March 11th, 2020
Unwanted hair is an embarrassing and often misunderstood problem. Whether it’s facial hair, back hair, or bikini hair, we all have some kind of hair that makes us feel uncomfortable or unattractive. Laser hair removal has been around for years, but how it works, when it works, and on whom it works is often confusing.
Laser hair removal is transformative in how it makes you look and feel. It also gives you freedom and confidence in your body! Here, the experts at Siperstein Dermatology Group have put together common questions and answers, so that you can be excited to have hairless, silky, and of course smooth, skin.
How Does Laser Hair Removal (LHR) Work?
A laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (color) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat which damages the hair follicles under the skin. This damage inhibits future hair growth. That is the science behind getting rid of unwanted hair.
How Many Treatments Do You Need?
Everyone’s treatment is unique, but generally, a series of six to eight treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart is standard, depending on the density of the hair and the area being treated.
The reason why several treatments are needed is that hair grows in different phases. The hairs need to be in the growth (anagen) cycle in order to be treated and eliminated. Siperstein Dermatology treats ALL the hairs in the desired area each visit, the hairs that are in this growth cycle will be eliminated. At your next visit, we will eliminate the next group of hairs in this cycle.
How Long Does It Take For The Hairs To Fall Out?
The treated area can appear red and bumpy after treatment, which is normal and subsides in a few hours or one to two days after treatment. The bumpiness is due to swelling at the root of the hair follicle, this is called “perifollicular edema.” The hairs can take 5 to 14 days to fall out after treatment and many of these hairs will NOT grow back. The good news is that you will have less and less hair after each treatment!
Who Is A Candidate For Laser Hair Removal (LHR)?
The most important quality for a good patient is dark hair. The laser is attracted to the melanin or hair pigment. If the hair is blonde, red, or grey, the laser will not “see” the hair and so LHR is essentially ineffective.
LHR can be done on all skin types with our Cutera® laser at Siperstein Dermatology. We have two different wavelengths to treat both light skin and dark skin. With that being said, it’s important not to “tan” before or after treatment, as we want a safe and effective treatment of the hairs without damaging the skin. If a patient has a tan complexion, the treatment may hyper-pigment skin temporarily which is not a desired side effect.
How Do I Prepare For Laser Hair Removal (LHR)?
One day prior to treatment we ask that you shave the area to be treated. The reason for this is that the laser is treating the hair follicle under the skin. If there is a lot of hair on top of the skin the treatment can be more painful and ineffective. Also, the laser can burn your skin if there is dark hair laying on top.
After treatment, we apply a soothing cream and sunscreen to the treated area. We recommend that you wear loose clothing post-treatment and that you avoid hot tubs, Jacuzzis, swimming pools, and hot showers for a couple of days.
Is Laser Hair Removal (LHR) Painful?
I’m not going to lie, laser hair removal is uncomfortable, especially the first few treatments. The light energy in the laser is converted to heat, which can feel like a rubber band snapping the skin during treatment. The laser is attracted to the hair, therefore the more hair you have, the more discomfort you will experience. The positive side of this is the treatments will hurt less and less as your hair is eliminated. So, your third treatment is easier than your first and so on down the line.
Is Laser Hair Removal (LHR) Worth It?
Eliminating hair follicles with LHR will make your skin unbelievably soft and silky. I did not know I had soft skin until I got rid of my unwanted hair! Getting dressed in the morning will be a breeze as you can wear whatever you want without thinking about shaving! Plus, you will have LESS time in the shower and MORE time in your life! Just think, in only a few months’ time you never have to shave again! Being hair-free is real freedom!
Where Can I Get Laser Hair Removal (LHR) In Palm Beach County?
Do you have more questions? The experts at Siperstein Dermatology Group have two locations conveniently serving Southern Palm Beach County, and they have answers. With offices located in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, our providers maintain the highest levels of accreditation and licensing and are continuously pursuing ongoing education to stay on top of the latest trends in dermatology. Be your own kind of beautiful! Call us today to schedule a consultation.
Filed under Laser Treatments
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