Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent and Effective?

Well, this is an obvious question that comes to the mind of every individual who thinks of laser hair removal. Certainly, people want a smooth and nonsurgical experience that can actually help remove unwanted hair permanently.

So yes, lasers are effective. It can be the most useful hair removal treatment for years. Why is it so? Simply because it involves a concentrated beam of light that targets the root or follicles of hair. The pigment in those hairs absorbs the light, which leads to its damage.

Basically, it acts upon the root cause of hair growth, which profusely effects its growth cycle. Eventually, you will achieve a hair-free surface.

Are you wondering if laser hair removal or electrolysis is a good is a good process?

Let’s figure it out.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is also a non-invasive method of hair removal. This is considered a more permanent way, wherein a skin specialist inserts a probe into each hair follicle. And then, an electric current is streamed to kill its growth.

However, laser targets hamper the growth cycle of hair follicles by using highly concentrated light. Unfortunately, this method is not ideal for everyone. People with blonde and thin hair hardly achieve satisfactory results.

On the flip side, electrolysis is for people of any skin type and hair colour. However, its process may be lengthy and more expensive.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Laser technology is safe and affordable to get rid of unwanted hair from the face, legs, chin, back, arm, underarms, bikini line, and other areas. But it is not suitable for eyelids and surrounding areas, which are sensitive areas. Also, tattooed or surrounding surfaces don’t get this treatment.

·       Precise Treatment

This technology is used to selectively target dark areas that have coarse or thick hair. The best thing is that it does not affect the surrounding skin. It remains undamaged.

·       Fast Procedure

Laser beams travel fast, targeting follicles in a fraction of a section. This speedy treatment allows you to spend enough time treating as many strands as you want. Put simply, the laser hair removal treatment covers a wide area in minutes. If it’s a small area like the upper lips, it won’t take more than a minute to cover. And for large areas like the back, legs, or any part of the upper body, it hardly takes an hour. 

·       Predictable Results

The results are predictable in the case of this treatment. Many patients experience permanent hair loss after just three to seven sessions. 

How the Treatment Goes On

Laser hair removal is a well-defined medical procedure that requires certification and training to perform. This is simply because it involves potential risks.

The procedure requires a patient to avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for at least six weeks before coming for this treatment. This enables the skin specialists to observe and understand the hair growth cycle. Accordingly, they target hair roots. Overall, they need roots to be there to understand when they grow. This is why waxing or plucking is avoided.

Besides, there is another thing to avoid: sun exposure for six weeks before and after the laser treatment. It is simply because sun exposure can hamper the effectiveness of this procedure. The patient may undergo complications.

Also, blood-thinning medicines like aspirin must be avoided before use. Since when to avoid, the doctor can tell. The obvious reason behind it is that they have anti-inflammatory properties.

Another thing to avoid is using sun-tanning creams before this nonsurgical hair removal procedure. The doctor may ask you to use bleaching cream if you have a dark skin tone. But tanning creams can make the skin worse. A light skin tone is required for it.

Once all prescriptions are followed, the procedure starts. And at intervals of 2–3 weeks, the patient is recalled for another session. Overall, one may need 4–8 sessions. Again, the number of sessions may differ according to the condition of every patient. 

What to Expect During Laser Hair Removal

The skin is prepared at first, which requires saving and trimming the hair a day before this procedure. With too much hair on, the skin may burn. So, each strand must be trimmed.

Then, the technician applies a topical numbing medicine. He does it at least 20–30 minutes before the procedure. It helps in eliminating stinging-like unbearable pain during laser treatment. Thereafter, the skin specialist makes adjustments to the device according to the skin color, thickness, and location.

The specialist puts on appropriate eye gear and also lets you wear it to protect sensitive eyes from extremely strong laser beams. The cold gel or ice packs are specially used to keep the treated area protected from the intensity of laser light.

Thereafter, the technician introduces a pulse of light into the area where it is to be treated. Still, clear all doubts by watching every setting and other things so that the patient won’t be harmed. 

As the laser beam comes from the device, its pigment absorbs the light, which is converted into heat. This very heat damages hair follicles. The repetitive procedures spaced out for three to four weeks until six sessions ensure permanent hair removal. 

How Painful Laser Hair Removal Is

For sure, it can be discomforting, but very tolerable. However, the treated surface may turn a little red and swollen after the procedure. Overall, it can be like a pinpricking sensation, which is less painful if you compare it with salon procedures like threading and waxing.

After Procedure

As the things are all done, the technician, in many cases, uses ice packs, anti-inflammatory creams, or lotions so that the discomforting senses can be minimized. Later, the doctor meets for the next appointment, which is held 4-6 weeks later. This goes on until the hair stops growing.

At-Home Laser Hair Removal

These days, many diode light devices are available to permanently remove hair at home. However, it can be practiced at home, but there is no guarantee that you won’t see any side effects. The safety and effectiveness of this treatment will be in your hands.

Another reason why at-home laser devices are not good is that they are not medically approved. They won’t follow the same standard as professionals do.

Recovery and Risks

The sensation may leave you unrested. It may also feel like sunburn for one or two days. To get away from this condition, cool compresses and moisturizers can be applied. Some people find their skin feels good; they can put on makeup the very next day. But make sure there are no blisters.

The laser beams are extremely intensive. And the sunlight can make it look and feel worse. So, avoid it by applying sunscreen and covering exposed areas. Also, avoid sun tanning products and creams unless the skin specialist allows.

The successful cases witnessed falling hair in weeks. To avoid tanning and the sun's side effects, cover your exposed skin with a scarf, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Considering the side effects, they may be swelling, redness, and scarring that go off in a few days. Permanent scanning and changes in skin colour may also be observed, which require medical assistance and the attention of a skin specialist.

Costs of Laser Hair Removal

As aforesaid, it is affordable. Considering the case of the US, it was around $390 or more per session in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Typically, its cost includes

·       The size of the surface being treated

·       Time and number of treatments required

·       The experience and certified doctor’s skills

·       This is all about the laser treatment for facial and unwanted hair.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal treatment is one of the most effective methods to get rid of unwanted hair. It helps in achieving permanent removal, given that a qualified doctor has done it. Besides, there are several factors responsible for it, which your doctor can examine and determine. A patient can find this kind of skin specialist to achieve desirable results.