For individuals seeking a long-term solution to unwanted hair, laser hair removal goes beyond the temporary fix of shaving. This cosmetic procedure utilizes concentrated light technology to significantly reduce hair growth. It may reduce the maintenance of unwanted hair on areas such as the face, legs, arms, underarms, and bikini line. Here is more information about how it works and what to expect throughout the process:
How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal operates on the principle of selective photothermolysis. During the procedure, a medical laser emits light and targets it at the pigment, or melanin, within the hair. The light energy converts into heat, which travels down the hair shaft to the follicle beneath the skin. The laser precisely targets the hair follicles, inhibiting or significantly delaying future hair growth.Many people find they need multiple sessions to achieve their desired result, as the laser only affects follicles in certain stages of development.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
In the past, the ideal candidate for hair removal with a laser was someone with light skin and dark hair. This high contrast allowed the laser to easily identify and target the melanin in the hair without affecting the skin. However, advancements in laser technology have made the procedure available in some cases for patients with darker skin tones or a combination of light skin and light hair.
Certain medical conditions may disqualify a candidate from receiving this treatment. Patients who are pregnant, have keloid scars, or have had skin cancer may not be eligible. Individuals taking medications, such as specific acne treatments, may not qualify for this treatment.
What Is the Process Like?
To prepare for treatment, patients avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunless tanning products in the weeks prior to the appointment,as increased skin pigment can interfere with the laser’s targeting. Patients must avoid plucking, waxing, or electrolysis beforehand because these methods remove the hair root, which the laser targets. Shaving, however, is required a day or two before the session, as the laser does not work on hair longer than a grain of rice.
During the procedure, both the patient and the provider wear protective eyewear, and the provider presses the laser device against the skin. Patients typically describe the sensation as a quick rubber band snap. Sessions can last a few minutes for a small area or up to an hour for larger areas. Post-procedure redness and swelling are common but temporary.
How Do I Maintain Results?
Laser hair removal is technically defined as permanent hair reduction rather than permanent hair removal. Though the treatment drastically reduces the density and thickness of hair, maintenance is still required. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser is only effective on follicles in the active growth phase. Most patients require a series of six to eight treatments, spaced six to eight weeks apart, to capture all follicles during their active growth stage.
After the initial series is complete, regrowth may occur in the following months or years. The hair regrowth is often much finer and lighter in color. To maintain your results, you may need periodic touch-up treatments.
Learn More About Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal with a laser offers a long-term approach to hair reduction, using a targeted laser to strategically neutralize hair follicles. Technology has made the procedure accessible to a broader demographic, and success depends on proper candidacy, adherence to preparation guidelines, and a commitment to a multi-session treatment plan. To learn more about laser hair removal and whether you are a good candidate, consult a provider near you.
