The treatment area and the rate of hair growth there determine the interval between sessions. You wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from the laser beam during each treatment.
Depending on the area being treated, it may need multiple sessions. Usually, about 6 to 10 are recommended at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks.
Treatment Areas
Numerous body parts can be treated with laser hair removal. Depending on the individual’s preference, these include the arms, legs, chest, underarms, back and bikini area.
The treatment area is a critical part of the process and should be considered before you schedule an appointment for a laser hair removal Ellicott City MD. Your skin type and color will be considered when determining the best laser and treatment settings.
For example, a patient with darker skin may be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation or burns from the heat created by the laser. It is why avoiding sunless skin creams before your treatment is essential.
You will wear safety goggles the entire time to shield your eyes from the laser beam. You can expect to feel a series of minor stings as the hair is destroyed by the laser.
Your skin will be swollen and red after the procedure. You should apply a cold compress.
The treatment session will take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. For example, the hair on your upper lip can be removed in minutes, while the back or legs might take an hour.
When the laser destroys the hair follicle, it will never grow again. However, it is common for new hairs to form in the future. Following up with a touch-up session is essential to prevent unwanted hair from returning.
Most patients require 3-6 treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart to achieve their desired results. Ideally, these treatments are spread out to allow the hair follicles in the active growth phase to be targeted by the laser.
Preparation
Before getting a laser hair removal treatment, preparing your skin is essential. It will help ensure a smoother result and fewer side effects.
Your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the skin. It will also reduce any pain associated with the procedure. Once you’re comfortable, your doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument to the skin. It will direct the laser beam to the hair follicles. The heat from the laser vaporizes the hair follicles, which causes them to stop producing new hairs.
When the follicles stop growing, they will eventually shed. However, this process may take several weeks. It is normal and can happen anywhere on the body.
If the skin has any redness or a feeling of warmth, it can be relieved with cold compresses and moisturizers. You might also notice a light tan around the treatment site. It’s recommended to avoid exercising or taking hot showers for 24 hours after the treatment to prevent irritated skin.
You’ll need to avoid sun-based products, such as self-tanning lotions or sprays, for at least two weeks before your appointment. It is because the laser needs to be able to target your hair follicles, and self-tanning products can block this process.
Additionally, you should avoid waxing, electrolysis, and plucking for at least three weeks before your appointment. The laser can damage the hairs removed by these methods, and the treatment will not work.
Finally, you should avoid bleaching or dyeing your hair for at least four weeks before your treatment to ensure the laser can reach the pigment of your hair. If you dye your hair before laser hair removal, the color may fade from the treatment, but you won’t have any permanent results.
Typically, laser hair removal requires 4-6 treatments for maximum results. The treatment area and the rate of hair growth there determine the interval between sessions. You wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from the laser beam during each treatment.
