Hair removal using a laser? Yikes! Doesn’t that hurt? Does it work? Have no fear; I’m here to tell you everything you need about laser hair removal!
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses a laser (duh!) that turns into heat and is absorbed by hair pigmentation. The heat from the laser damages the hair follicles, which delays hair growth. Laser hair removal often does not completely eliminate hair growth but delays growth for long periods. An important thing to note is that not all hair is removed in one session and requires multiple visits initially and then maintenance treatments afterward. According to the Mayo Clinic, this treatment works best on people with light skin and dark hair. To prepare for laser hair removal, there are a few things you need to do.
- Review your medical history
- Discuss risks, benefits, and your expectations
- Take photos of the “before” stage
- Stay out of the sun
- Avoid blood-thinning medications
- Shave or trim the area you are going to treat (this helps reduce the risk of surface skin damage)
What to Expect from Treatment
The first thing that will happen is the nurse or doctor’s assistant will give you a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from the laser, and they may shave the treatment area again, if necessary. A topical anesthetic may be applied to the site. Next, the laser instrument is held to your skin, and the laser beam travels through the skin to your hair follicles and damages them. You may feel a warm pinprick sensation during the process. The time it takes to complete the procedure depends on the size of the area and can take anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
1. Lasting Results
Laser hair removal is often a semi-permanent to a permanent solution to hair removal. As long as you do the recommended course of laser treatments (determined by your doctor), you may not see hair growth for years.
2. Prevents Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are extremely painful and can be caused by other methods of hair removal like shaving, waxing, and plucking. Because laser hair removal damages the hair follicles, you do not have to worry about ingrown hairs, making it the superior hair removal method.
3. Saving Money in the Long Run
You’ve probably been buying razors or wax for most of your life. Do you know how much you’ve spent on these products? How much time have you spent removing hair? The answer to both of these questions is “a lot.” Laser hair removal sessions may cost a pretty penny, but once the hair is gone, it’s gone, and you don’t have to spend any more money.
Laser hair removal is for anyone who wants hair removed permanently. Treatments are quick, easy, and mostly painless. If you want to save time and money, contact your local laser hair removal center today!
