On the off chance that you are exhausted of waxing, tweezing, or shaving to dispose of undesirable hair, laser hair removal might be an elective you should seriously think about. This process, which has become extremely popular in the United States and other countries worldwide removes hair by focusing extremely concentrated light into the hair follicles. The melanin (pigment) in the follicles absorb the light. Subsequently, the light energy gets converted to heat energy, which destroys the hair-producing follicles. This damage delays or constraints growth of hair in the future.
Advantages of laser hair removal
This process is extremely advantageous for individuals who desire to remove unwanted hair from their bikini line, arm, face, underarms, legs, and other areas. Unlike other processes, the laser beam can target course and dark hairs selectively. This means that this beam does not damage the skin surrounding the hair. Apart from this, the procedure is quite fast.
Speed of the process
Accuracy apart, speed is one more advantage of this process. The surgeon carrying out the process uses the laser device to beam pulses of light on the hair, which destroys one or several follicles simultaneously. It is possible to remove hair from small areas like the upper lip under a minute. However, the procedure can take up to one hour to remove hair from large areas such as the legs or back. Patients who have undergone this procedure reported permanent hair loss after a couple of sessions.
Preparing for the procedure
In case you want to opt for this line of treatment, opt for an experienced dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. It is a good idea to consult with the doctor to determine if this procedure is suitable for you. He will review your medical history, which includes the use of medication, history of scarring or skin disorders, and whether you have undergone hair removal procedures in the past. He will inform you about the risks of this procedure as well as what you should expect from the procedure.
Points to ponder prior to treatment
Avoid exposure to the sun for a minimum of one and a half months before the treatment, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion on your skin on a daily basis. You should avoid any creams that darken the skin. The doctor might prescribe a bleaching cream in case you have darker skin or have had a recent tan. Avoid hair removal procedures such as electrolysis, waxing, and plucking, as they disturb your hair follicles and can hamper the laser process. Inform the surgeon about the medications you are currently taking to avoid contraindications. The specialist will also inform you about the drugs you should avoid prior to the procedure. It is recommended that you shave the areas to be treated, as this removes hair on the epidermis (hair on the surface of the skin). This ensures that you do not suffer from surface skin damage during the process.
The procedure
The dermatologist will first apply the cooling gel on the surface of your skin and then press a hand-held laser device on your skin. The cooling gel protects your epidermis during the procedure and decreases the risk of side effects. Upon activating the laser, it passes a beam through your skin to your hair follicles, damaging it permanently.
Post-procedure
You might observe swelling and redness of your skin for a couple of hours after the procedure. Applying ice on the affected area reduces discomfort. If required, the specialist might apply antiphlogistic lotions or creams to ease any discomfort.
Results
It is difficult to predict results, as they vary significantly from one person to the other. Typically, this procedure prevents the reappearance of hair for several months. However, there have been cases in which hair did not reappear on the treated area for several years.