Imagine never having to shave, wax or tweeze again. Laser Hair Removal is an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure that eliminates unwanted hair.
The procedure uses heat from a laser to destroy hair follicles and prevent future growth. It works well on virtually all skin tones and textures. Offering comprehensive services for your convenience with IPL Langley.
Laser Hair Removal is a safe and effective procedure for most people, provided it is performed by a trained medical professional such as a dermatologist. However, many at-home laser hair removal devices are not properly calibrated and can lead to permanent damage to the skin.
When used properly, a laser emits pulses of light that destroy the hair follicles and prevent their regrowth. The laser’s cooling technology keeps the surrounding skin from getting burned. In addition, the laser does not affect other areas of the body that are not receiving treatment.
The procedure is considered the practice of medicine in 35 states, but nonmedical personnel who offer laser hair removal do not require on-site medical supervision. Although the treatment is safe for most people, it can cause temporary side effects immediately after treatment, including skin irritation and pigmentation changes.
Prior to the procedure, a consultation is conducted with a dermatologist or licensed professional. During this session, the provider will discuss the goals of the procedure and assess the patient’s skin and hair type. It is important to avoid sun exposure before the appointment, as it may increase sensitivity. In addition, it is necessary to shave the treatment area a day or two before the procedure.
During the treatment, the provider will cover the area with a protective gel or lotion to reduce discomfort. Then, the laser will be applied to the treatment area. The provider will continuously monitor the area for the proper depth of penetration. If the provider detects a deviation from the expected depth of penetration, the laser will be turned off immediately.
After the procedure, the treated area may be red and swollen. Some patients will also experience blistering, which is a normal side effect and should resolve within a few days to a week. Patients can use ice packs to help reduce swelling and pain.
A few months after the treatment, patients should notice that hair growth is reduced or has stopped. However, it is important to note that not all hair is eliminated with the first treatment and touch up maintenance treatments are required for most patients.
Effective
Laser Hair Removal is an effective way to permanently reduce unwanted hair, reducing or eliminating the need for annual touch-ups. The treatment works by destroying the hair follicle, leaving the skin with a smoother appearance. The treatment can be used on all skin types and skin tones, making it possible for everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin. It can take several treatments to achieve the desired results, and some hair will regrow after each treatment. However, the hair will be much thinner than it was previously, and the overall appearance will be more desirable than if the area were constantly covered in unwanted hair.
The laser emits a beam of pulsed energy that targets the hair follicles due to their contrasting color against the skin. The pulses of laser energy heat up the follicles, destroying them and stopping them from producing new hair. This prevents ingrown hairs and razor bumps, which can be a problem with traditional shaving and waxing. The number of treatments will vary, depending on the thickness and color of the hair and hormonal influences, but most patients require at least five sessions, spaced four weeks apart.
During your treatment, you will likely experience some discomfort, which can be reduced by applying a cooling gel or taking a mild pain reliever. The procedure only takes a few minutes to perform on smaller areas like the upper lip, while larger areas may require up to an hour. The skin might look a bit sunburned after the treatment, but it is important to keep it protected from sunlight and use cold compresses on the treated area.
After your treatment, it is normal for the skin to be red and swollen for a few hours. You should avoid direct contact with the sun and use a cold compress on the treated area to help reduce the swelling and redness. It might also be a little painful for a few days as the hair follicles begin to shed, but the pain should subside after a few days.
Less common side effects include hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, blistering, scarring, and herpes simplex outbreaks. These risks can be reduced by following your practitioner’s instructions for pre- and post-treatment care. If you have any concerns, it is important to discuss them with your doctor or a specialist.
Long-Lasting
Laser Hair Removal is a safe, long-lasting, and effective option for reducing unwanted hair. Some people experience permanent results after multiple treatment sessions. It’s important to follow your dermatologist’s guidelines for treatments, as these will help you achieve the best possible results.
Before you undergo laser hair removal, it’s a good idea to let your hair grow out for a few weeks. This will give the laser a better target, which helps to reduce the number of hairs that regrow after the procedure. It’s also a good idea to avoid plucking, waxing, and other types of hair removal before your treatment.
During laser hair removal, a handheld device emits pulses of high-energy light that destroy the hair follicles and skin cells. You may feel a slight snapping sensation as the laser light targets the area. Your doctor may apply a cooling mechanism to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. Laser treatments can last just a few minutes for small areas or more than an hour for large regions like the back.
The results of your laser hair removal will depend on how dark your hair and skin color are, as well as the type of hair you have. Hair follicles with pigment (melanin) absorb light and are easier to target. However, blond and white hair doesn’t have enough melanin to absorb the light. As a result, these hairs aren’t as easily treated by the laser.
In addition to your hair and skin color, hormone changes can impact how successful your treatment will be. This is why you’ll need several laser treatments to get the best results.
Although laser treatment can be very effective for most people, you will likely require touch-ups. These are usually performed at regular intervals to maintain your desired results. You might need a touch-up every few months, or even years after your initial treatments. If you do need a touch-up, the regrowth is typically lighter and thinner than it was before your initial treatments. To learn more about laser hair removal, contact a dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green at her private practice in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Side Effects
During laser hair removal, the doctor presses a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. The laser’s light emitting heat damages the hair follicle, which prevents future growth. Your doctor may use a cooling mechanism or cool gel on the tip of the instrument to protect your skin and minimize discomfort. The procedure might last a few minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated. Some people describe the sensation of the treatment as a series of rubber band snaps against their skin.
You might experience slight redness or swelling after your laser hair removal. This is a result of the laser causing heat to damage your skin’s surface cells, but it isn’t anything serious and should go away on its own within hours. It’s also possible that you might notice some darker or lighter spots on your skin after the treatment. These are typically the results of your skin’s pigmentation adjusting to the new state. It is important to talk to an experienced dermatologist about the benefits and side effects of laser hair removal before you decide to undergo this treatment.
Laser hair removal is safe for most skin complexions, although it doesn’t work as well on very dark or very pale hair colors. The difference is due to how easily or how difficult the hair absorbs the light from the laser. This affects the effectiveness of the treatment and the appearance of the resulting hair.
You can expect to need two to six laser hair removal sessions, spaced in four- to eight-week intervals. Your doctor will determine how many treatments you need after an initial consultation. During these sessions, you’ll wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes from the laser’s beam. Before each session, you’ll need to trim and shave the treatment area. This will provide a good target for the laser and help avoid accidental damage to your skin. Your doctor might also prescribe a skin bleaching cream for darker skin types to lighten your skin before the treatment.