Laser hair removal is a common cosmetic procedure in the US that people use to get rid of unwanted hair in different body parts, including the underarm, bikini line, legs, back and upper chin. It can be used nearly anywhere on your body except eyelids and surrounding areas. Laser hair removal delays hair growth for an extended period, unlike shaving, waxing and threading. Although laser hair removal is a safe process, it is best to work with an aesthetic medical spa Marietta that has skilled personnel to avoid risks such as burns.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal focuses a highly concentrated light beam into hair, and the melanin in the hair absorbs that light. The light energy is converted to heat energy which damages the hair follicles, inhibiting or delaying hair growth. The basic principle of this procedure is that the hair pigment and not the skin should absorb the light. Because of this, laser hair removal works better when there’s a great contrast between hair and skin. People with dark hair and light skin often get the best outcomes. The risk of burns or skin damage is higher when there is little contrast between skin and hair color. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made laser hair removal an option for people with darker skin.
The procedure may also be less effective for people with red, white, gray, or blonde hair since they may not absorb the heat energy.
Preparing for laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that requires the expertise of a professional. There are also pre-procedure instructions that you need to adhere to for the best outcomes and to prevent complications. For this reason, it is only necessary that you consult with your physician or specialist before the procedure. Before the day of your appointment, your technician may advise that you avoid prolonged sun exposure and other hair removal methods such as axing and plucking that interrupt the follicles.
You may also need to stop taking medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties to prevent bleeding and bruising. You should follow all the instructions to avoid undesirable side effects such as pigment changes after the procedure.
What to expect during the procedure
The technician trims any hair to a few millimeters above the skin surface. Since the sting of the laser pulses may be uncomfortable, your specialist may apply topical numbing on your skin 20 to 30 minutes before the procedure. Your specialist adjusts the laser device according to the thickness, color, and location of the hair being treated. You may also need to wear protective eyeglasses before treatment. Using a cooling device or cold gels, the technician protects the outer layer of your skin. Next, your technician activates the laser and passes the light beam through your skin to the hair follicles. Depending on the size of the treated area, laser hair removal may last for a few minutes to more than an hour. You may need maintenance laser treatments for long-term results.
Reserve a session with your specialist at AdvancedMD Aesthetics of Atlanta for laser hair removal to achieve smooth, glossy, and hair-free skin.
