The presence of unwanted hair no longer has to be something you live with. While shaving, waxing and tweezing has been around for ages, laser hair removal grants a permanent solution to unwanted hair and leaves you with smooth, fuzz-free skin. Before you plan a laser hair removal session for yourself though, here is all you need to know from The Skin Nurse Clinic before you go ahead with it.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work
The methodology involved in laser hair removal can vary from person-to-person. People with lighter skin tones are given a medical-grade laser treatment that affects the pigment of the hair follicles. Those with darker skin are given laser treatments that affect the blood supply of the hair follicles. In both modalities, the laser stunts and destroys the growth of hair.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
- Laser hair removal has repeatedly and predictably given permanent hair removal results. Depending on the area of application, permanent results may be obtained in three to seven sessions.
- Laser hair removal is precise enough to selectively target certain areas without causing any damage to the surrounding skin.
- Lasers can treat an area of about a size of a quarter and several hairs in one second. With each pulse of a laser taking only a fraction of a second, laser hair removal is considered a speedy treatment to rid yourself of unwanted hair.
What to Expect in a Laser Hair Removal Procedure?
Hair growth occurs in three different phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transitional phase) and telogen (resting or shedding phase). For this reason, it can take multiple sessions of laser hair removal to obtain permanent results. Lasers work best on the anagen phase of hair, which is why multiple treatments spaced four to six weeks apart may be needed to keep the results of hair removal permanent. Moreover, the type of treatment a client receives will depend on the colour and texture of their hair, the area being targeted and their skin tone.
Before the treatment begins, the hair might require trimming to just around a few millimetres above the surface of the skin. A numbing agent may also be applied about 30 minutes before the procedure, as some people may experience some slight stinging or pain in laser hair removal.
A cooling agent or cold gel is also applied to the surface of the skin, which not only protects the outer layer of skin but also helps in the penetration of the laser light into the skin. The laser treatment is started on a test area first, followed by a waiting period of a few minutes to check for any kind of reaction.
After the completion of the session, the client is given ice packs or soothing lotions and creams to ease any discomfort that may occur after the procedure. The next session, if needed, is booked appropriately and continues till hair growth has stopped permanently.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
- You will be expected to stop shaving, waxing or plucking your hair for at least six weeks before your laser hair removal appointment. Laser treatments target the roots of the hair, which often get removed temporarily during other forms of hair removal. Shaving, which does not remove the hair root, may be done 12-24 hours before the procedure.
- Clients are also expected to avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks before and after the procedure. Excessive sun exposure can interfere with the laser treatment and give rise to potential complications. Tanning through artificial means like tanning beds should also be avoided.
- Work-outs or any kind of activity that may raise the body temperature should be avoided after the procedure, as it can cause perspiration and form a breeding ground for bacteria and infections in the hair follicles. It is ideal to wait at least 24 hours before resuming any strenuous activity.
- Since a complete laser hair removal procedure can require multiple sessions, it is important for clients to attend their sessions regularly at the appointed intervals. Keeping your appointments will ensure the outcome you desire from your treatments.
Cost of Laser Hair Removal
The average cost for laser hair removal can run up to a couple of hundred dollars per session. The overall cost will depend on the size of the target area, the number of sessions required, the expertise of the technician/doctor performing the procedure, and your choice of the treatment facility. Contact The Skin Nurse Clinic for more information.
