Removing hair from undesirable places in your body can be a tedious job. You can use tweezers, apply waxes and use shaves every night but your hair seems to keep on growing and growing as if it doubles its rate of growth every time you get rid of them.
If you seek other options that leave your armpit flawless for weeks, do continue reading as here are 7 things you need to know about Laser Hair Removal treatment.
Table Of Contents
- Things You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal
- 1. Isn’t As Complicated As It Sounds
- 2. Shave Before Your Appointment
- 3. Individuals With Thick, Coarse, Dark Hair Are The Best Candidates
- 4. Results Will Vary
- 5. Yes, It Will Hurt
- 6. It Will Cost Ya
- 7. There Are Few Risks
- Final Verdict
Things You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal
1. Isn’t As Complicated As It Sounds
In a nutshell, laser hair removal treatment like the ones offered by NUWays MD is a type of medical procedure that utilizes light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER), to remove unwanted hair follicles in specific areas.
During the laser hair removal treatment, a concentrated light is emitted, which is absorbed by the hair pigment (melanin). The absorbed light will then be converted into heat energy which then damages the hair follicles which is responsible for the hair production in the body. This process then effectively delays future hair growth in particular areas. This treatment is ideal for people who want to get rid of hair in unwanted places for longer time periods.
Nowadays, there are varieties of light-based aesthetic technologies that are used for hair removal treatments.
Two of the most prominent hair removal technologies are Laser Hair Removal and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments. Both treatments are different but yield desirable results and essentially work in the same manner.
Laser hair removal is a diode technology that uses a wavelength of 800 to 810 nanometers which is a single concentrated wavelength of light that targets the hair pigment. On the other hand, IPL produces a wide spectrum of light that is around 550 to 1200 nanometers targeting the melanin in the hair as well.
2. Shave Before Your Appointment
In preparation for laser hair removal, it is a prerequisite that you have diligently researched the dermatologists and the treatment facility that you wish to set an appointment with. Be cautious with spas and other facilities that assign nonmedical personnel to conduct the treatment as it may be dangerous for you.
To prepare for your appointment, shaving the day before is highly recommended as it removes the hair above the skin leaving the hair follicle intact below the surface. This minimizes the risk of having skin damage from burnt hair. It is highly recommended to lighten your skin and avoid direct sunlight before your appointment. Finally, do not pluck, wax, or use electrolysis four weeks before your appointment as this disturbs the hair follicle under your skin.
3. Individuals With Thick, Coarse, Dark Hair Are The Best Candidates
The best candidates for hair removal are those who have light skins and dark hair. This is because the contrast between the skin and the hair makes it easier to target the melanin in the hair. This implies that individuals who have darker skin may require time to get the desired results from the hair removal treatment.
However, that would not mean anything as with today’s new technologies, laser hair removal for lighter hairs or darker skin tones will be done in a jiffy. Moreover, there are various methods that you can choose from, aside from laser hair removal.
4. Results Will Vary
In order to achieve lasting results, all sessions must be completed.
Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments, depending on the area that receives the treatment. Likewise, in areas where hair is usually thicker, treatments are repeated in four to eight weeks while the areas of slow hair growth require a longer period. It is very necessary to have follow-up treatments to get the most out of the hair removal treatment,
After every session, you should expect that the hair will not fall in an instant, instead, it will shed over the course of time, usually in days or weeks.
Hair removal greatly varies between individuals. Some people have several months before the hair grows back, others last for years. But certainly, hair removal is not permanent to anyone.
5. Yes, It Will Hurt
Different from traditional methods of hair removal, lasers target hair follicles using tiny beams of light. During the entire procedure, you may feel mild discomfort resembling a rubber band that is being snapped to your skin.
After a session, you’ll be able to notice redness and irritation that is comparable to a sunburn.
Dermatologists usually provide topical numbing cream prior to the procedure to minimize pain. Additionally, you should avoid exposure of the treated part to direct sunlight and apply after-care as instructed by the doctor.
6. It Will Cost Ya
The cost of your first Laser Hair Removal may vary depending on many factors which include, and are not limited to the following:
- The location where the procedure will be conducted
- The size of the area being treated
- The time required to finish the treatment
- The practitioner that will be doing the procedure
It is highly advised that you first consult the nearest facility that offers the specific treatment you are looking for.
However, to give you a rough estimate, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, on average, it would cost you around $290 per session of laser hair removal treatment.
7. There Are Few Risks
The risks and side effects may vary from one person to another. This may vary with the hair color, treatment plan, skin type, and the diligence to adhere to pre-treatment and post-treatment care.
- Skin irritation – Redness and swelling are very much expected after the cosmetic procedure and these symptoms usually appear within several hours after the hair removal treatment.
- Pigment changes – The treatment may alter the skin pigmentation of the affected area which can be temporary or permanent if not dealt with properly.
In some cases, hair removal may cause scarring, crusting, blistering, and changes in skin texture.
It is not recommended for areas surrounding the eye as it may cause eye injury to the patient. Additionally, if the person is pregnant, it is not advisable for her to undergo this treatment. However, it is relatively safe for an individual to undergo this process when she has a period.
Final Verdict
Although not permanent, laser hair removal remains one of the best options to slow down hair growth in particular areas. Additionally, if you are looking for other long-term hair removal treatment options, you can discuss them with your dermatologist and have broader insights regarding this topic.
