Laser hair removal is a noninvasive way to reduce or remove unwanted body hair. It can be a good option for those with excess body hair who are looking for a way to effectively reduce or remove hair from both large and small areas of the body.
Laser hair removal procedure
Before the procedure, a medical specialist (a physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse) cleans the treatment area. If the area is particularly sensitive, numbing gel can be applied. During the procedure, everyone in the room needs to wear special protective eyewear to prevent eye damage from the laser. Some patients report a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping or a sunburn-like sting.
Preparing for laser hair removal
Your doctor should provide thorough preparation instructions before your appointment. Following these instructions improves the effectiveness of the procedure and reduces the risk of side effects.
Here are some common recommendations:
- Avoid immediate sun exposure.
- Avoid irritating the skin.
- Stay away from waxing and plucking.
- Try not to take anti-inflammatory drugs that may increase bleeding, such as aspirin.
- If you have an active infection, such as a cold sore or bacterial skin infection, the procedure should not be performed.
Target areas for laser hair removal
Target areas include:
- Face
- Back
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Chest
- Bikini Area
- Legs
- Neck
- Upper Lip
- Chin
- Beard
- Ear
- Eyebrow
- Abdomen
- Side locks
- Nose
- But
How does laser hair removal work?
- Laser hair removal works by using concentrated light to affect hair follicles, which are small cavities in the skin from which hair grows. The hair follicle absorbs the laser, which is attracted to the hair’s melanin pigment, and the hair vaporizes instantly.
- The pigment in the hair attracts the laser, so darker hair absorbs the laser more effectively, which is why people with dark hair and light skin are ideal candidates for laser hair removal.
- Those with light hair make less ideal candidates, and they are also less likely to experience drastic results as the laser doesn’t focus well on nonpigmented hair. Laser hair removal is not effective on blonde, gray, or white hairs.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Serious complications related to laser hair removal are rare. The most common side effects include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Discomfort and skin irritation
They typically subside within a few days after the treatment. If symptoms persist, you should contact your medical specialist.
Less common side effects include:
- Scars
- Burns
- Blisters
- Infections
- Permanent changes in skin color
Carefully choosing a skilled medical professional can greatly reduce these risks.
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