Introduction

Removing excess body hair and facial hair can help us feel more confident. It’s a tradition that goes back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, for example, women used a pumice stone to remove excess hair.

Today we have more options. Shaving is probably the simplest method, but the stubble grows back fast. Bleaching or using depilatory creams offer longer-lasting results. Waxing, plucking, or epilation (ouch) offers longer-lasting results as well.

Unfortunately, none of these methods is permanent. And, with many, the treatment comes with side effects like skin irritation and discomfort.

But what’s the alternative? In this post, we’ll teach you all about laser hair removal. Could it mean the end of your hairy problem? Let’s find out.

 What is Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Laser hair removal is a modern technique. It’s used to target the cells of the hair follicle. It heats the targeted cells, and this damages the follicle. If the follicle is damaged, the hair won’t grow. Laser treatment is used to remove hair altogether or to thin out the hair on the skin.

It’s considered a permanent treatment. That said, though, there are limitations. If the hair is dark and coarse, it can be challenging to get rid of it and might require more than one treatment.

How does it Work?

What is a Laser?

A laser is a highly concentrated beam of light in one color on the spectrum.

How Does This Help Me?

• The clinician usually numbs the area beforehand with a numbing gel.
• The clinician targets the beat of light at the hair follicle stem cells. These are slightly deeper down and manage the growth of hair. Without these stem cells, the hair can’t regrow.
• The color of the light acts on the melanin pigment in the hair. As this pigment heats up, it causes damage to the follicle surrounding it. It’s advisable to shave right before your appointment to ensure success.
• The skin may feel warm and sore during the treatment.
• After the treatment, the clinician applies a soothing product. The area will look a little red and might swell. This inflammation goes away within a couple of days.
• It’s essential to keep the skin exfoliated once the swelling has gone down to prevent ingrown hairs.

Is it Permanent?

Yes and no. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. In theory, it should work well and be permanent. But many factors can influence this. These include: 

• How thick the individual hairs are
• The color of the hair and your skin
• What type of laser they use
• How good the person operating the laser is

Effects and Complications

• During the treatment, you’ll wear a set of goggles to protect your eyes.
• The treatment is not painless, especially not the first time. With subsequent treatments, though, the pain is less intense.
• Your skin is heated, and the area will still feel hot about half an hour afterwards.
• The skin may be red and swollen for a day or two after treatment.
• It’s essential to choose a reputable, qualified professional because an untrained person may inadvertently overheat the skin. Overheating can cause painful blisters. Scarring is another potential nasty side effect.
• Another potential side effect is that the pigmentation of the skin alters. It could become lighter and less concentrated, or it could darken up.
• If you’re on medication, especially that which causes your skin to be more sensitive to the sun, tell the clinician. These medications may interfere with how well the treatment goes.
• If you’ve spent the summer working on your tan, make sure that the clinician adjusts the settings accordingly.

Conclusion    

Laser treatments can be painful while in progress. Still, it’s more likely to be a stinging pain rather than an unmanageable one. On the upside, though, you’ll see results immediately. You’ll usually need a course of about two or three treatments.

After that, the hair should stop growing. Considering that you won’t have to tweeze, wax, or shave the area again, a little discomfort is worth it. 

That said, go into this with open eyes. Research the clinic to ensure they’re qualified to offer the laser procedure. A skilled and experienced clinician can give you an idea of the results you can expect. Visit Azure Medical for appointments.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us