Who is a candidate
for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is used for people who want to remove
unwanted body hair. Common treatment locations include
legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and bikini line. Although
laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal,
it does extend the "hair-free" period, which
can vary from several months to several years
Hair color and skin type are the key factors that influence
the success of laser hair removal. It's most successful
on people with dark hair (brown or black) and light skin.
However, it can also be used on people with darker skin
types.
How do you prepare
for laser hair removal?
If you have a tan from sun exposure or sunless tanning
products, you must wait until the tan fades completely
before undergoing laser hair removal. Avoid sun exposure
three weeks before treatment.
Avoid waxing or plucking the hair and electrolysis three
weeks before treatment.
How does laser hair
removal work?
The laser light passes through your skin's surface to
tiny sacs (hair follicles) where hair growth originates.
The intense heat damages the hair follicle, which inhibits
hair growth. It takes several treatments to provide an
extended hair-free period.
What can you expect
during laser hair removal?
During the procedure, you wear goggles to prevent accidental
exposure of your eyes to laser light. When the laser is
activated, you feel a stinging sensation. You may notice
a strong odor of singed hair, which is normal.
How long the procedure takes depends on the area of the
body involved. A small area such as the upper lip may
take several minutes. A larger area such as the back may
an hour.
What can you expect
after laser hair removal?
After the laser hair removal, no medications or bandages
are necessary. You may notice some redness and swelling
for the first hour.
After treatment:
- Avoid exposure to the sun for three weeks after treatment.
Avoid tanning booths — the ultraviolet light damages
the skin.
- You may shave in between treatments (no waxing or
tweezing!)
- You may see coarse stubble. This will fall out once
the hair reaches the surface. This can take up to two
weeks.
What are the results
of laser hair removal?
Studies show that for suitable candidates, hair removal
lasers can reduce hair counts by 40 percent to 80 percent.
Results vary from person to person, however, and some
people respond better to treatment than others.
Multiple treatments can prolong the duration of hair
loss, but hair regrowth is possible. Also as you age,
unwanted hair growth inevitably continues, and you may
need repeat treatments in the future.
