Laser hair removal is a permanent method of removing unwanted hair from the body. It’s an advanced and medically effective procedure.
During the treatment, your doctor uses a hand-held laser instrument to target the hair follicles. A cooling device or gel may be applied to help protect your skin.
What is Laser Hair Reduction?
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted facial and body hair. It is the fastest and most effective method to permanently reduce hair growth, resulting in smooth, silky skin.
Unlike waxing and shaving, laser hair removal is not painful, and it does not require the use of chemicals that can cause allergies or ingrown hairs. In addition, laser treatments are able to target each individual follicle, making them less likely to re-grow in the future.
This is why it’s so popular: It is safe, fast and effective, and is the only option to get long-term, permanent hair reduction.
The treatment is performed using a laser that targets hair follicles in the treated area and causes them to heat up. This damages the hair follicles, and makes them incapable of growing any more hair.
It can be used on all skin tones, and is ideal for both men and women. It can remove unwanted hair on the face, legs, arms, underarms, and bikini line.
Some patients report that their skin may feel slightly sensitive for a few days after the procedure, similar to how it feels after a sunburn. However, it is unlikely to be intolerable, and a few cool compresses may help relieve this feeling.
Another common side effect is temporary hyperpigmentation of the treated area, which will fade after a few months. This is normal, and it’s simply a result of the light exposure to the laser energy.
Depending on the patient’s skin type, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments to achieve permanent hair reduction. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on their treated skin for several months or even years–and when it does grow back, it tends to be finer and lighter in color than before.
Pros
For many, keeping their skin hair-free can be a difficult and tedious task. Shaving and waxing are popular methods for removing unwanted body hair, but these often require frequent maintenance to get the best results.
Laser hair removal is a modern alternative to shaving and waxing that removes unwanted hair permanently. It works by beaming a concentrated light into the pigments in your hair follicles, which destroys them and reduces future growth.
Although it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of regrowth, the permanent reduction offered by laser treatment is one of the most effective long-term solutions for getting rid of unwanted hair. It also doesn’t cause the same type of damage as other hair-removal methods, which can be a plus for those with sensitive skin or acne-prone conditions.
Another pro is that you can see results after only a few sessions. Unlike other treatments that require multiple appointments, laser treatment only takes a few minutes for each session. This makes it a great option for quick and easy treatments, like underarms or bikini areas.
The process can be painful, but it’s far less invasive than other hair-removal options, and most patients feel little discomfort from the experience. Some even describe it as feeling as if they’ve been snapped with a warm rubber band, depending on their pain thresholds.
Some people who are prone to ingrown hairs, which occur when the hair grows into the skin rather than over the surface of it, may find that their skin becomes red and bumpy after a laser treatment. This is due to the sensitivity of the skin in these areas, which can make it difficult for hair to be removed effectively.
Side Effects
Laser hair reduction is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted body hair. It can be used on almost any part of the body, including sensitive areas like the face and bikini line.
The process works by targeting a specialised beam of radiation to the targeted area on your skin. This heat either damages or destroys the hair follicle, which will stop it from growing.
Depending on the type of laser used, the treatment can cause a variety of side effects, including temporary changes in your skin color or damage to the surface of the skin. However, these effects are typically short-lived and should subside within a few hours of your first session.
A few people experience some discomfort during the treatment, including a pin-prick feeling and a little heat. The dermatologist may use a topical anesthetic to reduce this sensation.
Some patients will also experience redness or swelling of the treated area, which may resemble a mild sunburn. This will usually clear up within a few hours and will not last long, but it can be uncomfortable.
You should avoid any tanning beds, UV lamps or indoor tanning equipment in the days following your treatment. This can reduce the effectiveness of your procedure and increase the chance of complications.
The most common side effect of laser hair removal is a small patch of discolored skin on the treated area. This is not uncommon and can be easily treated with a cool compress or bath.
If you experience any pain, swelling or redness in the area after your treatment, it is important to speak with your doctor right away. They may be able to recommend medication or suggest another treatment.
Cost
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It can be used to remove unwanted body hair on many areas of the body, including the legs, arms, back, and face.
The cost of laser hair removal varies depending on the size of the area and other factors, but it usually costs between $150 and $500 per session. To get the best results, you will need to have multiple sessions.
However, the average person saves thousands of dollars in a lifetime by undergoing laser hair removal instead of shaving, waxing, or plucking their hair. If you consider that six sessions of laser hair removal is less expensive than years worth of razors and creams, you will see why the procedure can be a good investment.
Ideally, you should seek out a provider who is trained in and qualified to perform laser hair removal on your skin type. A practitioner with minimal experience may be more likely to cause side effects and complications than a skilled laser specialist.
A reputable and experienced provider will be able to give you accurate estimates of how much laser hair removal will cost for your specific treatment plan. A skilled practitioner will also be able to offer you flexible payment options and packages that can help you make your investment more affordable.
Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery, and it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance plans. However, if you have health insurance that covers a range of medical services, it may cover some or all of your laser hair removal treatment. You should speak with your doctor about whether the treatment is medically necessary and ask to submit your request for reimbursement to your insurance company.
Precautions
When you get a laser hair removal treatment, it is important to take precautions to help ensure your safety and to protect your skin. By following some precautions, you can minimize side effects and increase the effectiveness of your treatment.
First, the type of laser used during your treatment should be based on the guidelines established by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The CSA’s laser classification system classifies devices into seven different hazard classes: 1M, 2M, 3R, 4M, Class 3B and Class 4.
The wavelength of the radiation emitted from a hair removal device can vary between 810 nm to 1450 nm. Because these wavelengths are not visible to the human eye, they are commonly referred to as infrared (IR) radiation.
Class 3B lasers are medium-powered lasers that can emit sufficient IR radiation to be hazardous to unprotected eyes, both direct and reflected viewing. In addition, direct exposure to these beams can be harmful to skin, and can be a fire hazard if the direct beam strikes combustible materials.
If you have recently tanned or used a spray tan, stop using it 4-6 weeks prior to your laser hair removal appointment. This can make it harder for the laser to target the pigment in your hair roots, and will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
It is also recommended to avoid tanning booths and self-tanning products such as creams and lotions that contain UVA or UVB rays. These can also be harsh on your skin and cause a redness or discoloration to the treated area after your laser hair removal treatment.
It is also recommended to exfoliate your skin during the next four weeks after your treatment. This will help remove dead skin cells and speed up the shedding process of your hair follicles.
