Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser)

Removal of hair by laser is a medical procedure that uses an intense beam of light (laser) to eliminate unwanted hair.

When laser hair removal is performed, the laser emits light absorbed into the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The energy from the light transforms into heat, which causes damage to the tube-shaped sacs in the skin (hair follicles), which are responsible for producing hairs. This causes a delay or stoppage in hair growth in the future.

Laser hair removal is effective and retards hair growth for extended periods; it generally does not cause permanent hair loss. Many laser hair removal treatments are required for the initial hair removal, but routine treatments could be necessary too. Hair removal using lasers benefits people with lighter skin and dark hair. However, it is effective on any skin type.

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Laser hair removal is a method to cut down unwanted hair. The armpits, legs, lips, upper lip, and bikini line are the most frequent treatment areas. It is possible to treat hair that is not wanted anywhere except the eyelid and the surrounding area. Skin with tattoos shouldn’t be treated.

Skin type and color determine the success of hair elimination using lasers. The fundamental principle is that the pigment in the hair, and not the pigmentation found on the skin, must absorb light. The laser should only damage the hair follicle while avoiding any damage to the skin. Thus, a contrast between hair and skin color, dark skin and light hair, will result in the most effective results.

The risk of injury to the skin is higher when there is a lack of contrast between the hair and skin shade. However, advancements in laser technology have provided laser hair removal as an alternative for those with darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for colors of hair that don’t absorb light, such as red, gray-white, blond, and gray. But, treatment options with lasers for hair with light colors are still being explored.

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Risks

The risks of side effects can vary according to skin type, hair color, skin type, treatment plan, and compliance with post-treatment and pre-treatment. The most frequent adverse results associated with laser hair removal are:

• The irritation of the skin. Temporary discomfort, swelling, and redness are expected after laser hair removal. The signs and symptoms usually disappear after a couple of hours.
• Changes in pigmentation. Laser hair removal could lighten or darken the affected skin. The changes could be temporary or lasting. Skin lightening most commonly affects those who do not avoid sunlight exposure prior to or following treatments and those with darker skin.

Sometimes, laser hair removal may cause crusting, blistering, scarring, or other modifications in the skin’s texture. Other possible side effects of laser hair removal include the graying of treated hair or a large amount of hair growth in the areas treated, especially on skin with darker complexions.

Laser hair removal is not recommended for the eyelids, eyebrows, or surrounding area because of the risk of severe eye injuries.

How to create

Suppose you’re considering treatment with lasers for hair loss. In that case, you should choose an expert who is board certified in a specific area like cosmetic surgery or dermatology and has expertise in laser hair removal for your skin type. If an assistant physician or a licensed nurse performs the procedure, ensure an experienced doctor is at the site during treatments. Beware of salons, spas, or other places that allow non-medical personnel to remove hair using lasers.

Before undergoing laser hair removal, you should schedule an appointment with a medical professional to determine if it is the best treatment option. Your doctor is likely to perform the following procedures:

• Examine your family’s medical records, including any medication usage, the history of scarring or skin conditions, and any hair removal procedures.
• Discuss benefits, risks, expectations, and what laser hair removal is and won’t do for you.
• Take photos that can be used for assessments before and after, as well as long-term reviews.

At the time of consultation, we will talk about a treatment program and associated expenses. Removal of hair using lasers is typically an expense that is out of pocket.

The doctor may also give specific directions for preparing for hair removal by laser. They could include:

• Keep out of the sunlight. Follow your doctor’s guidelines for avoiding exposure to sun both before and after treatment. If you’re out, use broad-spectrum SPF30 sunblock.
• Skin lightening. Avoid any sunless creams for your skin which darken your skin. The doctor may also recommend an anti-skin bleaching cream for recently dark skin tone or tan.
• Avoid other methods for removing hair. Plucking, waxing, and electrolysis may cause disturbance to the hair follicle and must be avoided for at least four weeks before treatment.
• Beware of blood thinners. Ask your doctor about the medicines, like anti-inflammatory medications or aspirin; you should avoid before the procedure.
• The area of shaving is called the Shaving Treatment Area. Trimming and shaving are suggested the day before the laser treatment. It eliminates hair over the skin, which can cause burns from burned furs. However, it leaves the hair shaft unaffected beneath the skin.

What can you be expecting

The process of removing hair with lasers usually takes up to six treatments. The time between treatments can differ based on the area. Treatment may be repeated after four to eight weeks for areas where hair is increasing, like on the top lip area. For regions with slower hair growth, like the back, treatment could be repeated every 12 to 16 weeks.

Each time you undergo treatment, you’ll wear special glasses to shield your eyes from a laser beam. The assistant may trim the site once more if required. The doctor could apply a topical numbing agent to your skin to alleviate the discomfort during treatment.

During the process

The doctor will apply an instrument held by a hand on the skin. Depending on the laser used, an agent with a cooling device at the instrument’s tip or a cool gel could be applied to shield your skin and reduce the chance of adverse consequences.

If the doctor turns on this laser source, the beam will penetrate your skin and reach your hair follicles. The heat generated by the laser beam causes damage to hair follicles and reduces the growth of hair. It is possible to feel discomfort, like a hot pinprick and an icy sensation, due to either the gel cooling unit or the cooling gadget.

Treatment of a small part like your upper lip could take minutes. Treatment of larger areas, like the back, may require more than one hour.

Following the procedure

There may be swelling and redness in the first couple of hours following hair removal by laser.

To lessen irritation, you can apply cold directly to the treated area. If you experience an immediate reaction to your skin after the hair removal by laser, the doctor may use a cream containing steroids for the affected area.

After hair removal by lasers and during regular treatments, keep away from exposure to sunlight, and don’t use a tanning bed for at least six weeks or until prescribed by your physician. Make sure you apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen regularly.