four and six laser therapy sessions are needed by most people, and space these out by six weeks each, while a full treatment cycle can take up to nine months.
After each session, fewer hairs can be noticeable. As stated above, the hair that remains or regenerates will become lighter in color and texture. In fact, the American Association of Dermatology estimates that the number of hairs will decrease by 10- 25 percent after the initial session. The rate of reduction after that will improve but will also vary.
The Bottom Line
Laser hair removal procedure helps remove unwanted body hair on which several body parts can be treated, such as the underarms, back, or bikini area. Viva Vitality offers Laser Hair Removal, which uses an FDA-approved device for optimum comfort and effective results. Go bare all eyes on you as they stare at your radiant, satin-soft skin.
