This is the Time of Year to Try It
We all have it: patches of hair in places we don’t want them. For a long time, the options were less than optimal: shaving, waxing, sugaring. But those are not a permanent reduction in hair growth, and often, in fact, the hair grows back thicker and stronger.
One method that has proven its effectiveness is laser removal.
How does it work? Laser removal targets the melanin pigment in the hairs with laser light wavelengths of energy. The roots of the hairs disintegrate when the energy makes contact.
What areas of the body are good candidates for laser hair removal? Coarse hair responds the best, so the bikini line, the upper lip, the chin, legs, underarms, and even sideburns are all good candidates for the process. Also, dark hair responds better than blonde, red, white, or gray hair. Typically, lighter skin responds better than darker skin.
Is it a once and done visit? For most people, they will need only a few visits for the root to stop producing hair, and each visit lasts about thirty minutes. Some people only need the procedure one time for the hair to stop growing back, but most patients require six to twelve sessions. Everyone is different. But, laser hair removal has come a long way since its inception.
Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective laser hair removal takes place during the andogen (full-growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. But, because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually between three and five, spaced four to eight weeks apart, are necessary. To some extent, the length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient’s hair, and the location from which it is being removed.
What can I expect before and after a session? Before going, try to stay out of direct sunlight. Also, hold off on your normal hair removal routine, although, ideally you would shave the hair right before going so the laser can get right to the melanin below the skin. You should also avoid tanning, as that increases the amount of melanin and confuses the laser. The treatment, however, is safe, and patients report that the pain is tolerable— similar to a rubber band hitting the skin.
After the session, you might have some red bumps, but those go away in about twenty-four hours. Ideally you would stay out of the sun, which is why winter and early spring are great times to begin the process.
Schedule a consultation with us to see if laser hair removal is right for you.
