Laser hair removal is a procedure to remove unwanted hair on your body. It’s noninvasive, which means it doesn’t require any cuts in your skin. People may get this treatment on any part of their body, but the most common areas are:
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How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a process called selective photothermolysis. Heat from a laser destroys cells that have a lot of pigment (color). Since dark hair has a lot of pigment, it absorbs the most heat. Hair transfers heat to the hair follicles and destroys them, so hair can’t grow.
A hair follicle has to be in its anagen, or growth, stage for the procedure to work. Follicles are in different stages at different times, so most people need multiple laser treatments.
Anyone with extra body hair can have laser hair removal. It’s usually a cosmetic procedure. It may improve your appearance or self-image. Many people also prefer not having to shave regularly.
Sometimes laser hair removal treats excess hair growth caused by:
Hirsutism, when women grow dark or coarse hair in areas where men usually have hair.
Hypertrichosis, when men or women grow excess hair anywhere on their bodies.
Laser hair removal is most effective for people with thick, dark hair and light skin. The contrast between skin color and hair color makes it easier for the hair to absorb heat. It might not work as well for people with dark skin or hair that’s blonde, gray, white or red.
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Who shouldn’t have laser hair removal?
Talk to your healthcare provider before having laser hair removal. You may need to avoid the procedure if you:
Are pregnant.
Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
People may want the treatment on their underarms, back or bikini area. It's not permanent, but the results last longer than shaving or waxing. Most people need about six treatments. It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
Some patients hear the word “laser” and immediately wonder, “does it increase risk of cancer?” or “can it cause damage to my organs?” The short answer is, no, laser hair removal does not cause cancer, nor does it cause any damage to organs.
Avoid heat treatments such as spas, steam rooms and saunas for 7 days.Avoid excessive scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin for 4-5 days. This is to allow the treated skin to recover and to prevent any infection. Avoid shaving the treated area for 72 hours after treatment.
Redness, swelling, itching and pain. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. ...
Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.
Rarely, laser hair removal can result in: pain, discomfort or tenderness. red skin that may last for some time. crusting, blistering, bruising or swelling of your skin.
Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.
If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.
It's important to note that the risk of actual nerve damage is exceedingly rare and often associated with improper laser use, such as incorrect settings or untrained operators.
That said, most patients with PCOS or hirsutism still find that laser hair removal is well worth the effort, since there is no other treatment that can reduce hair for the long term in such a quick and convenient way. Hormonal imbalances may also trigger regrowth in the years after getting laser hair removal.
Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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