Overview:

Laser hair reduction is a medical procedure that uses a beam of light to remove unwanted hair. During the procedure, a laser passes the light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The light is converted into heat which damages the tube sacs within the hair follicles that produce hairs. This delays future hair growth.

When to consider laser hair removal?

• If you have unwanted body or facial hair that makes you feel self-conscious or limits your ability to wear certain clothing.
• If you have dark hair and light skin.
• If you are looking for an alternative to waxing, electrolysis, shaving, and bleaching.

Why is laser hair reduction done?

• It is done to remove the unwanted hair from the body. The most common sites are legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and the bikini line.
• Skin type and hair color lead to the success of laser hair removal. The basic rule is that the pigment of the hair and not the pigment of the skin should absorb the light.
• There is a greater risk of damage to the skin if there is a little contrast between hair and skin, but advancements in laser technology have made it possible for people who have darker skin.
• Laser removal is less effective for hair color that doesn’t absorb light well which includes gray, red, blond, and white. However, laser treatment for light hair continues to develop

Procedure Description:

• Before the start of your laser treatment, your eyes will be covered with protective eye shields to prevent injuries to your retinas or corneas.
• The hair will be trimmed to a few millimeters above the skin surface.
• To protect the outer layer of your skin a cold gel or special cooling device will be used. This will make the treatment more effective by facilitating laser light penetration through your skin.
• Most popular lasers for hair removal use a low-energy laser beam that will be adjusted to your skin color and to the thickness, color, and location of the hair that is to be removed.
• Attest treatment will first be done by directing a test pulse light to the treatment area. A low-energy laser beam will pass through your skin and will be absorbed by the pigment by the percentage of the active growth hair follicle.
• This area will be observed to make sure that the setting is correct and to make sure that there is no adverse reaction to the treatment.
• After the test proves successful the low-energy laser beam will be systematically directed spot by spot to the areas to be treated, disabling the active growth of follicles with each treatment. Follicles in the dormant phase are not affected by the treatment.
• After the procedure is done you will be given ice packs, cold water, anti-inflammatory cream, or lotions to soothe the treated area and diminish any discomfort.
• You will need multiple sessions to require optimal results. Most surgeons require treatment intervals of 4-8 weeks depending on your gender, age, hair type, hair growth pattern, body region to be treated and the laser and light based devices to be selected.

Risks And Complications:

Some of the risks and complications include:

• Infection and bleeding
• Change in sensation
• Allergic reaction
• Damage to underlying structures
• Unsatisfying results that may need additional procedures
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Skin blistering
• Eye injury
• Change in skin color
• Increased hair growth

Myths Vs Facts:

Myth 1: Laser hair removal is not safe

Fact: It totally depends on the type of laser being used as well as the skill level of the technician. The FDA has approved the specific hair removal system so be sure that you are going to a board-certified technician that uses one of the FDA-certified laser systems.

Myth 2: Laser treatment leads to more hair growth

Fact: It does not cause more hair growth. Everyone’s body produces hair differently and has different hair patterns. Lasers destroy existing hair follicles however they won’t prevent new hair follicles from forming.

Myth 3: It doesn’t work on certain hair colors

Fact: Today’s high-quality laser systems have evolved to target hair colors that were previously difficult to remove. Both red and black hair can successfully be removed with modern lasers. Only white and gray hair can’t be removed with laser treatment because they lack pigmentation.

Myth 4: Laser treatment results are visible after one session

Fact: It is impossible to remove all hair growth in one single laser removal session. Hair grows naturally in different cycles and at different times. Laser hair removal will target the hairs that are fully developed in your body, there will be other follicles preparing to sprout new hair. The best way to achieve the result is to go through several sessions where each hair follicle will be lasered during its optimal growth period.

Myth 5: Lasers will expose you to radiations

Fact: Laser removal treatment approved by FDA will not emit radiation. While the radiation does exist between the light barriers of the laser, it doesn’t exist in that space, so it’s not harmful to the patient.

Myth 6: Laser hair removal treatment is not for black people

Fact: Because of the advanced hair removal technology it suits all kinds of skin tones. Laser sessions may vary depending upon the skin tone for example darker skin tone absorbs more laser light than lighter skin tone.

Myth 7: Laser hair removal is very expensive

Fact: It is an affordable procedure compared to waxing or shaving in the long run. This is a much safer, quick, and cost-effective way of removing unwanted hair.

Myth 8: Laser hair removal causes burns

Fact: With improved laser technology it doesn’t usually cause any burn to the skin. Burn occurs on rare occasions 

Myth 9: Laser hair removal causes skin cancer

Fact: Laser radiation is harmless, non-ionizing, and targets only the hair follicles. In Fact, many medical laser devices are used to treat, shrink, and eliminate skin cancer.

Myth 10: Laser hair removal is not for men

Fact: This is not true at all. Laser hair removal can be done to remove hair from the beard, chest, back, neck, arms, etc. in men.