WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal delivers a targeted and concentrated energy to small, individual hair follicles using a monochromatic light source, making them highly effective in treating specific problem areas. It is important to keep in mind that each laser treatment will only target hairs currently in the anagen or active growth cycle. This means multiple sessions are necessary for complete hair removal in any area.
Laser hair removal is an easy, quick, and mostly painless cosmetic service for removing unwanted hair. As the light is delivered, it is absorbed by the skin and converted into heat. The heat is absorbed by the cells, not affecting the surrounding skin, destroying the unwanted hairs. Destroyed hairs are typically reabsorbed or they grow and fall out over 2 to 3 weeks.
It is common for some patients to have irritated, red skin after these cosmetic procedures. However, any pain and irritation around the treated area typically only lasts for a few minutes after the procedure.
DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK?
Yes! Laser hair removal has been successful in permanently reducing up to 80% of unwanted hair in over 95% of people undergoing treatment. The remaining small percentage will either be nearly imperceptible or will be made smaller, finer, and lighter in color.
In the first few months after treatment, most patients will recognize months of hairlessness in the treated area. In some cases, when the hair begins to regrow, albeit far more limited than before, a maintenance appointment may be needed to remove the remaining hairs that survived the laser hair removal treatments.
IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PERMANENT?
The answer to this question may be confusing to some. Laser hair removal is FDA-approved for permanent hair reduction. It is essentially permanent but there are factors that can stimulate new hair growth even after it’s been through a series of laser treatments. For example, hormonal imbalances or other endocrine-related conditions, even years after successful treatment, may restimulate hair growth.
Currently, LHR is the best option for long term hair removal. In the past, it was best used on those with lighter skin tones and darker hair but technology has come a long way in the last 20 years. We have lasers that can safely and effectively treat darker skin tones.
IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL SAFE AND PAINLESS?
LHR is very safe when used appropriately. Because laser treatment uses only one light spectrum and is able to achieve such concentrated application, it is generally much safer for darker skin tones than other forms of light treatments such as IPL. When all is said and done, laser is both a more effective hair removal treatment with fewer sessions and is more cost effective. As mentioned before, state-of-the-art laser technology can now treat all skin colors safely.
LHR isn’t completely painless. Some people do find the process of laser treatment uncomfortable. In most cases, it feels like a rubber band snap. However, this discomfort is brief and nowhere near as painful as other hair removal techniques such as waxing or sugaring. Most people find the mild discomfort a small inconvenience in comparison to the long-term benefits of laser hair removal. We use topical anesthetic (on sensitive areas such as the bikini line). The DCD (dynamic cooling device) that comes with state-of-the-art lasers makes the treatment much more comfortable than it was 20 years ago.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL
You need to find a good doctor or qualified laser technician. The laws vary state to state as to who can operate certain lasers. Having been an expert witness in laser burn cases, I cannot stress this enough. If you’re getting your laser hair removal treatments done at the same place you’re getting your haircut, you might want to reconsider. Below, I will address how to properly prepare for your laser hair removal procedure.
PRE-LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT
During your consultation, a review of medications, skin disorders, scarring, and previous laser treatments will be reviewed. Keep in mind that this is an out-of-pocket expense—this is an elective procedure not covered by insurance.
You will be given specific instructions that will include staying out of the sun (or tanning booths) before treatment. Tanned skin will not be treated, as it increases your risk of burning. This includes spray on tans. So, if you’ve recently tanned, gone to a tanning booth, or received a spray tan at a spa, it is best to wait until after your tan fades to receive treatment.
You will be asked to stop plucking or waxing for a few weeks prior to treatment and to restrict hair removal to shaving. This is often difficult for those seeking treatment for facial hair, but it is a necessity. You will be told at least 5 treatments will be necessary anywhere from 6 - 8 weeks apart, depending on the treatment area and how fast your hair grows.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT
You are usually expected to come to your appointment with the area to be treated as already shaved. If you forget to do this, a razor will be provided. A topical anesthetic may be used for sensitive areas such as the bikini.
During treatment, you will be wearing special-colored goggles to protect your eyes. You may feel a cooling spray or cooling device on the tip of the laser handpiece at the time of treatment. The laser pulse itself feels something like a rubber band snap. A small treatment area such as the chin will take a minute or two; larger areas such as the back or legs will take about 10 - 15 minutes.
POST-LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT
After treatment, expect to have some mild redness or welts in the treated area. This usually resolves within a few hours. You will be told to avoid sun exposure, especially in the first two weeks after each treatment and to use SPF 30 on exposed areas. During the first 7 - 10 days after each treatment, the hair follicles that were treated will grow out and fall out. It will be a few weeks before you begin to see hair growth as you enter a new cycle.
Possible Side-Effects of Laser Hair Removal
The probability of having any severe or lasting side effects of laser hair removal is quite slim. However, it is common to experience slight irritation, redness and swelling around the area being treated post-procedure. If, however, you are experiencing blistering, crusting, scarring, or other changes in skin pigment or texture, it is highly likely your treatment was done improperly.
Likewise, if you experience any severe symptoms or signs of an infection such as fever, pus, bleeding or severe pain lasting more than a day, contact a medical professional right away. These are not normal occurrences post-laser hair removal and should not occur when the treatment is done correctly. If you have any concerns regarding your treatment or the risk of complications, you should address these directly with your doctor or laser hair removal provider.
IS IT WORTH GETTING LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
In summary, there are many varying opinions about laser hair removal treatment but is impossible to deny its significant benefits. The process is more concentrated, more effective, and less damaging than IPL. Laser is, without a doubt, my preferred method of treating all patients seeking long term hair removal. If you’ve been looking into hair removal but are unsure of the next step, we encourage all of our patients to come in for a consultation. We can help you determine a course of treatment that is laser-focused and specifically tailored to your skin type.
