How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
The simple explanation of laser hair removal is the removal of hair using a specially designed piece of equipment that uses a laser. Most of the process is done using a thin beam of light that is emitted from the laser which then passes through the skin and targets the dark pigment, or melanin. The laser then heats the melanin in the hair follicle, also known as the hair’s root, which destroys it. This will only slow the growth at first but after multiple treatments it will significantly halt or stop grow entirely.
Preparation for Your First Treatment
Before you will be considered for the procedure, you must consult a surgeon and see if they think the procedure will work on you. Then if you are accepted photographs will be taken from different angles on the area to be treated.
Don’t use hair treatment products such as gels and waxes three weeks before you go in for treatment or you will have to wait even longer. Those products can interfere with the procedure.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
A cosmetic surgeon will first apply an anesthetic cream to the area he will be working with. When the cream starts working the surgeon will place a laser device against your skin as well as an additional cooling device that keeps the rest of skin cooled. Depending on the area the surgeon will be working on you may be asked to wear goggles. One treatment can take anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours depending on what area you are having treated at that time.
Tips For After The Procedure
Avoid direct sunlight after your procedure so you don’t damage the skin and also don’t touch the affected area. Besides following these two simple rules, your life can return to normal. Laser hair removal should not effect your day to day routine at all.
Laser Hair Removal Downsides
Most people who go through with laser hair removal never experience any problems but as with every cosmetic or medical procedure there are risks. These can include incomplete removal of the hair but that can usually be solved with more treatments. The worst side effect that can occur is hyper pigmentation or darkening of the skin. Usually this is temporary but in some rare cases can be permanent. Hypo pigmentation could also occur which is where the skin actually becomes lighter in color.
Even though these risks exist many many people still go through the procedure and its popularity is still growing. If you’re looking for the solution to your unwanted hair there really is only one long lasting option: laser hair removal.
