If you happen to be someone who feels like you spend countless hours a week shaving, chances are you have longed for an easier solution to unwanted hair. It used to be that waxing was the only alternative to shaving and while effective, it has its own challenges. For starters, waxing can be a bit messy, quite uncomfortable, and like shaving is just a temporary solution to what seems to be a never-ending problem. Many years ago, laser hair removal entered the arena and it was a total game changer in the quest to get rid of unwanted hair.
Laser hair removal is a process that removes hair by means of exposure to pulses of laser light. It is a long lasting form of hair removal that damages or destroys the hair by using light to target the pigment in each individual hair. The light travels down the shaft of the hair to the follicle under the skin after you shave. As a result the heat from the laser kills the follicle so that hair can no longer grow from it. While shaving is required prior to laser hair removal, it is important to know that waxing is not. Waxing removes the hair as well as the follicle and without the follicle, the laser has no target.
While laser hair removal was performed experimentally for about twenty years, it only became commercially available in the 1990’s. Since that time, the lasers have come a long way with constant advancements and improvements to the machines, the treatments themselves and even the spectrum of who can benefit from the procedures. It used to be that darker skin tones could not benefit from laser hair removal and that is no longer the case. Laser hair removal used to be pretty uncomfortable or downright painful depending on who you asked but these days, the procedure is both quick AND painless making it the most effective treatment available when it comes to hair removal.
While hair removal IS permanent, clients who undergo laser hair removal should expect that some hair will grow back. This is quite normal. The amount of time that regrowth takes will depend on the person’s hair growth cycle and their particular type of hair. Hair that is in a resting phase will grow more slowly than hair that is in another phase. Another reason for regrowth is if the follicle is merely damaged and not destroyed during the hair removal process. Many treating physicians now refer to laser hair removal as permanent hair reduction. This does not mean that laser hair removal does not work. It simply means that upon completing one’s full treatment cycle, one should expect one or two touch ups a year. That’s a heck of a lot better than shaving and waxing!
Some things to consider prior to receiving laser hair removal are –
1. It is important to stay out of the sun before your appointment, this includes artificial tanning as well.
– Because the laser is designed to target pigment, the darker ones the skin, the more the laser will be drawn to it.
2. One must shave the area that they are getting layered.
– Again, because the laser is targeting pigment, any hair on the exterior of the skin will attract the light from the laser. The goal is for it to hit the follicle.
3. Depending on the size of the area one is treating, appointments can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.
4. Do not receive laser hair removal anywhere near the eyes. If your provider suggests this…find a new provider!
5. If you want to see results, you MUST be consistent.
6. One should begin to see results in about 3 months.
7. Some hair and skin types may be a little more difficult and take longer to treat.
8. One should avoid hot showers and lather up on sunscreen post treatment.
Minor side effects to laser hair removal are common and may include-
* Redness
* Blistering
* Temporary changes in the color of the skin, particularly in people with darker skin tones
(it is common for a treatment provider to do a test spot prior to procedure).
While laser hair removal is safe and effective, it is imperative that one provide an accurate and detailed medical history with the provider before starting treatment. This will greatly reduce risks and any possible side effects. Consistency is also another key factor in achieving optimum results. Upon starting laser hair removal, one must commit to being treated once every 4-6 weeks to stay on top of the hair’s growth cycle. After about 4 to 5 treatments, one will notice a decrease in the hair that grows back. While some clients achieve results in as little as 8 sessions, most people should expect to receive 12 -15 treatments.
Laser hair removal significantly reduces the amount of body hair that a person has which is what makes it such a desired procedure. While hair may regrow over time, it will be considerably less than that with one started with. Because laser hair removal is a customized treatment, certain skin complexions and hair types may have quicker or better results than others.
At dermani MEDSPA®, we suggest discussing your treatment goals with a specialist. If you would like to see if you are a candidate for laser hair removal, call us today to set up your free consultation at 770-212-2242 or go online to schedule at dermanimedspa.com.
We look forward to speaking with you!