Facts you need to know before permanent laser hair removal

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Things You Need to Know Before Permanent Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal, though very efficient and a quite permanent hair removal method, is not for everyone. Moreover it is costly and involves laser treatments which can be potentially damaging to your skin if not applied properly.

Therefore, you need to know certain facts before opting for laser hair removal to decide whether you are ready physically, psychologically, and financially to undergo this procedure. This article informs you of some of the aspects of laser hair removal.

Laser vs. Other Options

Besides laser hair removal, there are 4 different choices for removing hair but none of them are as efficient or as permanent as laser treatments:

  1. Shaving: The most common method of hair removal but needs to be done every two or three days. Therefore shaving is not suitable for people looking for permanent hair removal.
  2. Waxing, Tweezing, or Plucking: This can be an extremely painful procedure and in no way long lasting or permanent. Besides there is a risk of developing allergic reactions, pimples and/or inflammation in the aftermath as a consequence of ingrown hairs.
  3. Hair removal creams: This procedure takes plenty of time and it is a quite messy, smelly process. This is not permanent either.
  4. Electrolysis: You can get some permanency through this method. But the procedure is an awfully long drawn out process as it involves treating one follicle at a time. It cannot be used to treat large areas of hair growth.

Are you a Good Candidate?

Laser treatment works best for people with hair that is darker than their skin color (fair skin types). There are some new devices for a reverse combination of skin and hair color, as well as for people with blond or grey colored hair, but the results have been less than optimal.

If handled improperly or done using a wrongly matched machine for your hair and skin type, lasers can cause skin discoloration. Therefore, it is vital to consult a qualified and experienced dermatologist before going in for the treatment.

The Concept

Lasers target hair follicles, the hair making factory in the skin. To be specific, the melanin (dark pigment) in hair gets destroyed during the laser process and this destruction also disrupts the surrounding hair producing cells in the hair follicle.

The laser energy is absorbed by the dark hair pigment which cooks the hair follicle and erases that particular hair within seconds. A larger area can be covered with the laser beam hence you get smooth and hair free skin with a short treatment time.

Best Target Areas

Laser treatment is best for removing hairs from the back, shoulders, arm and chest. Upper lip and chin can also be treated by laser but only if dark hairs are to be removed.

For blond or grey hairs on upper lip and chin, electrolysis is often the better option.

Timing of the Procedure

The time required for laser treatment depends on the number of hairs required to be removed, the area to be treated, color of the skin and hair, and the size of the area. Usually for 70-80 percent reduction in hair growth, 4-6 laser hair removal sessions separated by 4 weeks each are required.

Maintenance treatments once a year for a couple years are recommended for best results.

Are their Any Risks?

This is the most important thing to know before taking the final decision. As with any medical procedure there are certain risks involved. They are:

  • Skin Darkening (hyperpigmentation). More often than not this is a temporary condition, but if care is not taken during the procedure, it can be permanent.
  • Skin Lightening (hypopigmentation). A risk for the people who have dark skin. It can be contained by the use of new machines which are designed for treating dark skin types.
  • Blistering and scarring. Occurs rarely.
  • Skin texture alters. Occurs rarely.
  • Crusting or scabbing. Only a temporary effect.
  • Bleeding. Very rare occurrence.
  • Possibility of infection. Very rare occurrence.

The best person to tell you whether or not you are likely to be at risk is the laser doctor specialist. Do consult with him.

On your part, you should get as much knowledge as you can about the procedure, the risks and the care required to be able to select the best procedure and the best clinic/doctor to treat your problem.

Be Prepared Before Treatment

  • You will normally be asked to shave on the day of your treatment.
  • Before shaving the target area, leave the area untouched for some days, allowing the hair to grow.
  • Consult the aesthetician before the treatment.
  • Avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks before treatment.
  • If tanned, let the tan fade away completely before showing up for treatment to avoid skin blistering.
  • Don’t wax or pluck your hairs or undergo electrolysis three weeks before treatment.
  • Make an appointment with the doctor before the procedure. The doctor will discuss the following with you:
  • Your medical history: Inform the doctor about any previous medical conditions and medications you take or may have taken recently.
  • Photographs: Your laser consultant may take photographs for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews of the hair removal.
  • Risks, benefits and expectations: All the above mentioned risks and benefits will be explained to you. You will also be informed of what laser hair removal can and can't do for you and what you can expect the results to be.

Now armed with this Laser Hair Removal Information you can go for permanent laser hair removal confidently, and achieve removal of all unwanted hair on your body.