Unwanted hair on body areas like the face, underarms, back, and legs can be frustrating. As such, people spend hours of their lives shaving, waxing, plucking, or threading to get rid of unwanted hair. However, these hair removal methods often cause side effects like cuts and ingrown hairs. Additionally, their side effects are short-lived. The good news is that Dr. Kenneth Thompson offers laser hair removal-a medical procedure that uses pulses of laser light to destroy hair follicles, delaying hair growth for an extended period.
What happens during laser hair removal?
Before laser hair removal, your provider will clean the area to be treated. A numbing gel may be necessary if the treatment involves a small area with sensitive skin. If you need numbing, your provider will apply the gel about 30 to 60 minutes before treatment.
Usually, treatment occurs in a room set up specifically for laser treatments. You will wear protective eyewear then your provider will hold your skin taut and focus a laser on the hair. The laser pulses don’t cause pain; many patients describe the feeling as warm pinpricks or a rubber band snapped against their skin. During treatment, you may smell smoke that has a sulfur-like smell; this is because the laser removes hair by vaporizing it.
The amount of time your treatment will last depends on the size of the area being treated.
How safe is laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure but can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. For this reason, it is best to work with a skilled dermatologist and adhere to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. Laser treatment’s most common side effects include discomfort, redness, and swelling; these are often minor and disappear within several hours.
What happens after laser hair removal?
Expect some redness and swelling on the treated skin; this often looks like a mild sunburn. You can apply a cool compress to reduce your discomfort. Specialists recommend protecting the skin from the sun; this is vital to avoid possible side effects. Ensure direct sunlight does not hit your treated skin. You also want to avoid sun lamps, tanning beds, or any other indoor tanning equipment and follow your dermatologist’s after-care instructions.
When will I see the results?
Do not expect your hair to fall out immediately after the first treatment. However, you will shed them over days to weeks; this may look like continued hair growth. Dermatologists recommend repeated treatments because hair growth and loss occur in a cycle and laser treatment works best when hair follicles are in the new-growth stage.
Results are difficult to predict since they vary from person to person depending on the treated area, hair color and thickness, type of laser used, and skin color. Most people experience hair removal that lasts for months and even years. Note that laser hair removal does not guarantee permanent hair removal, but hair that regrows is usually finer and lighter.
If you have further questions about laser hair removal, consult your specialist at A Beautiful You Medical Spa.
