People have been trying to remove unwanted hair since forever. The history of traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, tweezing, and waxing, can be traced back to ancient Egyptian civilizations. Although some of these traditional hair removal methods can be quite irritating and painful, they paved the way for modern hair removal technologies, such as laser hair removal.
But what is laser hair removal, and what makes it special?
Here is everything you need to know about laser hair removal.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removalunwanted hair
Although laser hair removal is effective in delaying the growth of hair for an extended period, it does not remove hair permanently. Indeed, after undergoing several treatments for the initial hair removal, you will need periodic maintenance treatments to maintain the results.
The Ideal Candidate for Laser Hair Removal
Unfortunately, laser hair removal is not for everyone. The ideal candidate for the treatment should:
- Have thick unwanted body hair
- Have light skin and dark hair
- Have healthy skin and a clear medical history
- Have realistic expectations
It is also important to note that laser hair removal works best on larger areas, such as legs, back, arms, and underarms. However, this does not rule out the use of the laser to remove hair on other areas, such as the bikini area and the face.
In fact, it is possible to use the technique to remove hair from any area except around the eyes.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removalhair follicles
Since the laser is attracted by the dark pigment in hair, patients with darker skin are likely to get better results. However, even with dark hair, having dark skin can be a disadvantage since it will make it more difficult for the laser to specifically target hair. The good news is that there is a special laser for patients with dark skin. Unfortunately, people with light hair are less likely to benefit from laser hair removal since the laser does not focus well on non-pigmented hair.
What the Procedure Entails
During the treatment, the laser device will emit a beam of light onto the skin area with unwanted hair. The hair follicles will absorb the laser and consequently get damaged. Each pulse of light will treat multiple hairs at once, making the procedure quick and easy. The procedure is generally painless, but your plastic surgeon may opt to apply a numbing gel to minimize discomfort. Depending on the size of the area to be treated, the procedure should take 10 to 30 minutes. However, you may need to undergo four to six treatment sessions to see lasting results.
Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
Like any other cosmetic treatment, laser hair removal is not without some side effects. For instance, the treatment might cause mild skin irritation, skin redness, and swelling. Laser hair removal can also affect the skin pigments of the treatment area. It is important to talk about these risks with your plastic surgeon before the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Hair Removal
Can laser hair removal be used during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the growth of unwanted hair in areas like the stomach and breasts may increase. Therefore, you may be tempted to go for laser hair removal during pregnancy, and you might be wondering if it is safe to do so. Unfortunately, there are no studies on the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy. Therefore, it is wise for you to err on the side of caution and avoid laser hair removal until you have delivered.
Does laser hair removal cause infertility?
It is a myth that laser hair removal can cause infertility. This is because the radiation from the laser equipment is not strong enough to reach the tissues below the skin. However, if you are currently trying to get pregnant, you may have to talk to your doctor about the possible risks.
Does laser hair removal require downtime?
Laser hair removalskin redness
Is laser hair removal painful?
Laser hair removalMost patients
Can laser hair removal cause cancer?
Laser hair removalprecancerous lesions
