Laser Hair Removal is a safe and virtually painless way to remove unwanted body hair. It can permanently reduce the density of hair or eliminate it completely, depending on your skin tone and type of hair.

People with contrasting skin and hair colors (light skin and dark hair) make the best candidates for this treatment. Avoid sunbathing or using sunless skin bleaching creams before your appointment. For professional help, contact IPL Langley.

Laser hair removal has become a popular cosmetic treatment for eliminating unwanted body hair and providing long-term results. The treatment works by using a laser light to heat up the pigment melanin inside of a hair follicle, thus killing it and preventing future growth. Laser treatments have also been shown to decrease the appearance of pores and smooth skin.

If you’re considering permanent hair reduction with lasers, it is important to understand how best to prepare for the procedure so that you can achieve the most desirable outcome. The process may seem straightforward enough, but there are certain steps you should take to prepare. Taking the proper precautions will help to minimize any pain or discomfort that you might experience during the procedure.

One of the most important things to do is to avoid plucking or waxing any part of your body for about six weeks before you have your first laser hair removal session. These methods disrupt the hair follicle, which can make it difficult for the laser to destroy it. It’s also a good idea to not expose any part of your body to the sun for the same amount of time. Sun exposure can make your skin more photosensitive, which means that it could burn during the laser treatment.

You should also make sure to discontinue any skincare products that contain ingredients known to increase photosensitivity. Common ingredients to avoid include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol. It is also a good idea to shave the area that will be treated just before your appointment, as this helps to optimize the procedure. Shaving will prevent the laser from targeting hair that is above the skin’s surface, which can cause irritation and potentially result in skin burns.

It is vital to be completely honest with your technician about any medications that you are currently taking. Some medications can heighten your sensitivity to the laser, and it’s helpful for your technician to know this information in advance.

During the actual laser treatment, you’ll lie on a table as the practitioner presses the instrument against your skin. The tip of the device will have a cooling device or gel on it to protect your skin and minimize any discomfort. The laser light will then pass through your skin, targeting the hair follicles and damaging them with a pulse of light. During this part of the procedure, you’ll likely feel a slight sensation of discomfort, similar to a warm pinprick.

Procedure

The technician will thoroughly clean your skin and apply a numbing cream to the area. They will then put on a pair of protective goggles and direct the laser light at your hair follicles. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure can take from just a few minutes to an hour. The feeling of the laser treatment has been compared to a series of warm pinpricks or a rubber band snapping against the skin. Some patients feel more discomfort during their first treatment, but this diminishes with subsequent treatments.

Some normal side effects after laser hair removal include itching, pink skin and redness around the treatment area. This is caused by the hair follicles reacting to the heat from the laser. These side effects typically last no more than two or three days, and can be eased by using ice packs and topical anti-inflammatory medications.

For the best results from your laser hair removal treatment, it’s important that you follow the doctor’s advice for aftercare. You’ll likely be advised to avoid exposing the treatment area to sunlight and tanning beds as much as possible for six weeks after your laser treatment, so that the skin doesn’t discolor. You’ll also be told to regularly use sun protection on the treated area.

It’s important to understand that hair growth follows a natural cycle, with follicles going through periods of resting, shedding and growing. Because of this, some hair will grow back after laser treatment, but it will usually be finer and lighter in color than the original follicle. For this reason, many people require a series of treatments over the course of months or years for long-term hair reduction.

When done by an experienced professional, laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted hair. To learn more about this treatment option, schedule a consultation with an expert dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in SOHO, Tribeca and Uptown NYC. You can contact us to book your appointment online or by phone. We have over two and a half decades of experience providing the world’s most discerning individuals with non-invasive cosmetic dermatology treatments, including laser hair removal.

Side Effects

Laser hair removal can be a safe and effective procedure for reducing unwanted hair. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and follow proper aftercare instructions in order to achieve the best results. In some cases, the skin may experience minor side effects after laser treatment, including redness, swelling and irritation. These side effects are typically temporary and should resolve on their own over time. Some people may also notice changes in skin pigmentation following laser hair removal, such as darkening or lightening of the skin color. This is typically a temporary effect and will not affect the overall results of the procedure.

Although rare, some patients may experience more serious side effects from laser hair removal, especially if the treatment is performed by an untrained practitioner or on darker skin tones. These more serious side effects can include permanent changes in skin pigmentation, cold sore outbreaks, blistering and scarring.

During the treatment, your doctor will pull the area of the skin taut and hold the laser handpiece against the skin at a perpendicular angle. They will then press it down gently but firmly to bring the hair follicles close to the surface of the skin. Once the handpiece is in place, it will begin emitting laser pulses that vaporize the hair follicles, which may produce small plumes of smoke or have a sulfur-like smell. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the treatment may last for a few minutes or up to an hour.

Some patients might feel slight discomfort during the treatment, but this can be reduced with the use of a topical anesthetic or pain medications. The sensation of the laser pulses can be described as a series of rubber band snapping against the skin or warm pinpricks. After the treatment, your doctor might instruct you to apply cool compresses on the treated area in order to reduce any swelling or discomfort that has occurred.

It is not recommended to undergo laser hair removal while pregnant. This is because no human studies have been conducted on the safety of this procedure during pregnancy, and it could potentially lead to complications. It is also not a good idea to get laser treatments after a chemical peel or another skin treatment that has removed layers of your skin.

Results

The laser treatment destroys the hair follicle, preventing new hair from growing. This is why it takes multiple treatments to get the best results. After your first series of treatments, you should see a reduction in the amount of hair that is growing in the area. You can also expect the remaining hair to be thinner and finer. The result is a much smoother appearance in the treated areas.

Once you have completed your full course of laser hair removal, you should be able to expect between 70% and 90% reduction in hair growth. This is a permanent reduction and will eliminate the need for shaving, waxing, and plucking. This is a life changer for many women and men that are tired of having unwanted body hair!

After your laser hair removal treatment, it is important to follow your practitioner’s post-treatment instructions. This is to help reduce the risk of side effects, such as redness and swelling, which may occur. These side effects are normal inflammatory symptoms and should resolve within a few days of the session. Icing the area or taking acetaminophen may help to ease these symptoms. It is also important to avoid sun exposure after a laser treatment, even if it is only a short walk in the sunlight. Using sunscreen with an SPF of 50 and above is recommended. This is because the sun’s rays can cause the skin to become darker in some areas, so proper sunscreen use will help prevent this from occurring.

If you are concerned about any side effects, it is important to talk to your practitioner before the procedure. They will be able to give you specific instructions for your individual skin type and complexion. They will also be able to provide you with information on how many treatments you will need to achieve your desired results.

If you are interested in getting laser hair removal, contact us today to book a consultation. We are here to help you achieve your dream of having smooth and hair free skin! Our team is passionate about helping you feel confident in your own skin.