Ranked second only to wrinkle relaxing injections, laser hair removal for unneeded hair is unarguably the leading cosmetic surgery carried out in the United States, considering the number of cosmetic procedures performed. The laser hair procedure involves focusing concentrated beams of the laser at specific frequencies, designed to penetrate the hair follicles to be absorbed by the pigment in them, destroying the hair within that particular hair follicle in the process.
Scientists have developed a wide variety of lasers, emitting light at different frequencies for laser hair removal. Although the procedure was originally designed to remove dark hair from white skin, recent developments in laser technologies allow surgeons to use this method to remove hair safely from dark-skinned persons and individuals with other skin tones. Surgeons employ various types of lasers for hair removal process, the most common of which include intensely pulsed light sources, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, and alexandrite.
Why opt for laser hair removal
Individuals prefer this process as it effectively removes unwanted hair caused by health-related conditions that cause the growth of excess hair or simply, the desire to attain a new look. Individuals seeking laser hair removal will have to undergo several sittings with the professional to remove all of the unwanted hair. The light sources and lasers used for permanent hair reduction, or hair reduction over time, is FDA approved. The time involved in the process differs from one individual to the other. Some might require several years for removal of hair, while others may require maintenance treatments over time to maintain the degree of their hair loss.
It is not possible to predict the number of treatments an individual will require and the duration before which the hair starts appearing again. As mentioned before, laser hair removal used to work efficiently with fair skinned persons having dark hair. However, the latest types of lasers allow surgeons to carry out this process successfully on any individual irrespective of their skin tone.
Possible risks
Laser hair removalrisks
• Skin pigmentation problems
• Blisters
• Scarring
• Burning
• Pain
Preparing for the procedure
The specialist will review the medical history of the patient and conduct several physical exams. He will also explain the potential risks and results of the procedure to the patient. Patients should also:
Avoid sunbathing, chemical peels, tanning beds, or collagen injections two weeks prior to the process. They should avoid skin irritants like deodorants and sprays pre and post surgery. Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, as well as herbal supplements.
What to expect post-treatment
• Redness of the hair follicles • Discomfort and pain… to be treated with OTC pain medicines • Apply topical antiseptic cream as prescribed by the surgeon • Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight at least for a week following the surgical procedure.
If you’re interested in never having to shave again, you should consider contacting us at The Naked Truth Skin Care Clinic in Pitt Meadows, BC. We won’t let you down.
