Laser Hair Removal Basics
Men and women alike have unwanted hair. It doesn’t matter if it’s on your back, under your arms or around your bikini area. For women, having facial hair is really embarrassing. Sure, you can shave or wax the areas, but the hair keeps growing back. Some people may even suffer the pain of in-grown hairs.
There’s now a permanent solution to stop hair growth with virtually no pain and no downtime, and it’s cheaper than other cosmetic procedures. Millions of people are turning to laser hair removal. If you're tired of shaving and waxing unwanted hair or suffer from painful in-grown hairs, contact a dermatologist to learn more about laser hair removal.
Take some time to review these laser hair removal before and after photos to see successful examples of this procedure performed on patients just like you.
Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Laser hair removal is used for unwanted hair. The people who most benefit from this type of procedure are people with light skin and dark hair because the laser targets the pigment (melanin) in your skin. People with darker skin may also benefit from laser hair removal, but there's a risk of pigment changes in the skin.
Before your procedure you'll be instructed to stay out of the sun. A tan increases the risk of blistering and discoloration. You'll also be instructed not to wax or pluck so you don’t disturb the hair follicle. Your doctor will give you special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser. The procedure is performed with a handheld instrument that looks like a pen.
When your doctor activates the laser, a beam will pass through your skin to each individual hair follicle where hair growth originates. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the follicles, which inhibits hair growth. You may feel a slight stinging sensation. Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, may take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, may take several hours.
After your procedure you may feel a slight stinging sensation for an hour or two. Some people have also noticed slight redness or swelling. Your post-op instructions may offer suggestions such as over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen for any discomfort. Also, cold packs may be suggested. Most people are instructed to stay out of the sun for several weeks.
The results are remarkable but vary from person to person. Because hair grows in stages, it may take anywhere from four to six treatments, and each treatment is spaced out anywhere from six to eight weeks. Additional periodic maintenance treatments — perhaps once every six to 12 months — may be needed as well.
Advantages of Laser Hair Removal
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No more shaving
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Smoother skin
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No more in-grown hairs
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Boosted self-confidence
Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal
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Temporary irritation after procedure
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Possible temporary skin-pigment changes (more common in darker-skinned people)
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Rare chance of scarring or skin changes
Before and After Photos of Laser Hair Removal
Take a look at these laser hair removal before and after photos to see real people who've had the procedure. This will give you an idea of the results that can be achieved.
Find a Dermatologist in Your Area
Set up a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss all the risks and benefits of laser hair removal and receive recommendations based on your goals.
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