Is Laser Hair Removal For You?

Laser hair removal is currently popular among those looking for a permanent solution to more permanent hair removal methods. Using lasers to eliminate unwanted hair works by preventing the hair roots from growing additional hairs. Lasers can be used to target melanin, which is responsible for darkening your hair. The melanin is what gives you the darker hair color. This damages the follicle and causes it to stop producing new hairs, so the remaining hair falls out. Below are some questions that women considering laser hair removal should ask their dermatologists.

Are the treatments permanent? Although the treatments are permanent, there will always be some hair growth after your first few treatments. Your dermatologist may be able to remove any hairs that have grown back during your second or third session of laser hair removal.

Does the redness and swelling from the procedure go away? 

Most patients report that the redness caused by laser hair removal is gone within six weeks. Soreness is common, but rarely can be felt. Swelling will occur as the body heales. Depending on the type of laser being used, the swelling from the procedure will vary.

Will new hair grow after my laser hair removal treatments? 

Laser treatments are permanent. Your skin will continue to heal. No matter what laser hair removal treatment you used, your skin will continue to absorb nutrients. This will allow for increased hair growth. The hair will grow on up to 90% of the skin that was treated.

Can I have multiple treatments? If you had a single laser hair removal treatment, you will not need more than one treatment. Your skin type will determine how many treatments you need. A smooth finish will require fewer treatments than an irritated or rough finish. Your skin will take longer to heal.

Can I have side effects from my laser hair removal treatments? 

Some common side effects include minor scarring, localized pain, itching or burning, and skin discoloration. There are other side effects, but these are the most common.

Will my hair be permanently treated? 

After receiving one or more laser treatments, temporary hair reduction may occur. This temporary process is not permanent. Hair will return to its original volume at some point after your treatments are complete. You may see new hairs after your treatments are finished. This process cannot reduce dark or coarse hairs, and the treated skin may become loose or saggy.

How do I avoid having side effects? 

When you start receiving laser hair removal treatments, you should inform your dermatologist of any previous skin allergies or conditions you may have. Tell your dermatologist if you suffer from acne or rosacea, because these can cause irritation. Follow all instructions given by your doctor, including the time that you must wait before you can resume normal activities. Don’t let unwanted side effects stop you from living life to the fullest.

How is laser hair removal performed? 

A device containing a pulsating laser and a harmless chemical, or water molecule, passes through the hair’s follicles during a laser hair-removal treatment. The light damages the hair follicles, causing them to stop producing hair shaft material. The hair follicles are not affected, so new hairs will not be born.

What are the side effects from laser hair removal? There may be some temporary redness, swelling or itching after a few treatments. These side effects are usually temporary and will go away as the body begins to heal itself. Some people experience slight skin discoloration, but this usually fades after a few weeks. Other people experience no side effects or only minimal side effects. Talk to your dermatologist to ensure you are fit enough to undergo laser treatment.

I am a good candidate for laser hair removal? 

If you are healthy and have no known allergies, broken or dry skin, and adequate time to recover between treatments is available. Also, laser hair removal treatments are much more effective on darker, thicker hairs than they are on lighter, thinner hairs. If you are a candidate, your dermatologist will tell you.

Is laser hair removal right? 

Laser treatments are great for permanently removing unwanted hairs, but you might not like the permanent results. Electrolysis is a better option if you want lighter hair and healthier hair that will last longer. With electrolysis, the hairs do not come off, only the follicle is destroyed. This method requires several treatments over several months to achieve the results you want.