Removing unwanted body hair is a constantly troubling process for many men and women. Patients who are tired of the temporary, painful methods of removing hair from the face, back, legs or other body areas may benefit from laser hair removal.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removalunwanted body hair
Laser hair removal is most commonly performed on the face, upper lip, neck, chest, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line and legs. It can be performed on virtually any area with excess hair growth.
Candidates for Laser Hair Removal
The ideal patient for laser hair removal is someone with excessive hair growth, who is unhappy with the appearance of the hair and seeking a long-term, simple solution.
Causes of excessive hair growth include:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Heredity
- Medication
- Disease
Other patients with normal hair growth, who are sick of constantly shaving, waxing or plucking their unwanted hair may benefit from this procedure as well. This procedure is usually most effective on patients with dark hair and light skin, although most patients are able to achieve successful results. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about laser hair removal in order to be satisfied with their results.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment
During the laser hair removal procedure, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the area to prevent pain and discomfort. Your dermatologist moves the laser across the targeted area with a hand held device to treat the area with intense laser pulses. Hair follicles in the active growth state are disabled. Patients may experience the sensation of a rubber band snapping the skin during this procedure, but most are able to tolerate the procedure well.
There are several different types of lasers that available for hair removal, including:
- Alexandrite
- Diode
- Light-based sources
- Nd: YAG
- Ruby
Dr. Callender will decide which laser is best for treating your skin to achieve the most successful results.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?
Multiple treatmentstreatment sessions
Recovery from laser Hair Removal
After laser hair removal, patients may experience some redness and swelling in the treated area, but these symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days. Patients can return to work and other normal activities immediately after treatment. Patients should avoid excessive sun exposure for some time after laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal Results
The results of the laser hair removal procedure are visible immediately, but hair may continue to grow until the full course of treatment is complete.
Although the results of laser hair removal may not be permanent, they are longer than the results of other hair removal methods. Through multiple treatment sessions, long-term results may be possible for many patients.
Laser Hair Removal side effects and Risks
Although laser hair removal is a safe procedure, there is always a risk of complication associated with any type of medical procedure.Some of these complications may include:
- Lightening or darkening of the skin
- Scarring
- Change in skin texture
- Blistering
- Incomplete removal of hair
- Regrowth of hair
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
For more information on laser hair removal or to schedule your consultation, call Callender Dermatology & Cosmetic Center today at 301-249-0970.
