Are you getting tired of shaving, waxing, and plucking? Many people find it time consuming and difficult to keep up with, so they turn to an alternative that’s worth it. Laser hair removal is a popular and effective option that people choose to remove hair. This treatment is the answer to your problem and here’s why!
What is it?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that is commonly done to get rid of hair and prevent future hair growths. The procedure uses a concentrated beam of light that kills hair follicles to prevent future hair growth. Laser hair removal works best with those that have dark hair because the pigmented hair absorbs the light more than hair that has no pigment. Some lasers used in an office include the Cutera and Sciton laser.
Benefits
- It’s Quick!
The treatment is surprisingly quick; however, multiple sessions are necessary. It usually takes 3-5 sessions and the duration of each session varies on the area; for example, it can be as quick as 5 minutes if the procedure is only done on the lip. Duration increases as the size of the area increases.
- Say Bye to Ingrown Hair
Laser hair removal gets rid and prevents ingrown hair that you won’t have to deal with anymore! It saves you the time of picking ingrown hair that can possibly lead to pain and irritation.
- No Marks Left Behind
Laser hair removal leaves the skin smooth and soft if done correctly by a professional, meanwhile, shaving can result in cuts. Waxing also has the potential to burn the skin and leave behind a mark.
- Precision
Another great thing about laser hair removal is the precision. It is able to target specific hairs or areas that are desired and it doesn’t interact with the surrounding skin leaving it untouched.
- Long-Term
Laser hair removal is a long term solution that delivers effective results of removing unwanted hair from any part of the body. Most common areas are underarm, face, leg, and bikini line. You won’t have to spend time shaving, waxing, or tweezing anymore!
Preparation
Before getting laser hair removal, be sure to shave the night prior to your appointment. Avoid waxing and plucking because the laser aims for the hair root to prevent future hair growth. Shaving doesn’t temporarily remove the hair root like waxing and plucking, so shaving is recommended. It’s recommended to have no lotion, makeup, and sunscreen on the skin before you arrive at the appointment. Fake tanning products shouldn’t be used 3-4 weeks prior to treatment; in addition, exfoliating is important to ensure that the skin is free of products. Everyone loves being in the sun, but it is best to avoid sun exposure two weeks prior to your appointment to receive the best results. Don’t worry this will all be worth it!
What to Expect?
It’s important to be aware that the treatment involves a concentrated beam of light, so heat plays a role during the procedure. Many people have described the feeling to be similar to rubber bands snapping on the skin, but discomfort only lasts for a moment; therefore, topical anesthetic is not necessary (topical anesthetic can be further discussed with your dermatologist if necessary). Expect to wear a pair of sunglasses given by the specialist to protect your eyes from the laser.
Keep in mind that this procedure requires 3-5 sessions to see effective results. Each session gets easier as there’s less hair follicles to destroy. After three sessions, you might start to notice hairs growing in a thinly dispersed matter which means they’re progressively disappearing. It’s crucial to stay away from the sun after treatments for 2-3 weeks because the skin becomes sensitive and it needs time to heal. Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and other issues to the skin, so it’s best to avoid the sun. Redness may be visible along with irritation after a session, but it should start to go away within a few hours. Ice packs or cold compresses can be helpful for healing.
Results become noticeable after three sessions and there should be a visible difference and reduction of hair. It’s just that simple and the results are rewarding!
To hear more about laser hair removal or to schedule an appointment, email us info@lajollalaserderm.com
