Do you constantly feel the need to shave or wax your legs? Is the process of hair removal tedious and time-consuming? It’s no secret that hair removal is a common beauty ritual for women & laser hair removal tops the chart among hair removal methods. Whether you’re looking to remove hair from your legs, underarms, or bikini area, it’s important to know what the best method is for you.
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed all across the world. A recent study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) found that there was a 95% increase in laser hair removal procedures between 2017 and 2022. Despite this growing popularity, many people still have questions about the procedure.
In this post, we’ll provide a patient’s guide to :
- What is laser hair removal?
- How does laser hair removal work?
- Laser used in hair removal procedure
- Who is the ideal candidate for LHR
- What to expect before, during, and after treatment.
- Do’s & Don’ts after laser hair removal
- Benefits of laser hair removal over counterparts
- Risk involved in LHR
- What to do for best results after LHR
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal (LHR) is a cosmetic procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair. The light targets the pigment in the hair follicle, destroying the follicle and preventing future hair growth.
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser emits a light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair shaft. This absorption raises the temperature of the hair follicle and thermally destroys it. The heat also damages the cells around the follicle that are responsible for regrowth, so it becomes difficult for new hair to grow in that area.
What type of laser is used for hair removal?
There are many different types of lasers that can be used for hair removal, but the most common are diode lasers and alexandrite lasers.
Who is the ideal candidate for laser hair removal?
The ideal candidate for laser hair removal is someone with dark hair and light skin. This is because the laser targets the pigment in the hair shaft, so it is most effective on those with dark hair. People with lighter skin also tend to have fewer side effects from treatment.
Before treatment, you will need to avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks. This is because sun exposure can make your skin more sensitive to the laser and increase the risk of side effects
You will also need to shave the treatment area before your appointment. Shaving helps to ensure that the laser targets only the hair follicle and not the surrounding skin.
During treatment, you will wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser. The laser will then be directed at the treatment area, and you may feel a slight discomfort similar to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin.
After treatment, you will need to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen when outdoors. You may also experience some redness and swelling in the treated area, but this should subside within a few days.
What are the do’s & don’ts after laser hair removal?
There are a few things you should do (and avoid doing) after laser hair removal in order to minimize side effects and ensure the best possible results.
Do:
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- Avoid sun exposure
- Wear sunscreen when outdoors
- Keep the treated area clean and dry
- Apply a cool compress to the treated area if needed
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Don’t:
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- Pick at or scratch the treated area
- Use harsh soaps or cleansers on the treated area
- Expose the treated area to extreme cold or heat
- Wear tight clothing that rubs against the treated area
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What are the benefits of laser hair removal over other methods?
There are many benefits of laser hair removal over other hair removal methods, such as shaving, waxing, and epilation. Some of these benefits include:
- Precision: Lasers can target specific areas with great precision, making them ideal for small treatment areas like the upper lip or chin.
- Speed: Laser hair removal is a relatively fast procedure, with most appointments taking less than an hour. Larger treatment areas may take longer.
- Long-lasting results: Laser hair removal can provide long-lasting results, with some people seeing permanent hair reduction after just a few treatments.
What are the risks involved in laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed professional. However, there are a few risks involved, such as:
- Skin irritation: The treated area may be red and swollen after the procedure. This is usually temporary and will resolve on its own within a few days.
- Pigment changes: There is a small risk of pigment changes, such as hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). These changes are usually temporary and will resolve on their own over time.
- Eye injury: Lasers can cause serious eye injuries if not used properly. Be sure to wear protective eyewear during the procedure to shield your eyes from the laser.
Who should not have laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because the laser light can penetrate deep into the skin and there is a potential risk of harming the fetus or baby.
Those with dark skin are also at a higher risk for side effects, such as pigment changes. If you have dark skin, be sure to consult with a licensed professional before having laser hair removal.
What should I expect before, during, and after treatment?
Before treatment, you will need to avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks. This is because sun exposure can make your skin more sensitive to the laser and increase the risk of side effects.
You will also need to shave the treatment area before your appointment. Shaving helps to ensure that the laser targets only the hair follicle and not the surrounding skin.
During treatment, you will wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser. The laser will then be directed at the treatment area, and you may feel a slight discomfort similar to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin.
After treatment, you will need to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen when outdoors. You may also experience some redness and swelling in the treated area, but this should subside within a few days.
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What are some alternatives to laser hair removal?
If you are not a good candidate for laser hair removal or do not want to undergo the procedure, there are other methods of hair removal available. These include:
- Shaving: Shaving is a simple and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. It can be done at home and does not require any special equipment.
- Waxing: Waxing removes hair from the root, resulting in smooth,hair-free skin for weeks at a time. It can be done at home or by a professional.
- Epilation: Epilation involves using a device to remove hair from the root. This can be done at home or by a professional.
- Chemical depilation: Chemical depilation uses chemicals to dissolve the hair shaft, resulting in hair that is thinner and easier to remove. This method can be done at home or by a professional.
What to do for best results after LHR?
The following are some suggestions for what you can do to help ensure the best results after your laser hair removal treatment:
- Apply a cooling gel or cream to the treated area: This will help soothe the skin and reduce swelling.
- Avoid sun exposure: It is important to avoid sun exposure before and after your treatment. This will help reduce the risk of pigment changes.
- Wear sunscreen: Be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when spending time outdoors. This will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Avoid hot showers or baths: Hot water can irritate the skin and should be avoided for 24 hours after your treatment.
- Do not shave or wax the treated area: Shaving or waxing can remove the hair follicles that have been targeted by the laser. This will decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.
Interested in learning more about laser hair removal?
If you are interested in learning more about laser hair removal, please consult with a licensed professional. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and determine if the procedure is right for you.
