Laser Hair Removal – A Safe, Permanent Way to Reduce Unwanted Hair

Laser hair removal is a safe, permanent way to reduce unwanted hair growth. However, it requires several treatment sessions.

Laser light energy heats the pigment and destroys the hair root. Unlike shaving, waxing and plucking, this causes permanent hair reduction. A topical anesthetic may be applied before treatment. You should avoid plucking, waxing and sugaring for SIX WEEKS prior to your treatment.

Laser technology

Lasers are widely used for a wide variety of medical and surgical procedures. They are incredibly precise and allow for minimally-invasive surgery. Moreover, they are much safer than traditional cutting methods. For example, they can safely reform the cornea to improve vision. Additionally, they are used for dental surgeries such as tooth whitening.

In laser hair reduction, a neodymium-doped YAG (Nd: YAG) laser emits light pulses that are absorbed by the endogenous dye melanin in the hair. When melanin absorbs the optical energy, it transforms into thermic energy and destroys the hair follicle. This prevents hair from growing back in the future.

Unlike shaving, tweezing or waxing, laser hair reduction is a permanent solution to unwanted body hair. Moreover, it is safe, quick, pain-free and relatively comfortable.

Areas of treatment

Unwanted hair growth on the body is a problem for many men and women. It can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and time-consuming to deal with. Shaving, waxing and plucking are short-term solutions, while laser hair reduction is permanent.

The light energy from the laser is absorbed by pigment in the hair, and is converted to heat. This damages and destroys the hair follicle, preventing it from producing any more hair. This can be done on almost any area of the body, including legs, underarms, arms, back, chest, neck, and face.

Although this treatment is safe, it can be risky for people with hormonal imbalances. This is particularly true in women who may experience paradoxical hypertrichosis stimulation, where hair growth increases after laser treatments. These people may need more sessions to achieve satisfactory results. Other side effects include redness and swelling at the treatment site. These can be minimized by applying cold compresses or taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Treatment time

The neodymium-YAG laser emits light pulses which are absorbed by the pigment melanin present in the hair follicle. This is then converted into thermic energy and destroys the follicle sustainably. The surrounding tissue and blood vessels are not affected because the laser wavelength only targets the pigment and does not penetrate deep into the skin.

This is a no-downtime procedure and you can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment. Some people experience slight tingling or prickling after the treatment, but this does not last long. Your skin may be red, but this is a natural and safe response to the laser treatment.

Only actively growing hair follicles respond to laser treatment, so it is important that you do not wax or pluck between treatments. If you do, the hair will grow back thicker and darker. It is also a good idea to avoid sun exposure, as this can also affect the results of your treatment.

Side effects

Unwanted hair can be a source of embarrassment and irritation. Traditional shaving methods like razor burn and waxing can be painful, tedious and short-lived. Laser hair reduction is a safe and effective way to reduce unwanted hair, permanently.

A neodymium-YAG laser emits pulses of light energy that penetrate the skin and destroy hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the endogenous dye melanin in the hair follicle and converted into heat that disables the follicles. The surrounding tissue and blood vessels are not affected.

The treatment is not suitable for all skin types, and patients with dark or tanned complexions are at a higher risk of side effects. Avoid using tanning creams and pigmentation-related medications two days before treatment.

Although the device has clearance from the FDA for permanent hair reduction, it takes many sessions to achieve this result. Additionally, the laser cannot destroy every single hair follicle in an area, so some of the hair will grow back.