Laser Hair Removal In Langley is one of the most popular noninvasive cosmetic treatments performed in 2016. It’s a good option for people who want to reduce unwanted hair.
However, it’s important to understand how this procedure works before you make an appointment. You’ll need to prepare for treatment and follow your dermatologist’s instructions during the procedure.
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective treatment for permanently reducing the amount of unwanted body hair. It’s a quick and virtually pain-free cosmetic procedure that can eliminate annoying ingrown hairs, promote smooth skin and improve self-esteem with results lasting months or even years. While it’s possible to perform this procedure at home, it’s important to seek a professional who is certified in dermatology or cosmetic surgery for permanent hair reduction and safety. A licensed aesthetician has the skills and experience to perform laser hair removal safely on almost any part of your body besides the eyelids.
Before a treatment, the technician will use a cold gel or cooling device to protect the surface of your skin and make sure that the laser light isn’t damaging other tissues around it. They will also recommend that you avoid sun exposure before and after a treatment, since natural or artificial tanning can reduce the effectiveness of laser treatments.
During a treatment session, the technician will place the laser on the target area of your skin, sending pulses of laser energy into the skin. The laser’s heat damages the root of the hair, which ultimately stops it from growing back. Depending on the size of the target area, treatments can take anywhere from five minutes to over an hour. You might be able to feel a brief sensation that feels like a series of rubber band snaps on your skin, and you may also notice an odor of burning hair.
You will need several laser hair removal treatments before you see noticeable results. This is because hair growth and shedding occurs in cycles, and the laser treatment works best when a target hair follicle is in its active growth phase. As a result, you will most likely need 2-6 sessions before you will begin to see noticeable reduction in unwanted hair.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser Hair Removal uses concentrated light technology to prevent the growth of unwanted body hair. It is a nonsurgical procedure that was one of the top five most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatments performed in the United States in 2016.
The laser light passes over the treatment area, where it is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and converted to heat. This heat destroys the follicle, which prevents future hair growth. Unlike plucking, waxing or shaving, which remove only the surface of the hair, lasers destroy the root of the hair, which is why they are considered a permanent solution for unwanted body hair.
Before your first laser hair removal session, avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight, as this can make it difficult for the laser to target and treat the hair follicles. You should also stop using sunless skin creams that darken your skin, and you should not shave the area before your appointment. Your doctor may prescribe a skin bleaching cream for you to use before your procedure, particularly if you have darker skin.
Your doctor will numb the treatment area with a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort during treatment. You will probably feel a sensation that feels like a rubber band snapping against your skin, and it might take up to an hour to treat the entire area. You might also smell smoke and burning hair, which is normal.
Depending on your complexion and hair color, you may need several sessions before the hair follicles are destroyed and permanently stopped from growing hair. Your specialist can evaluate your condition and give you a better idea of how many sessions you need to get the desired results.
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal?
There are a few different side effects that can occur with laser hair removal. The most common is redness and irritation, which is caused by the laser’s damage to your hair follicle. The affected area may also tingle or appear to swell slightly. However, this is usually a short-lived side effect, and should resolve within a few hours.
A less common side effect is blistering, which can happen if you don’t apply proper post-treatment care. In addition, there is a risk of eye injury, particularly when performing laser treatments on the face. Therefore, it is important that both you and your practitioner wear protective eyewear during treatment.
You should also avoid sunbathing or using sunless tanners in the weeks leading up to your appointment, as this can increase melanin levels in the skin and make it harder for the laser to detect hair follicles. You should also avoid plucking, waxing or tweezing the area before a treatment. It is also a good idea to shave the area just before your session, as this will ensure that there are hair follicles present for the laser to target.
Finally, it is not recommended that you have laser hair removal while pregnant. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extra hairs to grow in unexpected places, and it’s not safe to have them removed with laser treatment.
Other potential side effects include herpes simplex, which can recur after laser treatments if not properly treated with antiviral medications. You should also avoid laser hair removal if you have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. The laser’s light can also cause discoloration of the skin, which can be permanent.
How Long Will Laser Hair Removal Last?
While laser hair removal is often touted as a permanent solution, it isn’t. Because it only destroys the hair follicle when it’s in its growing (or anagen) phase, it takes multiple treatments, spaced out, to target all the follicles in the area. That’s why you might see hair regrowing after your treatment plan is completed, though it should be much sparse and finer than before.
You also need to be committed to the process, as it’s not a one-and-done type of procedure. It can take five or more sessions for most people to achieve their desired results, and you’ll likely still need to get touch-ups at least once or twice a year.
If you’re thinking of getting laser hair removal, make sure to find a qualified practitioner with experience in the procedure. A trustworthy practitioner should be able to answer your questions, and they’ll help you understand how the process works and what to expect.
The success of laser hair removal depends on your skin and hair color. The process works best on those with contrasting skin and hair colors, such as light skin and dark hair. It can be less effective on those with a very dark complexion or light, blonde, or grey hair, as the hair might not be as easily identifiable to the laser.
It’s also important to avoid any further hair removal methods before a laser treatment, like shaving or waxing, as they can interfere with the process and affect the outcome of the treatment. You should also avoid sun exposure for at least a week before and after the treatment. If you notice any unexpected or severe side effects, talk to your practitioner right away.
How Much Will Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Depending on where you live, your clinic, and the size of the area that you want to treat, the cost of laser hair removal can vary. It’s important to speak with a specialist before your treatment to get a personalized quote and to determine what you should expect for the price of each session. It’s also a good idea to shop around to make sure you are getting the best prices. You can also look into other payment options like medical credit cards or loans, but be sure to pay attention to interest rates so that you don’t end up paying more in the long run.
In the US, one Laser Hair Removal session can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 per body area. However, you should remember that it will take multiple treatment sessions to achieve the desired results. Having a clear understanding of the average costs will help you budget for your procedure.
Most doctors recommend a series of four to six laser treatment sessions, which are typically spaced at four to six week intervals. The number of treatments needed will depend on your skin and hair type, but most patients find that after a few sessions they are completely satisfied with their results. It’s also recommended to get touch up treatments every year after the initial laser treatment session.
Keep in mind that laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic surgery, so it’s not usually covered by insurance. However, if you’re undergoing laser hair removal for a medically necessary reason like severe recurrent ingrown hairs or skin infections like pilonidal cysts, then your insurance might cover some of the cost. You can check with your doctor to find out if you qualify for this coverage.