When hair removal technology came in the mid-1990s, many people have changed how they have been plucking, waxing, and tweezing unwanted hair for decades with the help of laser hair removal. It has become the go-to method for stopping unwanted hair growth over the past twenty years. Prior to a series of laser hair removal, everybody should know a few things that will help in the process.
How Does Hair Removal Works?
While different light-based technologies are used for hair removal, all treatments are alike. The laser hair removal process emits bright light flashes onto the unwanted hair during a treatment session. As the light penetrates through the skin, it selectively targets the melanin in the hair follicles.
Correspondingly, the pigment absorbs light energy, effectively destroying the hair. In addition, multiple hairs can be treated simultaneously, which would depend on the size of the handpiece being used by the medical provider. However, multiple sessions are necessary to target the hair follicles during their growth stage, which will be explained during the consultation.
What To Expect From Laser Hair Removal?
In preparation for the hair laser hair removal, clients are advised to avoid plucking, waxing, and tanning for six weeks before the first treatment. Also, they will be asked to avoid taking medications such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, and pain relievers days before the treatment. More importantly, they are advised to take a shower and shave right before the treatment but don’t apply any lotions, moisturizers, or sunscreens to the skin.
Afterwhich, the treated area will be cleansed, while some patients will receive a numbing gel, especially for those small areas in which parts of the skin are susceptible. Note that it would take about 30 to 60 minutes for a numbing gel to work, while laser treatment will take place in a room specifically for laser treatments.
The licensed medical professional and the patients must all wear protective eyewear during the procedure inside the treatment room. The skin is pulled tight, and the skin is treated with a laser to perform the procedure. The laser pulses typically feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin, as many patients experienced it.
As the laser removes hair by vaporizing it, it causes small plumes of smoke that give a sulfur-like smell. Moreover, the duration of the treatment depends on the size of the area being treated. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. If it’s being done in a large area like the back or legs treated, the treatment may last more than an hour.
When Will Laser Hair Removal Result Show?
After the treatment, the results will be visible immediately. However, it is important to note that each result varies per patient as well as the hair color and thickness, treatment area, laser type used, and skin color will also affect the results. More importantly, one can definitely expect a reduction in hair for about 10% to 25% after the first treatment.
Additionally, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments to remove the hair. Also, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years, and there tends to be less hair that is finer and lighter when the hair regrows.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Even though laser treatment is termed a permanent hair removal procedure, that might not be the case. In laser treatment, a specialized radiation beam is targeted to a particular skin area as it produces heat that either damages or destroys the hair follicles are a sac-like structure from which the hair shaft grows out.
Typically, all the hair follicles are not destroyed after the first treatment. But because most hair follicles are damaged, there isn’t any hair growth for an extended period. Consequently, the new hair that grows out is usually more delicate and lighter in color. Overall, multiple laser treatment sessions will be required to get satisfactory results from this treatment and maintenance sessions later to keep the desired area hair-free.
Are There Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
The good news about the laser hair removal treatment is that it generally does not require downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, your treated skin will be red and swollen. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities.
While laser hair removal treatment is mainly considered safe, there might be side effects linked to it that the medical providers will discuss, and it should only be performed under their supervision. Most people will tolerate this treatment, but some may experience adverse reactions post-treatment.
To remove worries, patients may want to consider getting a patch test done by their doctor before the full procedure. However, here are the most common side effects of laser treatment are:
- Redness
- Discomfort
- Some amount of swelling
Keep in mind that these common side effects typically disappear by themselves for a short period of time. A topical ointment prescription to apply to the treated area if deemed necessary as advised by a dermatologist. They’re also less common adverse effects of laser treatment include:
- Changes in skin color of the treated area
- Crusting or Scarring
- Skin infections
- Burns Or Blisters
- Eye Injury
The Bottom Line
Laser therapy involves using advanced equipment to let you achieve the desired hair removal results. It is best to have it administered by a doctor or a dermatologist at all stages of this treatment. At Truth Med Spa, they offer Laser Hair Removal that will help you remove that unwanted hair while targeting pigments in the hair. This technology will get to the hair follicle and damage it beyond repair to not produce any more hair, thus reducing hair growth.
If you want a long-term hair removal solution that is very safe, efficient, and will get you rid of your hair for a long time, this treatment fits the description. At Truth Med Spa, they provide the best experience possible to help boost your confidence for a hairless look. Ultimately, TRUTH Med Spa is more than just a name, it’s their philosophy.
