Laser hair removal is an effective technique to remove all unwanted hair from the body. It has become a much sought after procedure for combating unwanted hair growth in the past twenty years. With the introduction of this technology in the mid-1990s, the way that we groom has changed. Today, we shall attempt to answer all laser hair removal related queries.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
For majority patients, laser hair removal is not painful. However, it is all dependent upon the patient’s pain threshold. At most, the patient may feel a stinging sensation on the skin during treatment. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the discomfort, including use of cold packs.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
The U.S F.D.A approved it as a safe method for hair removal in 1997. However, the procedure is deemed safe as long as a licensed technician performs it. The patient’s skin might appear red or light pink after the treatment, but the redness will go in sometime.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal involves the use of laser pulses that emit light into the skin, destroying the pigment in the root and follicle of the hair. Energy in the form of heat is generated at the root of the hair. With the root and follicle destroyed, hair can no longer grow. For the success of treatment, hair must be targeted during an active growth phase. Since individual hairs grow at different rates, it takes a varied number of treatment sessions to capture every hair in the growth phase and produce optimal results.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
The cost of this procedure varies depending upon the area of the body requiring treatment. The larger the area, the more time and investment it will require. Laser hair removal is far more affordable than committing to a lifetime of waxing, shaving, and purchasing depilatory creams.
How much time is required to carry out the laser hair removal process?
The time required for laser hair reduction will depend upon the density of the hair growth and area to be treated. Areas such as underarms, face, and chin may take as little as 15 minutes or less, whereas the areas of chest, back, and legs will take some hours to finish. This is not a single sitting procedure and can take several sittings.
When can I expect to see results from laser hair removal?
After the first successful procedure, hair growth will start reducing gradually over the next few months. As is required, dermatologists suggest multiple sittings to remove the hair permanently.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Some patients see permanent results, while some may need a follow-up session every six to twelve months. Results vary depending on the patient’s hair type and skin. Once a hair follicle is destroyed, it will never produce hair again. Any remaining hair follicles will subsequently produce hairs that are lighter and thinner, requiring lesser attention than before. New hair follicles may form over time as a result of ageing, hormonal changes, and individual genetics. For these reasons, some patients schedule touch-up treatments to maintain their results.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Laser Hair Removal?
There is no specific age minimum, but it is important to wait until the patient has gone through puberty to begin laser treatments.
How Do You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
Patients are asked to avoid plucking, waxing, and tanning for two weeks prior to their first treatment. A bath and shave right is advisable before treatment, but any lotions, moisturizers, or sunscreens are to be avoided at that point.
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal done if Pregnant?
It is best to avoid laser hair removal while you’re pregnant. While there is no evidence to suggest that it is unsafe, there have not been long-term studies to analyze the effect of laser on an unborn child. Patients are advised to wait and get laser treatment done only after delivery
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal on Any Part of the Body?
Laser removal can be performed on any area of the body except the eyelids and under eye region. The usual treatment areas are the legs, back, arms, chest, upper lip, underarms, and bikini area. The patient can also get laser hair removal on their ears, nose, scalp, forehead, eyebrows, and other parts of the face.
Can Anybody Get Laser Hair Removal?
Regardless of skin color or hair type, anyone can get laser hair removal done. However, people with lighter skin and darker hair tend to see faster and better results than people with lighter hair or a darker skin tone.
Are There Side Effects to Laser Hair Removal?
One of the primary benefits of laser hair removal is that the side effects are minimal. For some, there is temporary redness, itching, and swelling of the skin right after treatment. These usually subside within a few hours, and most can be soothed by applying a dermatologist prescribed formulation to the treated area.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Sittings Does One Need to Get?
In most cases, patients need between six and twelve treatments, spaced out four to eight weeks apart. The waiting period is a must so as to target every hair follicle when it’s in active growth cycle. Usually, results will be seen in 6-8 treatments, though this number will vary based on skin tone and hair color.
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