Laser Hair Removal – Relevant Details to Note
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive procedure to reduce or remove unwanted body hair. The method removes hair from the chin, back, leg, face, underarms, bikini line, and other regions. The global laser hair removal market was valued at about $580 million in 2021, with a projected growth of more than $2 billion by 2031. It is primarily popular because it delays hair growth for extended periods until it wanes altogether.
Procedure
It is imperative for one to understand how the procedure works. At the beginning of a procedure, a dedicated healthcare expert (physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse) cleans and disinfects the area that requires treatment. The expert may apply a numbing gel if the region to be treated is sensitive. Furthermore, anyone in the room during the procedure must wear special protective eyewear to prevent laser damage to the eyes.
Once the numbing gel takes effect, the specialist will focus a beam of high-energy light on the treatment area. Moreover, the time of the procedure will depend on the area of hair removal. A larger area, like the chest, may take an hour or more to complete, while smaller sections may take just a few minutes. As for the patient experience, some compare the laser treatment to a rubber band snapping or a sunburn-like sting. One may also be subject to a sulfur smell from smoke puffs that develop from the hair vaporized by the laser.
Process
During the procedure, the laser uses concentrated light to affect hair follicles. These are small cavities in the skin from where hair grows. The hair follicle absorbs the laser that is attracted to its melanin pigment, followed by vaporization of the hair in the respective treatment area.
The effectiveness of the laser used during a hair removal procedure is based on the concentration of the pigmentation. It is why darker hair can absorb the laser and vaporize easily. So when it comes to the noninvasive procedure, individuals with dark hair and light skin are considered the ideal candidates. Individuals with lighter hair are less ideal candidates for the procedure. They are also less likely to benefit from laser removal because the laser may not focus appropriately on non-pigmented hair. The procedure is ineffective on gray, blonde, or white hair. People with darker skin require treatment with a special type of laser capable of detecting the hair against their skin.
Preparation
Before starting the laser hair removal procedure, a healthcare expert needs to provide appropriate instructions to prepare the patient for the appointment. By following the guidelines, one can expect the noninvasive procedure to be more effective and curb the risk of side effects. A few instructions issued by the healthcare professional include:
Avoid irritating the skin, especially the area of treatment.
Laser removal is not recommended for tanned skin. So, one must steer clear of exposure to the sun a couple of days before the procedure.
Refraining from plucking or waxing the area.
To stop anti-inflammatory prescriptions that may increase the risk of bleeding.
One should also avoid a laser hair removal procedure if they have active infections like a bacterial infection or a cold sore. Those with darker skin might be given a skin-bleaching compound to apply to the treatment area before the procedure.
Benefits
There are multiple benefits to choosing laser hair removal over other methods.
Once the hair follicles are destroyed, they do not grow back for a significant amount of time, which makes the procedure a long-term solution.
The noninvasive hair removal technique requires less maintenance as compared to other methods that call for regular touch-ups.
The technology implemented in the aesthetic procedure has improved over the years. Therefore, the method is less painful and more effective with reduced side effects.
Most hair removal sessions are short. Smaller treatment areas (lip, bikini line, and underarms) take about 15 minutes to complete, while large regions may take slightly more time.
The procedure is precise, which means it is an ideal solution for those who want to remove hair from specific areas of their face. Hair removal treatment is also available for people who want to remove the hair between their eyebrows or those who wish to shape their beard in a particular way.
Laser treatments reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts. Moreover, it can prevent dark marks and skin irritation and improve an individual’s skin tone and texture.
Side effects
While there are side effects that may arise from laser hair removal, serious complications are rare. Common side effects include redness, swelling, discomfort, and irritation of the skin in the treated region. These symptoms gradually improve a few days after the procedure. However, if they persist, one must get in touch with their healthcare provider. Sometimes one may experience signs and symptoms that are uncommon, such as burns, blisters, infections, scars, and permanent changes in skin color. It is vital to pick a skilled healthcare professional to conduct the procedure to curb these risks. One should consider having laser hair removal performed by a board-certified dermatologist.
Cost
Laser hair removal costs more than shaving or waxing. However, it is considered a beauty investment because, unlike traditional methods, one does not require regular treatment. In 2020, the average cost of the noninvasive hair removal method, without other related expenses, was about $390 per session. Moreover, the cost of laser hair removal will vary based on multiple factors. Therefore, one must consult with an expert to fully understand how much they will pay for the procedure. A few factors that determine the cost of laser hair removal include:
The number of treatments required to complete the procedure.
Size of the area being treated.
Time required for the treatment.
The person in charge of the procedure and their skill and experience.
The city in which one has the procedure.
