Are you tired of constantly shaving, waxing, and tweezing unwanted hairs? Do these rituals leave you with annoying ingrown hairs, bumps, and rashes?
Are you ready for a better solution to remove your unwanted body hair?
If you haven't before, it's time to consider laser hair removal. The procedure is probably more common than you think! Thousands of certified practitioners perform over 630,000 laser hair removal treatments annually.
Is laser hair removal safe? Does it hurt? Does it really work? And where should you go for the best laser hair removal treatment?
Read on to find out!
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal is one of the most common cosmetic procedures done in the U.S.
It works by beaming highly concentrated light into hair follicles. The pigment inside the follicle absorbs the light. After several treatments, the process damages or kills the hair, preventing regrowth.
Since lasers target the pigment inside the hair, the procedure was initially geared towards people with dark hair and light skin. However, there are newer lasers available that are successful on all skin types.
Patients with blond, red, or white hair may not see results as dramatic as those with darker hair. This is because their hair lacks the pigment necessary for the treatment to be most effective.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Imagine if you only had to shave once every few months - or never again!
Depending on your body's response to the treatment, laser hair removal could make that dream a reality.
What areas of your body are most ideal for laser treatment? They include:
Face
Legs
Arms
Underarms
Bikini line
Back, neck, and shoulders (for men)
Any part of your body, except for the eye area, is treatable with laser hair removal.
Consider just a few benefits of the procedure:
Precision. Lasers can selectively target coarse, dark hairs while leaving skin undamaged.
Predictability. Although individual results vary, most patients see a noticeable reduction in hair regrowth in as few as four sessions.
Speed. Each pulse of the laser lasts only a fraction of a second. Since it can cover an area the size of a quarter every second, the procedure often takes less time than patients expect. The upper lip, for example, is usually treated in under a minute, while larger areas like legs may take up to an hour.
Little or no pain. One of the biggest concerns patients express is, "Does laser hair removal hurt?" While this is true of some types of lasers, the best laser hair removal equipment (such as the Emvera Diolux) is virtually pain-free. This laser features a unique chilled tip cooling system that minimizes discomfort and adverse effects.
How Do I Prepare For My Consultation and Treatment?
Before considering any treatment, schedule a one-on-one consultation with the doctor. That way, she can ensure you're an eligible candidate.
The doctor will assess your general health and skin condition to be sure there are no contraindications. She'll also perform a small "patch test" with the laser to see how your body reacts to the procedure.
Once you have your first session scheduled, you should stop plucking and wax for six weeks before the appointment. Since the treatment works by targeting the hair's roots, they need to be intact.
It's fine to continue shaving, though. In fact, most doctors recommend that you shave a day or two before your first treatment. This will leave the hair follicles in a state of growth, which is ideal for best results.
It's also important to avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after your laser treatments. Tanned or sunburned skin will make the treatment less effective and can also lead to complications.
What Will Happen During the Treatment?
So you're signed up and ready for your first session of laser hair removal. What can you expect when you enter the clinic?
First, the doctor will adjust the laser equipment to suit the color, thickness, and location of the hair. She'll also supply you with protective eyewear and cooling gel to minimize discomfort.
The procedure will then begin by applying the laser to the desired area. The doctor will pause to inspect your skin and ensure there are no adverse reactions to the treatment. If necessary, she'll make adjustments to the equipment settings.
After each treatment, your doctor may offer anti-inflammatory creams or aloe vera gel to ease any lingering discomfort.
What Should I Expect After Each Treatment?
Recovery depends much on your body's unique reaction to the treatment.
Some patients claim that their skin returns to "normal" after only a few minutes. Others describe a feeling like a sunburn for a day or two after the procedure. Your doctor can tell you if or when to use moisturizers or cold compresses on your skin.
It's also important to use sunscreen in the weeks following each treatment. This will prevent any temporary changes to the color of the treated skin.
Expect to schedule anywhere from four to six treatments (possibly more), spaced three to six weeks apart. Why is this amount of time required between sessions? Because laser hair removal is only effective at certain stages of hair growth.
It's important to note that laser hair removal does not guarantee you'll be permanently hair-free. A course of treatment is "successful" when it results in thinned hair and an 80% reduction in growth.
It's also vital to choose a board-certified practitioner. Although many spas may offer laser hair removal services, only a plastic surgeon can safely perform these procedures.
The Best Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Now that you know all about laser hair removal, where should you go for the best laser hair removal treatment?
Dr. V - Neda Vanden Bosch is an accomplished cosmetic physician and a partner of the Medical Specialists of Palm Beach.
Combining state-of-the-art technology and years of experience, she's uniquely qualified to provide the best laser hair removal treatment.
We invite you to contact V Boutique Aesthetics with any questions you have or to schedule a consultation or appointment.