Laser Hair Removal Information
Welcome to Laser Hair Removal Information. Here you will find information on removing unwanted hair with lasers.
If you are unhappy with unwanted hair you are not alone. Millions of Americans have unwanted hair. This may be embarrassing such as an overly furry back on a man or a mustache on a woman. Or it may be hair that is inconvenient such as having to shave the legs frequently.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure to bring about the permanent or semi-permanent cessation of hair growth on any part of the body. Common areas of treatment include armpits, legs, face, and the bikini area. The procedure can be done on almost any area of the body where hair is not desired.
During the treatment, a technician, nurse, or doctor uses a highly focused laser to target and burn away hair follicles under the skin. It removes the hair by selectively heating the melanin or pigment in the hair follicle where hair growth occurs without damaging the rest of the skin.
Are There Any Risks?
Performed by well-trained, competent technicians, there are few permanent laser hair removal side effects. That said, because laser hair removal essentially burns away hair that you don’t want hanging around – there can be occasional problems. Potential effects include scarring, blistering, a change in the skin texture, puckering, and a lightening or darkening of skin color. These effects are generally temporary, but it’s best to be aware before arranging for treatment.
Is Laser Hair Removal A Permanent Solution?
The frustrating answer here – kind of. Some hair does grow back after a single laser hair removal session, though it often comes back slower and lighter than before. This being the case, it usually takes multiple sessions to bring about semi-permanent hair removal. In addition because hair grows in stages, not all hair will be treated at each laser removal session. Hair can only be treated when it is in the growth phase. So a number of sessions are needed to give the desired effect with laser hair removal. In general most hair grows back lighter, smaller and less pigmented with a reduction in the hair amount of up to 90 percent.
The human body has an incredible capacity for healing – this is a good thing – but does mean that, over the course of a number of years, some of the affected hair follicles may heal enough to start growing again. Touch up sessions are generally needed.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right For Me?
There are really two parts to this question – first, why you want to get rid of your hair, and second, how effective the treatment will be for you. Only you can answer the first part – there are a lot of cosmetic and practical reasons to want a more permanent hair removal solution than shaving or waxing.
As for the second part of the question – laser hair removal is most effective for people with light skin and dark hair. The laser heating is able to clearly target the follicles in such a high-contrast environment. The treatment is not as effective – and not recommended – for those with blond or gray hair, or those with dark skin.
How Do I Get Ready?
Prepping for a laser hair removal session is pretty simple. Essentially, don’t do anything that will irritate your skin or hair follicles. No tanning, sunbathing, or other cosmetic or spa treatments – massage should be fine. Because laser hair removal depends on an intact hair follicle for effectiveness, don’t wax, sugar, or pluck your hair prior to the treatment – if you pull the hair, there’s less available for the laser to work on. In addition inform the technician of any supplements and medications you are taking. Avoid laser hair removal if you are pregnant.
Aftercare
Some liken the aftercare of a laser hair removal session to that of a new tattoo, though the effects are less drastic. Expect some swelling, tenderness, and even a bit of crusting as the skin heals from what is essentially a lot of tiny burns. Wash the treated areas gently – now is not a time for the loofah or any vigorous scrubbing! Keep your skin clean and dry, and stay out of the sun – this includes tanning – for a week or two.
Laser hair removal can be a wonderful way to free your body from hair for extended periods of time. For best results consult a board certified physician or laser hair removal center in your area to discuss laser hair removal information and see what is best for you
