Is there anything more frustrating than shaving various areas of the body only to have those pesky hairs return within a day or two? It’s a time-consuming process, and quite honestly, many of us simply don’t have the time or energy to keep up with shaving. Whether we’re talking about plucking, shaving or waxing, it’s a task most people dread. That’s where laser hair removal comes in handy. It’s a revolutionary technology that allows men and women to remove unwanted body hair without the hassle associated with traditional methods. So what exactly is laser hair removal and how does it work?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure wherein a concentrated beam of light is used. The pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs this light, which is then converted into heat – damaging the hair follicles within the skin. This delays future hair growth for an extended period of time. It’s incredibly effective, even for people with dark hair. Although initial hair removal can be achieved with a few laser hair removal treatments, maintenance treatments can be done to maintain the results.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Laser Hair Removal?
Fortunately, laser hair removal is a fairly safe procedure with minimal risks. However, everyone reacts differently. Risks or side effects may vary depending on the individual’s treatment plan, hair color, and skin type. The most common risks or side effects may include:
- Skin irritation: Redness, discomfort, and swelling may occur. However, this typically goes away within a few hours.
- Pigment changes: Affected skin may be lightened or darkened following treatment. However, this is typically temporary.
In very rare cases, individuals may experience blistering, scarring, and other issues relating to skin texture. In addition, individuals may experience graying of treated hair. Laser hair removal should be avoided around the eye area, such as the eyebrows or eyelids, to prevent potential eye injuries.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is commonly used around the world to get rid of stubborn, unwanted body hair. However, it’s important to understand the benefits of laser hair removal before making an appointment. Here are some of the top benefits of laser hair removal:
- Cost-effective: Laser hair removal eliminates the need to spend money on regular wax treatments, depilatory creams, and various other methods of hair removal. It lasts much longer than other methods, so even though the cost may be more expensive up-front, individuals will save a huge amount of cash compared to other methods of hair removal.
- No ingrown hairs: We all know how frustrating and painful ingrown hairs can be. Unlike other methods of hair removal, there’s no need to worry about ingrown hairs popping up afterward. In fact, laser hair removal can actually improve existing ingrown hairs! Plus, there’s no razor burn or other painful irritation.
- More precise: Laser hair removal is incredibly precise – targeting hairs right at the follicle to get each and every growth. Unlike other hair removal methods, there’s no need to worry about missing a patch of hair anywhere on the treated area. The results are fast and precise.
- No need to grow hair between sessions: Many other hair removal methods require you to grow your hair out between sessions – making sure there’s enough hair to grab onto. Laser hair removal encourages individuals to actually shave right before their session, in order to prevent burning the surface hair.
- Finish treatment quickly: There’s no need to worry about waiting in the chair for what feels like forever for the treatment to be completed. In fact, treatment is incredibly fast and individuals will see results within the first few weeks. Most people are in and out of the treatment center within an hour or two.
Lastly, most patients will achieve permanent hair loss within 3-5 sessions – making it an incredibly successful hair removal method.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
For those who are ready to undergo laser hair removal, it’s vital to choose a board-certified spa or doctor. It’s also vital for individuals to schedule a consultation to determine whether or not laser hair removal is right for them. The doctor or spa should do the following:
- Review the individual’s medical history, including any current medications and/or skin disorders that may be cause for concern.
- Talk about the risks, benefits, and any of the individual’s expectations about laser hair removal and the results they may achieve.
- Snap a few photos to be used for before-and-after assessments to determine the level of success.
In addition, the consultation will allow the doctor and the person undergoing the treatment to discuss an entire plan – from the number of visits required to the related costs and everything in between. Typically, laser hair removal will not be covered by insurance so it’s an out-of-pocket expense.