Laser hair removal can remove unwanted body and facial hair safely and effectively. It can help reduce rashes and ingrown hairs and improve skin condition.
The success of your treatment depends on several factors, including your hair, skin type, and color. It is why it’s best to get a consultation before the procedure.
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How Does the Laser Work?
Laser hair removal is a light-based treatment that selectively destroys your hair’s pigment (melanin) to prevent future growth.
Laser treatment involves the doctor passing a beam of light through your hair absorbed by the melanin, heating it, and then destroying the follicle to limit the formation of new hair. This process is called selective photothermolysis and has become the most effective and popular method of permanent hair removal.
The laser hair removal Columbia MD is safe for skin tone and color. For example, dark or naturally tanned individuals are more sensitive to laser-induced discoloration due to the contrast between their skin and hair.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
Unwanted hair can be removed safely and effectively with laser hair removal. But it takes a lot of work; the results will depend on your skin type, hair color, and the area of the body you’re treating.
It typically takes six to eight treatments, four to eight weeks apart. Treatments are performed at different hair growth cycle phases to target existing and new follicles.
Each laser pulse, which takes a fraction of a second, targets hair follicles in a targeted area. The speed of the vibrations also ensures that only hairs are treated and not the surrounding skin.
You’ll need to shave the area you’re targeting two to three days before your appointment. It helps remove the top layer of skin, making it easier for the laser to target the hair follicles.
After the first treatment, you should notice less hair. However, it may take up to three to eight sessions before you experience permanent hair reduction.
What Happens During the Treatment?
Unwanted hair can be removed safely and effectively using laser hair removal. The treatment delivers light pulses to target the pigmentation within hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin untouched.
During the treatment, your skin may feel tingly or itchy, and some people describe feeling like a rubber band snapping against their skin. It is normal, and the treatment will be less painful with each subsequent session.
Your skin may be red and swollen after the treatment. You can use cold compresses or ice packs to help soothe your skin and reduce swelling.
The treatment is usually completed in about 15 minutes on smaller areas, such as the bikini line or lip area, and about an hour for larger sizes. Multiple treatments are required for a permanent reduction in hair growth.
Before your first treatment, you should not wax or pluck the hairs in the affected area for six weeks. It will make it easier for the laser to penetrate the roots that need to be destroyed by the treatment.
What Happens After the Treatment?
After the treatment, you may experience redness and swelling. It is normal and should subside in a few hours. If it lasts longer, apply ice packs to the area and contact your doctor.
Depending on the skin sensitivity, you may also feel a mild itch or discomfort similar to a razor burn. These will disappear after a few hours and can be treated with moisturizers.
Some hair regrowth is also nonstandard, and you will likely need multiple treatments to remove all the hair. It occurs because hair grows at different times and in other cycles.
Your dermatologist will prescribe a series of laser treatments to help remove all the hair in the area. These treatments can be spaced about four to eight weeks apart.
