Laser hair removal is an extremely effective and noninvasive method that is designed to permanently remove unwanted body hair and facial hair. It will leave your skin smoother than waxing, razors, or electrolysis, and the procedure is less painless. It can be used to treat large areas effectively with no downtime and minimal discomfort. It is one of the most common aesthetic treatments across the world.

When to Consider it?

You will make a great candidate for laser hair removal if:

• You have unwanted body hair or facial hair that makes you feel very self conscious and limits your choice of clothing.
• You have light skin and dark hair.
• You want an effective alternative to electrolysis, waxing, bleaching, and shaving.

Darker hairs absorb more of the light used in the laser treatment and light skin allows for easy laser light transmission into the hair follicle. The coarseness and color of the hair depends on ethnicity, age, hormone levels, and medication. These factors, along with the target body area, influences the results of the laser treatment.

The procedure safe for all the body parts, including the face. Permanent hair reduction or removal can save you a lot of time and money.

What Does the Procedure Entail?

Before the laser treatment, the doctor will place protective eye gear to prevent any injury to the retina and cornea. The hair will be trimmed short, leaving only a few millimeters above the surface of the skin. To protect your skin’s outer layer, the doctor will apply a cold gel on its surface. This also makes the treatment much more effective by facilitating the penetration of the laser light through your skin.

The laser is a low energy beam that passes through the skin. It is then absorbed by the skin pigment and the hair growth follicles underneath. The doctor will observe the area to ensure that the settings are right and also double check to see if you are having any adverse reactions.

If the test is successful, a low energy beam will be directed to the areas that need to be treated, disabling the hair follicles with every subsequent treatment. Hair follicles that are in the dormant phase are not affected by this treatment. Once the procedure is complete, you will be given ice packs or an anti-inflammatory lotion or cream to soothe the treatment area.

For optimal results, you will have to go in multiple sessions. You will need anywhere between three to seven sessions initially and maintenance procedures at later dates, especially if your body exhibits an exogenous use of hormones or an endogenous state of hormone secretion.

What Do You Need to Do to Prepare?

To prepare for the procedure, you should avoid wearing sunscreen and avoid any pretreatment hair removal technique like waxing, plucking, or electrolysis. If you’re a smoker, it is highly important for you to quit smoking for four weeks before you go in for the treatment.

There are also certain medications that you shouldn’t take before the procedure. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications as they can interfere with the healing process. Irrespective of the extent of hair removal, it is important to stay hydrated before and after the treatment for safe recovery.

Contact Our Office

The Advanced Plastic Surgery Center’s goal is to help patients look good and feel confident. If excess body hair has you feeling down, it may be time to consider laser hair removal. Contact us to schedule a consultation. Your journey to a smooth and hairless body can begin right now!