Laser Hair Removal Treatment is a safe, effective way to remove unwanted hair. A pulse of laser light is delivered to the skin, which creates heat that destroys the hair follicle.

A destroyed follicle cannot grow new hair, so treatment can eventually lead to permanent hair reduction. Your practitioner will choose the right laser for your skin and hair color to ensure optimal results.

Treatment Area

Laser hair removal works on almost any area of the face or body that has unwanted hair. The number of treatment sessions needed depends on the area being treated and whether or not the patient shaves, waxes, or plucks between sessions.

This procedure is safe for most healthy adults. However, it is not recommended during pregnancy or if you have tattoos.

Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair follicle and destroys it. This prevents the follicle from growing new hair. However, new hair can sometimes grow in the same area later in life. Because of this, touch-up treatments are necessary for most patients. Many people compare the feeling of a laser hair removal session to a warm pinprick or a rubber band snapping against their skin.

Treatment Time

Hair grows in cycles, with resting, shedding and growing periods. During the laser treatment, the heat from the light zaps and destroys the hair follicle, and it can no longer grow.

During the laser session, you may experience slight discomfort and redness on the skin. Many people compare the sensation to a warm pinprick. A numbing gel will be applied to help reduce discomfort.

You should shave and avoid using any products that darken the skin before your treatment. The shaved hairs will help the laser see the follicles beneath the surface. Multiple treatments spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart are required for the best results. The destroyed hair follicles will no longer produce hair, but new growth can occur in the future, so you will need touch-up sessions periodically.

Preparation

If you’re considering laser hair removal, it’s important to follow your practitioner’s pre-treatment orders. These tips can improve the results of your treatment and reduce side effects.

The day before your treatment, you should shave the area that will be treated. This will ensure that the laser can target the hair follicle without absorbing too much energy. You should also avoid plucking or waxing because these activities remove the hair root and make it impossible for the laser to target it.

The doctor will then press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. The instrument may have a cooling device or gel on it to protect the skin and lessen the discomfort. The laser beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles where it will break down the root and inhibit future growth.

Side Effects

Many people assume that laser hair removal must have some side effects, but it really doesn’t. The only thing that most patients experience is itchy skin for a few days.

Itching and redness are normal, but can be a little uncomfortable. The area should be moisturized after the treatment to prevent this irritation. It is also important to avoid high intensity physical activity or scratching the area, which can cause scarring.

Some hair may regrow after treatment, but it is usually lighter and less noticeable than before. This is because the laser can damage or destroy the hair follicle, but does not kill it completely. It is also important to avoid sun exposure after treatment and use a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 sunscreen. This will help protect the skin and prevent future pigmentation problems.

Cost

Laser hair removal is a more permanent solution to shaving, waxing, and plucking. It’s safe for most skin tones and can reduce razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. However, it’s not completely permanent and many patients will need touch up treatments.

The procedure uses a light-based laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) to target and destroy the cells from which hair grows, stopping hair growth. The treatment can be used on the face, arms, legs, chest and back, as well as to treat excessive hair growth (hirsutism).

While it’s not considered permanent, most people see a significant reduction in hair growth that can last months or even years. It’s important to choose a reputable doctor or salon who understands the treatment and has experience with it.