Over a million laser hair removal operations were carried out by medical professionals in the US in 2016, according to the National Laser Institute. More people are choosing to have their underarm hair removed using lasers, and for good reason: most patients find laser hair removal to be an effective alternative to waxing, shaving, and plucking their underarm hair.
But is laser hair removal actually effective? For many people, laser hair removal may stop the development of hair in the targeted hair follicles by over 90%, eliminating the need for future shaving or waxing.
This article will go over everything you need to know about laser hair removal for the underarms, including the technique, reasons you might desire it, aftercare instructions, and any side effects.
Knowledge about Laser Hair Removal
Most of us find the idea of Laser hair removal daunting, yet lasers are considerably less complicated than you may imagine.
The laser gadget intensifies pulsing light beams to create lasers. The heat produced by the powerful laser beam is sufficient to permanently harm the hair follicles located beneath the epidermis. The hair follicle cannot produce more hair as a result of this injury.
Laser hair removal works better on those with lighter skin and darker hair because to the contrast in skin and hair colors. This is because the laser immediately targets the hair follicle due to its distinct hue from the skin.
Although the history of laser hair removal can be found in our page, earlier versions of the technology had more restrictions, but as laser technology has advanced, it is now feasible to treat people with all skin tones and hair colors.
At Ethos Spa, we offer the tools and knowledgeable staff to handle your delicate needs:
For the greatest outcomes, a person typically needs 6 to 10 treatments, with one every 6 weeks. This is due to the fact that only hair follicles in the growth stage (as opposed to the resting or falling stages) may be treated, and it takes around six weeks for the hair to enter the growth stage.
Three Different Types of Laser
For laser hair removal, there are three common types of lasers. These consist of:
The quickest laser for laser hair removal is alexandrite, one of the first types of lasers ever created (only the ruby laser came before it). It works best on those with pale skin tones.
Diode: The diode laser is frequently used on individuals with dark skin.
Nd:
YAG: Because the Nd:YAG produces longer light pulses than the other laser types, it is effective on all types of skin. When applied to lighter hair hues, it is, however, less effective. What Hair Is Best for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a fairly specialized process that is most effective on particular body areas and hair types. If you’re thinking about laser hair removal, these places are where it works best:
Bikini region
the lips’ surrounding skin
Underarm regions, chin
The arms, legs, or back are additional regions where there is noticeable hair growth, and while laser hair removal can still be successful there, it may take more sessions or the results may not last as long to match those in simpler areas.
In terms of the hair type that responds best to laser hair removal, patients with dark, coarse, and thick hair are excellent candidates. This is because a strong contrast between the skin and hair is necessary for the laser, and the more coarse and black the hair, the simpler it is for the hair follicle to absorb the energy of the light beam.
Why Laser Hair Removal in the Underarms Might Be a Good Idea
Every year, the hair removal equipment market generates close to $1 billion in sales. There is no denying the rising popularity of shaving one’s torso and face. However, there are several more reasons why you would want laser hair removal in addition to the benefit of permanent or almost permanent hair removal. These consist of:
Odor
It’s critical to comprehend what creates body odor beneath the arms. In and of itself, sweat is an odorless bodily byproduct. The presence of bacteria is what contributes to the link between perspiration and body odor. When perspiration is present, bacteria on the body grow, and as a result, the sweat is converted into acids that give off the foul stench.
One of the key justifications for choosing underarm laser hair removal is body odor. While laser hair removal does not stop perspiration or eliminate germs, it does reduce sweat from building up in the underarm region. Armpit hair naturally attracts perspiration, which leads to sweat buildup, bacteria development, and sweat breakdown.
Without hair, perspiration will drain more quickly from the armpit, which will significantly slow the formation of germs. You might want to think about Botox injections for situations of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating if you’re looking for a long-term solution to sweat production.
Aesthetics
The majority of men and women in the US still think it just looks better to keep the underarm area clean, despite the current fad of going “all natural” and allowing the body hair grow out.
Nearly 70% of men claim to shave their underarms, with the majority doing so for cosmetic reasons, according to a Men’s Health poll. Nearly 80% of women, according to another poll, also maintain their underarms free of hair.
Lightens Underarm Darkness
The ability of laser hair removal to brighten skin is one unexpected adverse effect. While laser hair removal won’t alter the skin’s natural hue, once the hair follicles that have darkened the underarms due to stubble and hair growth have been burnt out, the area will be noticeably lighter.
Weary of Alternatives
For years, laser hair removal might save you from shaving your underarms or going to a waxing parlor. Most women have four or more hair removal operations annually, however once laser hair removal has been performed on the necessary regions, this number may be reduced to zero visits.
Underarm laser hair removal frequently asked questions
Yes, laser hair removal is secure. The underarms are completely safe for laser hair removal (and other body parts and areas). The actual technique is mild on the skin and has a similar sensation to shaving or waxing the armpit. Depending on the laser’s power and the region being treated, treatments might last anywhere from 30 seconds to ten minutes.
Patients may report transient, modest adverse effects include redness, irritation, crusting, or small burns.
Is laser hair removal a lifelong process? But laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal Permanent hair removal is seldom accomplished with just one set of treatments. The majority of laser hair removal patients have hair growth 6 to 8 months following treatment; in rare situations, hair doesn’t begin to grow back until a year afterwards. The hair follicles never fully heal, therefore this hair is typically thinner and lighter than the prior hair in the region.
The kind of hair also affects how well the treatments work. Results will remain longer in those with darker hair than in people with grey, red, or blonde hair. Patients should go back for further laser hair removal sessions once or twice a year for genuinely lasting results.
How painful is the laser hair removal process? An initial cold spray is used to chill the skin and decrease any discomfort caused by the laser’s heat. The laser is then pointed towards the skin after that.
The region is exposed to the laser around 8–12 times, each time feeling like a rubber band flicking against the skin. Between 30 seconds and several minutes might pass during the complete procedure for both parties.
Dispelling Myths About Laser Hair Removal
Infertility may result after laser hair removal in the bikini region. That is untrue. The laser barely penetrates the epidermis by around one millimeter, therefore it is not deep enough to affect any essential bodily functions.
Only the hair follicle is affected by the superficial penetration, which causes tiny damage that only slightly reduces 90 percent of hair growth. Internal organs like the ovaries are unaffected by the extra energy that does not enter the hair follicle and is instead reflected off the skin. Also checkout this amazing tattoo removal treatment
Sweating can be reduced via laser hair removal in the underarm region. That is untrue. Only the hair follicles are impacted by laser hair removal. The lymph nodes and sweat glands in the underarm, which cause sweating, are fully unaffected by laser hair removal procedures.
Laser hair removal is not effective on those with dark complexion. Although this was accurate in the early years of laser hair removal development, this issue has been resolved thanks to advances in the technology.
Thanks to lasers with changeable wavelengths that are better able to properly target hair pigment, independent of skin color, people with dark complexion can now receive laser hair removal treatments.
The Underarm Laser Hair Removal Process
Expectations for laser hair removal
You should have reasonable expectations of what the laser hair removal technique can accomplish before you schedule the surgery.
It just won’t work for some people: Laser hair removal could not work at all or as well as you would want for persons who have hair that is too fine, light, or contrasts very little with their skin tone. It’s crucial to have contrast between the hair and the skin, and with laser hair removal, fine hair is the hardest to burn.
There will be some vegetation there: Some patients are shocked to notice hair sprouting right away following a laser hair removal procedure. While the greatest instances can have a 90% reduction in hair growth, some people may only get a 70% reduction. Some people may also require up to 10 treatments—more than the typical number—to achieve the optimum benefits.
Uncomfortability might exist: Some people are more sensitive to pain and have a lower pain threshold. You could have more of a deep needle injection there rather than a “rubber band stinging” sensation.
follow the preparatory guidelines: Prior to your laser hair removal treatment, your clinic should provide you a list of guidelines and recommendations. Following these guidelines is crucial for minimizing your discomfort and agony and optimizing the benefits of your therapy.
Make sure you really want it: Keep in mind that there are other hair removal methods accessible besides laser hair removal. To have the greatest experience, be fully aware of what you are agreeing to before undergoing the treatment.
Recognize the price: In the US, a single laser hair removal treatment costs, on average, $329. The cost is determined by the size of the treatment area and the clinic’s level of experience. Patients typically require 6 sessions, however this can be anything from 1 to 10.
It’s a dedication: After undergoing the process once or twice, the greatest error most individuals make with laser hair removal treatments is to stop the prescribed procedures. Before all hair can be removed, it often takes 6 to 8 sessions. If you simply have one or two sessions, your original investment will be squandered because the hair will come back.
Woman shaving her underarms while getting ready
No tanning: Since there needs to be the greatest difference possible between the color of your skin and your hair, tanning might reduce the effectiveness of laser hair removal. Prior to your laser hair removal surgery, try to avoid sunbathing for up to a month (because of this, many people have their appointments in the winter).
Sunscreen: Apply SPF 50 sunscreen anytime you go outside to keep your skin bright.
No plucking or waxing: It may be more difficult for the laser to harm the hair follicle during the treatment after waxing or plucking. Additionally, try to refrain from whitening your hair before getting laser hair removal.
Shave the area to be treated: Shave the region that will receive laser hair removal a day in advance. This will facilitate the laser’s direct interaction with the hair follicles by facilitating skin penetration.
Lack of goods Apply no creams, lotions, or cosmetics to the region under your arms the day of the surgery. Before the treatment, deodorant will be rinsed off.
Throughout the Session
Depending on the clinic’s procedures and the kind of laser they employ, the laser hair removal treatment varies. However, treatments usually start with the patient seated and the treatment site—the underarm region—being sprayed or air-cooled.
The patient is instructed to remain motionless as the lasers are shot into the hair follicles on the underarm of the equipment. The individual laser zaps can either feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin or like a fast needle injection, depending on the laser’s power and the patient’s pain threshold. Laser Hair Removal: Pregnancy, Recommendations, and Tips
The patient will next be zapped on the other underarm after a sequence of 8–12 zaps, which should take a few seconds or a minute.
The following treatment in a series of six to ten will be requested of the patient six weeks later. The undamaged hair follicles will have ample time to enter the development stage, which is when the laser can have the greatest impact on them.
Doctors may think about increasing the laser intensity of each session to reduce the overall number of treatments if patients have reacted well to the therapy.
Aftercare
Before expecting to see noticeable improvements on their underarms, patients should often wait until their sixth or eighth session. Even while the initial session will result in an instant difference, it may take several sessions before you see all of the hair removed.
Side Effects of Underarm Laser Hair Removal
Minor and Intermittent Adverse Effects
After receiving laser hair removal, the majority of individuals only encounter minimal, transient side effects. This may involve a little itchiness, redness, and swelling. These adverse effects, however, should fade away within an hour or two of the treatment; in other circumstances, they will disappear a day later.
Longer-Lasting Changes in Skin Color
Aside from the normal post-treatment redness, patients have seldom reported skin color changes. If the laser isn’t set up properly, the skin may grow darker or lighter, and this shift in skin pigmentation might persist up to 2-3 months. Try to avoid exposing the afflicted skin to the sun to prevent the issue from becoming chronic.
Scarring
Scarring in the armpits is an uncommon but possible side effect of laser hair removal for certain people. This only happens if the laser is operating at a greater intensity than what is advised or if the laser is operating at a level that is too powerful for the patient’s skin tone. If the laser is excessively powerful and the patient has dark skin, the light might potentially burn both the skin and the hair follicle. Verify the credentials and history of the person doing your laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Growth
A frequent side effect of laser hair removal is laser hair bumps. These are the irritated skin lumps that the laser might induce, which can last for a few days. Apply a cold compress to the afflicted region 3–4 times per day to get rid of armpit laser hair removal pimples. Each application ought should take fifteen minutes. For example, this is something that applies to any laser removal method, such as eyebrow tattoo removal or any other non-invasive laser usage.
Cleanse the skin with a cleanser twice a day for further laser hair bump care. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe it down; avoid scrubbing as this will just make the problem worse. While the bumps are visible, try to avoid using strong soaps and deodorants as they might aggravate the region even more.
Your go-to laser hair removal facility
It is crucial to select a team you can trust for your laser hair removal because the success and efficacy of laser hair removal mostly depend on the knowledge and professionalism of the laser hair removal practitioner. We provide patients with a laser hair removal staff they can rely on at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in Summit, New Jersey.
