Laser hair removal is one of the most popular treatments in dermatology, so let’s explore the top 10 interesting facts about laser hair removal that you may not know!
It first emerged as a body hair removal option without having to shave, wax or use creams. Many men and women have chosen laser hair removal as an alternative to shaving.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a beam of intense light to reduce or eliminate unwanted hair on parts of the body.
The light is attracted to and absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle and damages it while sparing surrounding skin and tissue.
Laser treatments can be used on all skin types, but keep in mind that not all hair colors are appropriate.
How does it work?
The laser emits a huge amount of energy in the form of light pulses. The light is attracted to and absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicles, damaging them without causing damage to the surrounding skin and tissue.
Lasers work by passing energy through the surface and targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, which absorbs light.
When laser pulses are absorbed into dark objects (like hair), they get hotter very quickly. This heat boils water inside the hair follicles, destroying them at their roots without any skin damage.
The hair follicles then gradually die over the next few weeks and are absorbed by the body.
Why do people get lasering?
Many people are looking for a permanent solution to their unwanted facial and body hair because it can be embarrassing and affect self-esteem.
Laser hair removal can permanently reduce or even eliminate these hairs with no pain whatsoever! They are also very good at removing dark hairs on bright skin as well as fair hairs on dark skin.
The cost of the treatment and what insurance covers
Laser hair removal is the most expensive form of hair removal, but it can be cost-effective in the long run because you don’t have to shave or wax again.
If you have medical insurance, check with your provider before you get lasering to see if they cover it.
When should you schedule your first appointment for a consultation
A board certified dermatologist who specializes in laser hair removal will be able to determine the best treatment option for you.
It’s important that you allow a few weeks between your first appointment and the first session because it takes a while for the hair to grow long enough so that it can be removed by lasering!
The more hair there is growing out of your skin at the time of your appointment, the more effective and faster your treatment will be!
Now, we’ll list our top 10 most interesting facts about laser hair removal!
Top 10 interesting facts about laser hair removal
1. What does it feel like to get lasering?
Most patients say that getting lasered feels like a rubber band snap or pinch, but it is usually over very quickly so this shouldn’t put you off!
The laser’s heat remains in your skin for 24 hours, which means no gym, sauna, or hot showers for you.
2. How many times do I need to get lasering?
Typically, you will require more than one treatment for laser hair removal.
The area under your arms or on your bikini line may take several treatments while some areas like the legs only require at least 4-6 sessions, however, you’ll start seeing noticeable results after only one laser hair removal session.
On average, 6-8 sessions are required for patients to achieve their desired result.
Depending on whether you’re having a small or large area lasered, at least 8-12 sessions may be required for optimal results.
The actual lasering takes only a few minutes, but the actual treatment time may take up to an hour.
3. Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal provides long-lasting hair reduction, but not permanent hair loss. This means that if laser treatment is discontinued, the hair follicles may be stimulated to grow back.
Never believe a claim of complete, permanent hair removal. The reality is that each individual’s body reacts uniquely to cosmetic treatments and medical procedures.
It is critical to understand that the laser just delays hair growth, not eliminates it.
This is critical information since the number of laser sessions required to eliminate a hair follicle is not restricted.
4. Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most people say it doesn’t hurt at all! The laser light is attracted to the pigment in your hair. The heat from this process damages the follicle and stops it from growing, but the surrounding tissue remains intact due to a zone of safety produced by the laser.
The treatment itself feels warm to very hot, but not exactly painful. The laser makes a buzzing sound as it zaps the hairs and these sounds can make some people slightly uncomfortable.
Some patients experience a slight stinging sensation during treatments, but topical numbing cream can be applied to help reduce this discomfort.
In fact, some patients experience a cool breeze when they get lasering which makes them feel very comfortable during treatment!
If you’re afraid of pain, worry not! This procedure is actually relatively painless compared to other hair removal options like waxing or shaving.
However, if you are especially sensitive to pain, discuss the best options for your unique case with your dermatologist to figure out something that works best for you.
5. What areas can be lasered and does age affect the success rates of laser hair removal?
At first, laser hair removal was only available for the face and bikini area. However, since then, dermatologists have found new devices that can remove hair from a variety of areas on the body such as the underarms, legs, and back.
Getting laser hair removal is safe for people of all ages, including those in their 20s and those over 60 years of age.
6. Can men get lasering too?
Yes, laser hair removal is available for male patients as well.
Excess hair removal using traditional procedures such as shaving, snuffing, or the use of lotions is a waste of money, time, and effort.
Studies show that shaving, waxing, and electrolysis cause more trauma to the skin of a male pubic area than the actual lasing does.
7. What skin and hair color is best for laser hair removal?
The best candidates for laser hair removal are people with coarse, dark hair color and light skin tone.
Also, the melanin content in darker skin absorbs heat from the laser more efficiently which can result in discoloration or burns.
If you have dark skin or light hair, your dermatologist may be able to recommend another hair removal method for you.
Laser hair removal works best on people with fair skin and dark hair because the heating effect is highest where there are large amounts of melanin (the pigment in our hair and skin).
8. What’s the difference between a laser and IPL?
IPL (intense pulsed light) is also a non-invasive hair removal method that uses intense pulses of light to cause damage to the follicles.
This process can be used on all skin types, but it doesn’t work for everyone because it may not work on light blonde, gray or red hair types.
9. What are the side effects of laser hair removal?
Some patients experience redness at the site for a few days after they get lasered, but this usually goes away within 24 hours.
There is also a possibility that laser hair removal can cause hyperpigmentation, but this is very rare and only occurs in people who have darker skin types.
Side effects that may occur during or after treatment, including pain or swelling, blistering, infection, scarring, skin discoloration, and burns to your skin from prolonged exposure to laser light which could lead to permanent scars if not treated right away!
10. Will I look like a Dalmatian after a laser hair removal?
No, this is a common misconception. When a very dark-skinned person has laser hair removal done on their skin, the risk of hyperpigmentation (increase in melanin) occurs.
This can be treated with prescription creams and by avoiding direct sunlight on the treated areas. However, it can take months or years to resolve depending on the skin type and the strength of the laser used.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is the process of removing unwanted hair by using a laser to destroy the hair follicle and diminish growth.
It’s a safe and effective method that can be used on almost any part of the body and has relatively few side effects compared to other methods!
Thank you for reading, I hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to know about laser hair removal!
