If you’re tired of typical hair removal procedures like shaving, laser hair removal might be for you. Laser hair treatments, which are administered by a dermatologist or another competent and trained professional, function by preventing the follicles from producing new hairs.
Laser hair removal is a medical methodology that uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair (laser).
During laser hair removal, a laser emits light that is consumed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. Afterward, heat is generated from the light energy, which causes damage to the skin’s hair-producing tube-shaped sacs (hair follicles). As a result of this injury, future hair development is inhibited or delayed. It can effectively delay hair growth for an extended period of time, but it rarely results in permanent hair eradication.
Various laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments may be required as well. Laser hair removal is most effective on an individual with light skin and dark hair, but it can be used on any individual with any skin type.
Top 30 laser hair removal questions to ask your Technician before treatment
Laser hair removal isn’t as difficult as you may believe! We’ve compiled answers to just about any laser hair removal question you could have, and also, the advice on how to care for yourself both before and after your procedure.
So, without further ado, let’s get down to business.
1. What is the purpose of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a method for removing unwanted hair from the body. The upper lip, chin, legs, armpits, and bikini line are all locations that are frequently treated. Unwanted hair can be removed from practically any part of the body, with the exception of the eyelid and its surrounding area. It’s also not a good idea to treat tattooed skin.
Hair color and skin type have an impact on the outcome of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that hair pigment absorbs light while skin pigment does not. Only the hair follicles should be affected by the laser, not the skin around them. As a result, the best results come from the contrast in hair and skin color, such as black hair with light skin.
The danger of skin damage is greater when there is little contrast between skin and hair color. Laser hair removal is now a viable solution for persons with darker skin tones, thanks to advancements in laser technology. Hair colors that don’t absorb light efficiently, such as grey, red, blond, and white, are less effective at laser hair removal. Laser therapy methods for light-colored hair, on the other hand, are still being developed.
2. What are the most prevalent laser hair removal side effects?
The severity of side effects varies by skin type, hair color, treatment strategy, and pre-and post-treatment care. Skin irritation is one of the most prevalent side effects of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal can cause redness, edoema, and transient discomfort.
The most common signs and symptoms are pigment changes, which normally disappear after a few hours. The affected skin may darken or lighten as a result of laser hair removal. These changes could be either temporary or permanent. Skin whitening is more noticeable in people who do not avoid sunlight exposure before or after laser hair treatment, as well as those with darker skin.
In rare situations, laser hair removal might result in blistering, crusting, scarring, or changes in skin texture. Other uncommon adverse effects include greying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, especially on darker skin.
Due to the risk of severe eye injury, laser hair removal is not suggested for eyelids, brows, or adjacent areas.
3. What necessary precautions should we take in order to be ready for laser hair removal?
- If you’re interested in laser hair removal, look for a specialist who is board-certified in a field such as cosmetic surgery or dermatology and has experience with laser hair removal on your skin type. If the procedure is to be performed by a physician assistant or a licensed nurse, make sure that a doctor supervises the procedure and is present on-site during the therapy. Avoid spas, salons, and other places where non-medical people can perform laser hair removal.
- Make an appointment with your doctor to determine whether laser hair removal is a viable treatment option for you. Your doctor will almost certainly perform the following procedures:
- Review your medical history, including medication use, skin disorders or scarring, and previous hair removal operations; discuss risks, advantages, and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and cannot accomplish for you; and take images for before-and-after evaluations and long-term reviews.
- During the session, you will go over a treatment plan and any associated fees. Typically, laser hair removal is an out-of-pocket expense.
- Furthermore, the doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for laser hair removal. These could include things like staying out of the sun. Sun exposure should be avoided before and after therapy unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To lighten your skin, use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen every time you go outside. Avoid any sunless skin lotions that darken your skin. If you have recently tanned or darker skin, your doctor may also advise you to use a skin whitening cream.
- It is recommended that you should use alternative hair removal treatments as little as possible. Hair follicle disruptions like plucking, waxing, and electrolysis should be avoided for at least four weeks prior to therapy.
- Avoiding the use of blood-thinning medications Ask your doctor about any medications you should avoid before surgery, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Area for shaving treatments. Trim and shave the day before your laser treatment. It eliminates hair from above the skin, causing skin burns, but leaves hair shafts below the skin intact.
4. What happens during the laser hair removal procedure?
The doctor will treat your skin with a handheld laser. Depending on the laser, a cooling device or cold gel may be used to protect the skin and decrease adverse effects.
When the doctor uses the laser, it penetrates the skin to the hair follicles. The laser beam’s strong heat destroys the hair follicles, preventing hair growth. You may experience discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and the cooling device or gel will most likely cause you to feel cold.
A tiny area, such as the top lip, may only take a few minutes to treat. A wider area, such as the back, may take more than an hour to treat.
5. What happens once the laser hair removal procedure is completed?
You may experience swelling, redness, and itchiness in the hours following laser hair removal.
To alleviate any discomfort, apply ice to the affected area. If you experience a skin reaction after laser hair removal, your doctor may use steroid cream to treat the affected region.
It is recommended that you should avoid sunlight and tanning beds for six weeks after laser hair removal and between regular treatments or as instructed by your doctor. Every day, apply a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen.
6. What are the potential outcomes of laser hair removal?
Hairs do not fall out all at once; rather, they fall out over a period of days to weeks. This could be the appearance of new hair growth. Multiple sessions are frequently required because hair growth and loss occur in a natural cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles during the new-growth period.
The results are highly variable and difficult to predict. Most people have hair removal that lasts for months, if not years. Laser hair removal, on the other contrary, does not guarantee permanent hair removal. Hair is usually finer and lighter in color when it regrows.
Maintenance laser treatments may be required for long-term hair removal.
7. Which laser hair removal machine is the best?
It depends upon your skin type as well as the healthcare professional doing the procedure. If the health care experts utilizing the laser hair removal equipment aren’t familiar with laser safety and effective settings, the identical laser hair removal equipment can provide drastically different results.
When choosing a laser, it’s crucial to remember that we’re talking about different sorts of lasers and different brands of lasers. The LumenisLightsheer Diode laser is a fantastic Diode laser. The Sciton Profile is a good long-pulsed Nd: Yg laser and the Cynosure Apogee is an excellent alexandrite laser. We urge that you do some research on your health care professional and that you do not be hesitant to inquire about their settings or experience.
Finally, the FDA clearance of the laser equipment you desire is strongly recommended. There are certain companies out there that provide laser hair removal services using uncontrolled laser equipment, so patients should be cautious.
8. How much does laser hair removal cost?
The final cost of laser hair removal is determined by a number of factors. These factors include the number of sessions, the equipment utilized, the hair color, and the facility’s pricing policy. One thing is certain: depending on the region and length of the growth cycle, you will require many treatments, usually ranging from 5-8.
Small regions, such as the underarms and chin, can be quite inexpensive to treat. Other sections, such as entire legs, might be fairly costly. Sessions have been sold for as little as $30 and as much as $500.
Because there are so many different types of lasers, facilities, and providers, it’s wise to ask questions about the settings, laser equipment, and frequency before committing. This will assist you in understanding the expectations as a patient. Not every patient will experience the same outcomes or require the same medical treatment.
9. What about lasers for the home?
There are hair removal lasers that can be used at home. These devices may result in minor hair loss. However, no large-scale studies have been conducted to compare the effectiveness of these devices to laser hair removal in a doctor’s office.
Furthermore, because the FDA considers these home laser hair removal devices to be cosmetic rather than medicinal, they are not subject to the same level of scrutiny as other medical equipment. At the moment, there hasn’t been any large-scale, long-term research on how safe and effective home devices are.
If you decide to use home laser hair removal equipment, make sure to carefully read the instructions to reduce the risk of injury, particularly eye problems.
10. What are the laser hair removal pre-instructions?
- For at least two weeks, patients must refrain from using retinol or bleaching lotions.
- Two weeks before your treatment, avoid sunburns or extensive sun exposure.
- Within four weeks, patients must inform their healthcare providers if they have had any ablative or non-ablative procedures on their skin.
- The morning before the procedure or the night before the procedure, patients must shave the area they will be treating. If the region is not shaved prior to treatment, there is a $25 cost.
- Before your treatment, you should stop taking any photosensitive medications for two weeks. It is strongly recommended that the patients must consult their primary care physician before ceasing use.
11. What are the laser hair removal post-treatment instructions?
- To chill the treatment site, minimize swelling, and relieve discomfort, apply cold (not frozen) packs immediately after treatment.
- If the temperature is below four °C, chemical cold packs are not recommended. You can use frozen 44 gauze pads that have been moistened with water and inserted into little plastic bags.
- You should avoid stress for the first three or four days after treatment. Also, you should avoid hot baths, cardiovascular exercise, massage, and other similar activities.
- For at least one month after treatment, patients should apply high-factor (30–50 SPF) sunscreen and protect the treated area from direct sunlight. After treatment sessions, tanning may increase melanin regeneration, resulting in hyperpigmentation.
- After treatment, most patients are able to apply makeup right away. However, if the treatment site scales or cakes, we encourage patients to avoid wearing cosmetics.
- During this time, the skin is more prone and sensitive, and removing makeup, especially if it is difficult to remove, can harm the skin and make the area more susceptible to infection.
- For several days after treatment, patients are recommended to maintain high sanitary standards in the treated region. Patients are recommended to avoid harsh sports or similar activities for several days after treatment until their skin has returned to normal.
- Patients should return four to five weeks after therapy for a follow-up assessment and, if necessary, additional treatment. The time between treatments is usually four to five weeks. The pace of hair growth is determined by the individual; the body area treated, sex and hormonal factors, physiological conditions, and the season of treatment.
- If no further treatment is required, patients should return three to four weeks later for a re-examination, particularly after new hair has grown in the treatment area.
- If partial hair clearing has occurred, treatment should be continued with the same settings, and the patient should return in 4 to 8 weeks for additional treatment if necessary. Treatment parameters should be adjusted if no change is observed.
12. How long should you wait between laser hair treatments?
Laser hair removal can be a highly effective process, but there is a lot of variation because it is a medical service. The laser treatment is intended to treat hair that is in the anagen stage.
Although we would prefer that all of the hair be in the anagen phase, this is unlikely to happen. Only approximately ten to twenty percent of hair is actively growing. This suggests that just 20% of the people will benefit from your session.
The only question now is when the frequency should be set. This varies, and depending on your hair development; your health professional will provide a recommendation. This can take from four to ten weeks, according to my experience.
13. After a laser hair removal session, how much hair should fall out?
The amount of hair that falls out throughout each laser hair removal session varies. Hair grows in three stages, with laser hair removal being most effective on hairs in the growing phase. The hairs should be permanently reduced if they are in the correct phase.
Some hairs are ejected from the follicle right away, while others develop and fall out over the course of a few weeks. We normally recommend treating the neck and face every four weeks and anyone’s area below the neck every six weeks to ensure that the hairs are in the optimal phase for laser hair removal. Some treatments will remove a lot of hair, while others may only remove a small amount. It just depends on the stage of development.
14. Does shaving your head cause your hair to regrow thicker and faster?
Natural hair, when left alone, has a soft tip and has been exposed to light for some time, making it potentially lighter in color. Shaving has achieved this mythical reputation because natural hair, when left alone, has a soft tip and has been exposed to light for some time, making it potentially lighter in color.
Shaving stubble that has just emerged into the light of day has a blunt end from the last shave, so it is as dark as it will ever be.
15. Which is better: laser hair removal or electrolysis?
Laser hair removal isn’t a long-term solution. Electrolysis can be permanent, although laser hair removal is much faster and covers a larger area. Electrolysis works on a single follicle at a time, but laser hair removal is only effective on black hairs.
Laser hair removal involves numerous treatments spaced four weeks apart. Electrolysis is color blind. Electrolysis kills the hair follicle after a single treatment, and both have the potential to leave scars.
16. Is waxing and plucking necessary after laser hair removal?
It is safe to use any method of hair removal, such as waxing, plucking, and so on, up to five days following the laser treatment. Any redness or irritation that is directly attributable to the laser treatment is a cause for concern.
If you wish to have more laser treatments, don’t pluck or wax for a few weeks before the procedure since you want the hair in the follicle to be treated. It’s fine to shave or cut with scissors.
17:After laser hair removal, how long should I stay out of the sun?
It is normally advised to limit sun exposure for at least 7-10 days after laser hair removal. This will lessen the likelihood of difficulties.
Because tanned skin is more prone to difficulties with laser hair removal, sun avoidance and sunblock use are recommended in general when conducting laser hair removal treatments to reduce the chance of negative effects such as burns and pigment changes.
18. Are there any risks from laser hair removal on 15-16-year-olds?
Teenagers face the same hazards as adults over the age of 18 when it comes to laser hair removal. Teenagers can be treated for unwanted hair with safe lasers and specialists educated in the technique with parental consent.
Before and after laser treatments, it’s critical to avoid the sun and use sunscreen to avoid skin discoloration and burns.
19. What Should You Do In Between Hair Removal Sessions?
Most people do not have to worry about excessive hair growth between treatments if they continue to receive treatments. If you do need to remove hair, avoid waxing or tweezing at all costs.
Waxing and tweezing destroy the root, whereas laser energy targets the hair root. It is, nevertheless, acceptable to shave in between treatments. In fact, removing your hair before the treatment can help you get a more successful therapy.
20. How many sessions are required to stop body hair growth on average?
On average, 5-8 treatment sessions are required to achieve permanent hair reduction, with the number of sessions varying depending on the body area being treated.
21. Is Lasering the Bikini Area Safe?
Lasering the bikini area, as well as other parts of your upper and lower legs, is both safe and frequent. However, it is preferable to avoid the sun right before and after treatment.
22. Is laser hair removal a long-term solution?
It’s not possible to say that laser hair removal is “permanent” and that you’ll never have to shave, wax, tweeze, or tweeze again — it’s just not possible. If the follicle is destroyed, single hairs may be permanently gone.
That solitary follicle isn’t going to grow back. However, you can hope the best from laser hair removal procedures is the complete eradication of 70% to 80% of the hairs. The hairs that remain should be finer, thinner, and lighter in color.
Additionally, your body will generate new hair follicles over time, resulting in fresh hair growth. This is why, following the initial six treatments, maintenance treatments are required every 4-6 months to ensure that new hairs are targeted.
To quickly answer your question, yes, SINGLE hairs are permanently gone. It is impossible to completely remove all hairs.
23. How common are laser hair removal-related burns?
When utilizing lasers, there is always the risk of getting burned. Burns are uncommon if the laser health professional, settings, and relevant practices are followed. Burns is most common when the sets are too high for the skin type.
Burns is more likely to occur in patients with darker skin during treatment. However, before a full treatment, health practitioners would usually perform a test spot. If the test spot burns, the treatment may be rendered ineffective.
24. I had a skin reaction that looked like burns after my laser hair removal treatment.
If you believe you were burned by the laser, we strongly advise you to schedule a follow-up appointment within 24-48 hours. The majority of clinics will provide free follow-ups. We also propose that pictures of the treated regions be taken. Because the symptoms may have faded by the time the follow-up happens, photos are beneficial.
Folliculitis is a condition in which the hair follicles become inflamed. Whiteheads, blisters, and inflammation surrounding the hair follicle are all signs of this.
25. Is it possible to get rid of strawberry legs with laser hair removal?
Yes. By removing the hair follicle, laser hair removal may aid in pore reduction.A few years back, I had laser hair removal on my beard. My beard has started to sag.
26. What parts of the body can be treated with laser hair removal?
The bikini line, legs, upper lip, underarms, and arms are common regions for laser hair removal in women. The back, shoulders, chest, and abdomen are the most popular locations for laser hair removal in men.
27. Is it safe to use laser hair removal when pregnant?
During pregnancy, this surgery is not advised. This is due to the fact that no human research has shown that laser hair treatments are safe during pregnancy.
If you have excess hair that has developed during your pregnancy, you may benefit from laser hair treatments. The breasts and stomach are common locations of excessive hair growth. However, these hairs usually fall out on their own, so if you wait until after your pregnancy is over, you may not need any medical treatment.
If you’re pregnant and considering laser hair removal, postpone it until after the baby is born. To be safe, your doctor will probably advise you to wait a few weeks.
28. Is it true that laser hair removal can cause cancer?
Contrary to popular belief, laser hair removal does not cause cancer. According to the Skin Care Foundation Trusted Source, the technique is sometimes used to treat some types of precancerous lesions.
Various lasers are used to treat sun damage and wrinkles. Hair removal lasers and other cosmetic procedures generate very little radiation compared to other medical operations. Furthermore, only the minimal minimum is being demanded on the skin’s surface, which is a bare minimum in any case. As a result, they are not at risk of developing cancer.
29. Is it possible that laser hair removal will result in infertility?
Laser hair removal can potentially induce infertility, which is a misconception. The lasers only touch the skin’s surface, so the procedure’s limited radiation won’t reach any of your inside organs.
If you’re currently attempting to conceive, talk to your doctor about the dangers.
30. Will Laser hair removal will work on my skin type and hair color?
According to Lee, laser hair removal works on practically every skin type, from very light-skinned persons (or Type I on the Fitzpatrick scale, a skin-typing test) to Type V or even VI (dark skin). Some terminology to be aware of: An Alexandrite or Diode laser will normally be used on light-skinned people, whereas an Nd: YAG laser will be used on darker-skinned people.
Blonde, grey, or light red hair, according to Lee, is tough to treat. If a facility promotes lasers that work on all hair colors, it’s likely that they’re employing Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to remove lighter hair. As IPL emits a broad spectrum of light, it isn’t as smart as a laser,” Lee explains. “IPL has a larger chance of inflicting burns because it’s more difficult to target the hairs with a broad spectrum.” Blondes and redheads should conduct further research to verify that the clinic they select is knowledgeable about IPL.
31. When should you stop shaving before getting laser hair removal?
It is preferable to shave the day before or the day of your procedure. To avoid razor burn, use a new razor and shaving cream. Shaving during your session is not suggested because it might cause cuts and razor irritation from a dry shave.
32. Is it possible for vaginal laser hair removal to cause redness, swelling, bumps, and itching?
Itching and edoema are common during the first few treatments. As a side effect, redness is extremely common. Aloe vera can be used to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. Shaving the region will irritate it, as would prolonged laser treatments.
Watch Laser hair removal: Be prepared with these 5 facts | Video
Conclusion
For the most part, laser hair removal is both safe and effective. You should avoid having the surgery done near your eyes or when pregnant as a precaution. If you experience any unusual problems following laser hair removal, see your doctor.
Also, keep in mind that the surgery does not guarantee that the hair will be permanently removed. It’s possible that you’ll require additional therapy.
