Many people turn to laser hair removal to say goodbye to continuous tweezing, shaving, and waxing. Laser hair removal is a form of hair removal that is long-lasting, and it destroys and damages the hair follicles. However, the hair tends to regrow, especially if the follicle was damaged and not destroyed during the procedure. Dr. Kenneth Thompson and his team have helped many patients get a permanent reduction in unwanted hair.
How to prepare for laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is more than shaving unwanted hair. It is a procedure that needs special training to perform, and it carries some risks. Before going for laser hair removal, you have to check the technician’s credentials or the doctor’s performing the procedure.
If you wish to have laser hair removal, always limit waxing, plucking, and electrolysis for at least six weeks before treatment. This is because the laser focuses on the hair roots that are removed temporarily by plucking and waxing. You should avoid or limit sun exposure also, for six weeks before and after the procedure.
What to expect during laser hair removal
Before the procedure, the area undergoing treatment will be trimmed to several millimeters above the skin surface. Topical numbing medicine is used before the laser treatment to help with the sting of the laser. The laser equipment is adjusted according to the thickness, color, and location of your hair, as well as the skin color.
Depending on the light or laser used, you and the technician will have to wear eye protection. It’s important to protect the outer skin layers with a cold gel or a cooling device. This helps the laser light go through the skin.
Then, the technician gives a pulse of light to the treatment area and checks the area for several minutes to ensure that there are no bad reactions. When the procedure is done, you can get ice packs, cold water, or anti-inflammatory lotions or creams to ease any discomfort. You can book your next treatment after six weeks. You will get treatments until the hair stops growing.
Recovery and risks
For two days afterward, the skin’s treated area feels and looks like it is sunburned. Cooling moisturizers and compresses can help. If you treated your face, you could use makeup the following day unless your skin has some blisters.
The next month, the treated hair will start to fall out. You should wear sunscreen the next month to help prevent changes in the color of the treated skin. Blisters, although rare, are likely in people with dark complexions. Other possible side effects are redness, scarring, and swelling. Permanent scarring or skin color changes are rare.
Laser hair removal can reduce the amount of hair a person has on the body. In most people, some hair tends to grow back over time. Even if there is hair regrowth, there will be less hair, giving a smoother appearance. To get a better understanding of what to expect from a laser treatment, discuss the treatment goals with your doctor. Some skin colors and types of hair give better results. The only way to know if this is true and what to expect is to talk to a dermatologist or your doctor.