Laser hair removal is a medical technique that removes unwanted hair by using a focused beam of light (laser).
A laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair during the laser hair removal session. The light energy is transformed to heat, which destroys the hair-producing tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles). This damage prevents or postpones future hair development.
Although laser hair removal can successfully delay hair growth for extended periods, it seldom results in permanent hair eradication. In the beginning, many laser hair removal treatments are necessary, and maintenance treatments are as well. Laser hair removal works best on light skin and dark hair, although it works on people of all skin types.
Why do you need Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair
The success of laser hair removal depends on the hair color and skin type. The fundamental idea is that the pigment in the hair should absorb light, but not the pigment in the skin. The laser should only harm the hair follicles while causing no harm to the skin. Consequently, a difference in hair and skin color – black hair and light skin — produces the best effects.
When there is minimal contrast between hair and skin color, the risk of skin damage increases, but the progress in the laser technology has made laser hair removal an option for those with darker skin. Laser hair removal is less efficient on hair colors that hardly absorb light, such as gray, red, blond, and white.
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects and Risks
The risk of unfavorable effects varies according to skin type, hair color, treatment strategy, and adherence to pre-and post-treatment care. The following are the most frequent laser hair removal unfavorable effects:
- Skin irritant. Following laser hair removal, there may be some temporary pain, redness, and edema. Any signs and symptoms usually go away after a few hours.
- Color shifts. Laser hair removal may cause the distressed skin to darken or lighten. These modifications might be temporary or permanent. Those who do not anticipate sun exposure before or after treatment are more likely to have skin whitening. The skin whitening is also observable for those with darker skin.
Laser hair removal can occasionally cause blistering, crusting, scarring, or other changes in skin texture. Graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth surrounding treated regions, particularly on darker skin, are other uncommon adverse effects.
Due to the risk of severe eye damage, laser hair removal is not recommended for eyelids, brows, or adjacent regions.
How to get ready for Laser hair removal?
Choose a professional who is certified in a specialty such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery. The professional can have expertise with laser hair removal on your skin type if you are interested in laser hair removal. If the procedure is performed by a surgeon assistant or a licensed nurse, ensure that a doctor supervises and is present on-site during the treatments. Be wary of spas, salons, or other establishments that allow nonmedical staff to perform laser hair removal.
Before undergoing laser hair removal, talk with your doctor to decide if this is the best treatment choice for you. Your doctor will almost certainly conduct the following:
- Examine your medical history, including drug usage, skin problems or scarring history, and previous hair removal operations.
- Go over the risks, advantages, and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and cannot accomplish for you.
- Take photographs for before-and-after comparisons and long-term evaluations.
Discuss a treatment plan and associated charges during the session. Typically, laser hair removal is out-of-pocket expenditure.
In addition, the doctor will provide specialist advice for preparing for laser hair removal.
- Staying out of the sun is one example. Avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment should be done under your doctor’s recommendations. Apply an SPF30 sunscreen every time you walk outside.
- Lightening your skin tone. Any sunless skin products that darken your skin should not be used. If you have a recent tan or darker skin, your doctor may also prescribe a skin whitening lotion.
- Abstaining from using other hair removal techniques. Plucking, waxing, and electrolysis can cause hair follicle disruption and should be avoided for at least four weeks before treatment.
- Stopping from blood-thinning medicines. Before the surgery, consult your doctor about which medications to avoid, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Area for shaving therapy. The day before laser therapy, it is advised that you trim and shave. It eliminates hair above the skin, which can cause superficial skin damage from burned hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact beneath the skin.
What you may expect
Laser hair removallower hair growth
You will wear special goggles for each treatment to protect your eyes from the laser beam. If required, an assistant may shave the spot again. To relieve any discomfort during treatment, the doctor may administer a topical anesthetic to your skin.
Throughout the process
The doctor will apply a hand-held laser device to your skin. A cooling device or a cool gel may be employed to protect your skin and reduce the danger of side effects.
At the activation, the laser beam passes through your skin to the hair follicles. The laser beam’s high heat destroys the hair follicles, inhibiting hair growth. You may experience discomforts, such as a heated pinprick, as well as a sense of cold from the cooling device or gel.
A tiny region, such as the top lip, may only require a few minutes of treatment.
Following the process
For the initial few hours following laser hair removal, you may experience redness and swelling.
Apply ice to the affected region to alleviate any discomfort. If you experience a skin response right after laser hair removal, your doctor may apply a steroid cream to the afflicted area.
Avoid sunlight and tanning beds for six weeks after laser hair removal and between sessions, or as recommended by your doctor. Every day, use an SPF30 sunscreen.
Results
Hair does not come out instantly, but rather for days to weeks. This may appear to be continuing hair growth. Multiple treatments are typically required because hair growth and loss occur in a natural cycle. Laser therapy works best with hair follicles in the new-growth period.
The outcomes vary greatly and are difficult to predict. Most people have hair removal that lasts many months, and in some cases, years. However, laser hair removal does not ensure permanent hair removal. Hair that regrows is often finer and lighter in color.
Long-term hair removal may necessitate maintenance laser treatments.
What about lasers at home?
If you decide to use laser hair removal equipment at home, make sure to follow the directions that come with it to help limit the chance of harm, particularly eye problems.
