About Laser Hair Removal
Although laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair on the common areas such as the legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and the bikini line; it shouldn’t be used on the eyelids or surrounding area. Skin with tattoos should not be treated either. People may get this treatment on any part of their body, but the most common areas are:
Your hair color and skin type will determine how successful your laser hair removal will be. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. This means a case of contrast between hair and skin color, such as dark hair and light skin, results in the best outcome. However, the advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for those with darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well: gray, red, blond, and white.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light, or a laser, to remove unwanted hair. The laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is then converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
The procedure can be performed on most parts of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms, and bikini line. However, it’s important to note that laser hair removal can’t be performed on the eyelids or surrounding areas due to the risk of severe eye injury.
One of the main benefits of laser hair removal is its precision. The lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, and large areas, such as the back or legs, may take up to an hour.
Most patients experience permanent hair loss after an average of three to seven sessions. However, results can vary from person to person due to factors such as hair color, skin type, and the area of the body being treated.
It’s important to note that laser hair removal is a medical procedure that requires training to perform and carries potential risks. Therefore, it should always be performed by a certified professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Good & bad candidates for laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some factors that can determine whether you’re a good or bad candidate for this treatment:
Good Candidates
Skin and Hair Contrast: The best candidates for laser hair removal are those who have a significant contrast between their skin and hair color. This is because the laser targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair, and a higher contrast allows for more effective targeting.
Coarse Hair: Individuals with dark, coarse hair often see the best results from laser hair removal. This is because coarse hair contains more pigment for the laser to target.
Healthy Skin: Good candidates have healthy skin without any infections or severe sunburn in the area to be treated.
Bad Candidates
Light Hair: Individuals with light-colored hair, such as blonde, red, or gray hair, may not see significant results from laser hair removal. This is because light hair contains less pigment for the laser to target.
Dark Skin: While advancements in technology have made laser hair removal safer for individuals with darker skin, they may still require more treatments and there is a higher risk of side effects.
Certain Medical Conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a blood clotting disorder or severe heart disease, should avoid laser hair removal.
Pregnancy: Laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant women.
Medications: Certain medications, such as isotretinoin for acne, can make the skin more sensitive to light and may increase the risk of complications from laser hair removal.
It’s important to have a consultation with a qualified professional before undergoing laser hair removal. They can assess your individual circumstances and determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
What happens after laser hair removal?
Right after laser hair removal, you may experience redness, swollen skin, and a little pain. You can use a cold compress on the treated area. Don’t expose the treated area to natural or artificial sunlight. Patients will be able to return to their normal routine right away.