Is it truly permanent?
In a word, no. Laser hair removal warms the hair follicles to stop the formation of new hairs. This, as opposed to shaving and waxing, results in the hair follicles in a long-lasting state of dormancy. The regrowth of the hair will gradually be lighter, finer, and sparser.
Even though the procedure is occasionally marketed as a “permanent” hair removal solution, laser hair removal reduces the amount of undesirable hair in a specific area. Unwanted hairs aren’t completely removed by it.
Darker hair and light skin tones appear to be the ideal combinations for this hair removal method. The American Association of Dermatology (AAD) also suggests that a board-certified dermatologist should do the surgery for optimum outcomes.
How laser hair removal works
High-heat laser beams are used in laser therapy as a low-level radiation treatment. These laser beams heat up and harm your hair follicles throughout the procedure.
Your hair follicles are found just below the surface of your skin. They are in charge of growing new hair follicles. Hair growth is momentarily halted if the follicles are damaged.
In contrast, Tweezing, shaving, and waxing remove hair from the surface. These techniques do not aim at hair follicles.
The following locations are considered suitable for laser hair removal by the AAD:
- chest
- back
- shoulders
- neck
- bikini line
- face (save for the eye region) (except for the eye area)
Darker hair colors on light skin tones produce the best results with this hair removal method. This is so that the lasers can specifically target the melanin in the hair (color). Even if some hairs are left on the skin, whitening them might make them look less noticeable.
Some of your hair may start to fall out a few days after your initial treatment session.
Laser hair removal is often a quick process. Smaller areas, such as the upper lip, may be treated quickly. Hair removal from bigger areas, such as the back or chest, may take an hour or longer.
If a topical anesthetic gel is originally used, allow an extra hour at the dermatologist’s office.
Despite the high success rate of laser hair removal, hair follicles eventually grow again. The result is that new hair grows as a result. For the best results, you’ll need to attend many counseling sessions.
How long does laser hair removal last?
Once the hair follicle is destroyed with laser hair removal, the hair is gone forever. The hair will ultimately regrow if the hair follicle is simply injured.
The length of time it takes for the hair to regrow depends on the individual’s unique hair development cycle. Each person’s pace of hair growth is unique. Hair in a resting phase regrows more slowly than hair in another phase.
The majority of folks could anticipate some hair growth within a few months. Patients may select different removal therapy when this happens.
Side Effects and Risks
During treatment, some patients complain of stinging, burning, or soreness. Because of this, many technicians use a cream to numb the area they are treating. However, some people may experience an allergic response or skin irritation from the numbing cream.
The following minor side effects of laser hair removal are regularly reported:
- alterations in skin tone, especially in those with a dark complexion, which
- are usually temporary
- skin redness
- blistering or crusting of the skin
Scarring can occasionally result from hair removal-related irritation. Additionally, diseased skin might get damaged. Skin infections can progress and become fatal, although uncommon.
The appropriate course of action may be determined, and the likelihood of serious side effects can be reduced with a complete medical history and a discussion of benefits and risks.
Those who have had their hair removed should avoid the sun for a while. When the sun inflames the skin, the risk of blisters and scars may increase. If someone has extreme discomfort, a fever, crusting, blisters, or any other signs of a skin injury or infection, they should see a doctor.
Redness and Irritation
During laser hair removal, the follicles of the targeted hairs are harmed. The body’s response to this causes redness and discomfort in the affected areas in many persons. The skin may tingle, hurt, or even appear to be a little swollen.
Typically, the symptoms subside quickly. The afflicted region may resemble freshly waxed or plucked skin. Some physicians will use a topical anesthetic to lessen the amount that a person’s skin responds to the procedure.
Following the first reaction, irritation should subside, often a few hours after the procedure. Ice packs or a cold bath may help with swelling and redness.
Crusting
The afflicted region of the skin in some persons may crust. Although usually not a big deal, it can nonetheless be annoying.
Scabbing or scarring can occasionally result from crusting. A person may avoid any long-term side effects from laser removal by taking care of the treated region following the procedure, for as, by applying a moisturizer.
Changes in skin color
Some people might see subtle color changes in the treated area of the skin. It could get a little darker or lighter after laser hair removal.
Those with lighter skin may have darker pigmentation variations more frequently. People with darker skin tones may be more vulnerable to changes in lighter pigmentation. These changes often fade, and the skin returns to its normal form.
Eye Injury
Throughout the hair removal process, strong lasers are employed. This suggests that potentially serious eye damage is dangerous, especially when a practitioner is doing facial surgery.
The patient and the surgeon should wear protective eyewear to help prevent injuries while performing the procedure.
Why follow-up sessions are needed
Follow-up treatments are necessary to ensure maximum laser hair removal effectiveness. The number of maintenance laser treatments required varies depending on the patient.
You must separate these by six weeks each; thus, the full therapy cycle might run up to nine months.
After each session, you’ll probably see fewer hairs. Any hair that persists or regenerates will likewise have a lighter structure and color. The AAD projects that the number of hairs will decrease by 10 to 25 percent following your initial treatment. The rate of deterioration will quicken after that but also fluctuate after that.
For the best results, you’ll also likely need irregular maintenance sessions. These assist in limiting the growth of new hair follicles. Depending on your specific needs, you might need a maintenance session once or twice a year after completing your initial round of laser therapy.
The sequence of each session is the same as during your initial laser hair removal surgery. Overall, the treatment area has an impact on the time. If you merely touch up a few small areas during your maintenance appointments, your visit might be shorter.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal is generally regarded as safe and pleasant by consumers. There don’t appear to be any long-term health issues associated with the procedure.
However, many individuals who have undergone laser hair removal may experience side effects. People should ask their dermatologist to test how a small skin patch responds to the therapy before applying it to a wider skin area. Only suitably licensed experts should be consulted by those who desire laser hair removal.
The Bottom line
ENRICHED MED SPA is a one-stop platform for getting hair removal treatments at a reasonable price. While not entirely permanent, laser hair reduction is still one of the best options for progressively reducing hair growth. You can discuss additional long-term hair removal options with a dermatologist, such as electrolysis and needle epilators. It is essential to let a professional handle your laser hair removal.
