Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment option for both men and women, especially when applied on light skin with dark hair, as the contrast helps the laser target its wavelength directly to reach and destroy each follicle of hair follicles.
However, modern laser technology is capable of treating a broader spectrum of skin complexions and hair colors, with results typically featuring finer and lighter-colored hair regrowth.
Painless
Laser hair removal uses pulses of light to target and damage unwanted hair follicles, stopping their future hair growth. This non-invasive procedure is relatively painless and suitable for face, armpits, legs, bikini line and other areas; sterilized skin will be numbed prior to being sterilized with topical anesthetic before the procedure commences while protective goggles will protect both eyes during this process.
Laser hair removal sessions typically cause some minor discomfort, likened to snapping of a rubber band or sunburn-like sensations. Individuals with sensitive skin may require premedication with mild sedatives in order to ease any possible discomfort during treatments.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatment, it’s crucial that patients follow all pretreatment and posttreatment instructions to help minimize side effects such as irritation, itching, pink skin discoloration, redness or swelling around the treatment area – these symptoms typically last two or three days afterward.
As with any laser treatment, patients should refrain from tanning in the weeks before receiving laser therapy as well as waxing, tweezing or plucking of any sort in the area being targeted by laser. Lasers don’t work as effectively on tanned skin and won’t remove hair as efficiently.
Permanent
Laser hair removal is a permanent solution, though it may take multiple sessions for optimal results. During each treatment session, the laser targets individual follicles and destroys them; those destroyed won’t ever produce hair again but some might regrow later from other follicles with lighter color and texture hair than its original source.
Laser treatments will likely result in redness and swelling post-session, similar to mild sunburn symptoms. Ice may help soothe discomfort. You should also try avoiding direct sunlight or tanning beds after receiving laser therapy and instead use broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily; additionally, acne medications or any skin care products which could interact with laser treatment should be avoided as this could increase side effects.
At the time of laser treatment, your dermatologist will press a handheld device against your skin that emits a small plume of smoke that smells of sulfuric. Additionally, this laser device measures your skin tone and hair color to make sure that the laser doesn’t accidentally target healthy cells or darker pigmentation instead.
Laser treatment is most successful when administered by an experienced cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in this field. Many MedSpas and at-home laser devices don’t produce optimal results for all skin types, and improper usage may even be dangerous. A skilled cosmetic dermatologist will work closely with you to tailor a plan specifically tailored to meet your individual needs and goals.
Requires Multiple Treatments
Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions in order to provide effective results. It works by targeting dark pigment in hair follicles, so with each treatment more of your unwanted hairs will be targeted and destroyed. While your exact number of sessions depends on body part and hair type, most commonly six to eight sessions at four to six week intervals should suffice.
Before the procedure begins, a medical specialist will first clean and numbing gel to the area where treatment will take place if necessary. Furthermore, eyewear will be worn to protect eyes against laser beams with high energy light energy levels; treatments generally last only several minutes but larger areas such as back may take up to an hour for completion.
Just after treatment, you may experience redness or swelling that resembles sunburn; applying ice can help alleviate these symptoms. Also be sure to avoid direct sunlight and always wear broad spectrum sunscreen whenever going outdoors.
Laser hair removal is usually not covered by health insurance; however, if you suffer from pilonidal cysts or hidradenitis suppurativa you might be able to convince your insurer to cover some of its cost. Furthermore, treatment offices might offer package options or payment plans which might help.
Cost
Comparative to the long-term costs associated with shaving, waxing and other hair removal methods such as electrolysis and plucking, laser treatment for unwanted hair is a relatively affordable and permanent solution. Before making a decision to undergo laser hair removal treatment, however, it’s essential that one fully comprehends its full cost as this varies based on body area, surgeon fees, geographic location and other factors; consult a specialist about their pricing before making your choice.
Laser hair removal costs are heavily determined by the type of laser used. Spot size and fluence determine how deeply energy penetrates into skin to target hair follicles; smaller spot sizes with higher fluence can reach deeper hair follicles more quickly, while larger spot sizes with increased fluence could damage surrounding tissues and tone more severely.
Laser hair removal costs vary based on how many sessions are necessary to achieve desired results, with darker skin tones generally needing more sessions than lighter ones for successful removal of their unwanted hair. Furthermore, how much hair was removed per session also determines costs – expect to spend more for larger areas like legs than smaller spots such as ears or eyebrows.
