Are you tired of shaving, plucking, or waxing? Do you get razor bumps or acne-like breakouts when you get rid of unwanted hair? If so, you may want to consider laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a very safe and effective way to destroy unwanted hair. Laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scars can occur. You can greatly reduce the risk of possible side effects by having your treatment performed by a medical doctor who is extremely skilled in using lasers and has in-depth knowledge of the skin like Dr. Orafu. She has vast experience in performing laser treatments to people of all skin types and colors. She is often referred patients from other laser centers that have had complications due to her knowledge of ethnic skin.
* Individual Results May Vary
What happens during laser hair removal?
Before the treatment, the area to be treated will be cleansed and the hair cut or shaved. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the procedure. To perform the procedure, the laser is placed on the skin. When the laser is activated, a laser beam will pass through your skin to the tiny sacs (follicles) where hair growth originates. The heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin.
How long your treatment lasts depends on the size of the area being treated. Treating the upper lip takes minutes. If you are having a large area like the back or legs treated, your treatment will take longer.
What must I do after getting laser hair removal?
To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should:
- Avoid direct sunlight from hitting your treated skin. Wear a sunscreen that is spf 30 or higher at all times
- Not use a tanning bed, sun lamp, or any other indoor tanning equipment.
- Follow your physician’s after-care instructions
You will see some minimal redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort.
Is there downtime?
No, laser hair removal generally does not require any real downtime. Immediately after having laser hair removal, your treated skin will be minimally red. Despite this, most people return to their everyday activities.
When will I see the results after having laser hair removal?
You will likely see the results immediately after treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment.
To remove the hair, most patients need 6-12 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.
How long will the results of laser hair removal last?
Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some new hair grows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient will need periodic maintenance laser treatments.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects are minor and last 1 to 3 days. These side effects include:
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Redness
Other possible side effects are rare when laser hair removal is performed by a physician or under the physician’s direct supervision. Other possible side effects include:
- Blistering
- Herpes simplex (cold sores) outbreaks
- Infections
- Scarring
- Skin lightening or darkening
In time, skin color tends to return to normal. Some changes to skin color, however, are permanent. This is why seeing a medical doctor who is skilled in laser treatments and has in-depth knowledge of the skin is so important.
It is also important to follow your physician’s instructions. Following both the before-treatment instructions and after-treatment instructions will greatly reduce your risk of side effects.
* Individual Results May Vary
