How does laser hair removal work?

If you were sick and tired of having to shave, wax, tweeze, or use messy and smelly depilatories, you would probably like a more permanent solution. Laser hair removal may be right for you! Laser removal has become one of the most common cosmetic methods in the United States. It works by taking a beam of concentrated light and focusing it directly into the follicles’ pigments, which destroys the follicle’s ability to re-grow hair.

Lasers are very beneficial for inhibiting hair growth on the face, the legs, underarms, the bikini line, as well as other areas with unwanted hair growth. The advantages of laser hair removal are vast! It is precise. Unlike other permanent removal methods, lasers target only follicles without skin damage.

It is fast. The laser uses light pulses, with each pulse taking only fractions of a second. Each pulse treats many follicles at once. An area the size of a part only takes one second to treat. The upper lip can be fully treated in less than one minute, with the back or legs taking under an hour to treat. It is consistent. Permanent hair loss is experienced by 90% of patients in just three to five sessions.

It is important to remember that laser hair removal is a medical procedure with potential risks. No one who is not trained should perform it. Thoroughly investigate the doctor and the clinic where you plan to have the procedure done before allowing them to use their laser on you!

The laser targets the hair’s root, and if the root is removed, the laser will not be able to destroy it. Do not perform any waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis for at least six weeks before the procedure. Also, avoid extended exposure to sunlight for six weeks prior and six weeks after treatment; the sun’s ultraviolet rays make the laser treatment less effective and can cause complications.

Your doctor will usually ask you to trim the hair in the area to be treated to just a few millimeters long – some will even suggest you shave. The laser is adjustable, and will be calibrated for your skin type, skin color, and hair color. You will likely need to wear eye protection, which will be provided by your doctor. The doctor will also use a special gel on your skin, which will not only protect it, but also help the laser be more effective at penetrating the follicle.

The laser technician will do a test on your skin with the laser and will then wait a few minutes in order to make sure the machine is not only calibrated correctly, but to be certain you do not have an adverse reaction. Once complete, you will be provided cold compresses, anti-inflammatory lotions, or cold water to lessen any discomfort. Your doctor will usually plan your next treatment anywhere from four to six weeks away to allow the light pulses to work and the skin time to heal. Laser hair removal treatments will be needed until no hair growth occurs.