Constant shaving during the winter months is unlikely for both men and women, especially when it comes to “No-Shave November”. It can be a bother to shave during these colder months as most of us spend them bundled up. However, during the holidays, it is only natural that everyone wants to look their best and you don’t want any “No-Shave November” mishaps getting in the way of a healthy refreshing look. A good way to keep the “no-shave” rule and avoid the mess and stress is laser hair removal. Keep your skin silky smooth throughout the holidays by getting a treatment done with us!
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal treatment is a safe, effective, and non-invasive procedure that uses expertly focused beams of light to penetrate your body’s hair follicles. Your hair then heats up down to the root and is damaged just enough so that it won’t easily begin to grow new hair.
Laser hair removal can be incredibly dangerous when performed with inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to skin color and even scars can occur. Be sure your treatment is performed by a qualified professional who is well experienced and knowledgeable in both laser hair removal and dermatology.
Is laser hair removal right for you?
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before scheduling laser hair removal as some medications and medical history can put you at risk for complications during and after treatment.
Laser hair removal usually requires a series of treatments and you should be prepared for the commitment of consistent treatments throughout the year. The treatment works best when you stay on schedule, pay attention to hair growth and schedule appointments when you see maximum hair growth.
There is no such thing as total hair removal in one session. Each treatment works to improve the reduction of hair growth. Certain areas may need more treatment than others.
There is no one size fits all treatment when it comes to laser hair removal, but thankfully there are several types of lasers and devices made to handle any number of desires that our patients may have. Another important fact to remember when considering laser hair removal is that removal works best if your hair is darker than your skin tone. If your hair is lighter than your skin tone such as gray or light blonde hairs, the laser may not be able to target your hair as easily.
Before treatment care
Patients should avoid waxing, bleaching, plucking, or using hair removal creams at least four months prior to their scheduled appointment. However, it is okay to shave or trim the day before treatment as this will help the hair root and follicle be targeted more effectively.
Stay away from tanning beds, self-tanners, and natural tanning before treatment as this may affect your success with treatment.
During treatment
Laser treatments should be performed in rooms specifically set up for laser treatments. Everyone in the room is required to wear protective eyewear, even if the treatment will not be performed around or on the facial area.
Before treatment, the area to be treated will be thoroughly cleaned. Patients may receive a numbing gel for areas where the skin is more sensitive. During the procedure, the skin is held taut as it is being treated. Often patients report a feeling of slight stinging or warm pinpricks. The numbing gel should help relieve any significant pain or irritation that you may feel.
The laser removes the hair by vaporizing it, so you may see small plumes of smoke and smell a sulfur-like smell. The length of the treatment will vary depending on the amount of hair and the size of the area being treated.
Aftercare treatment
Hair does not fall out immediately but instead will shed over some time, though many patients report seeing results immediately following their appointment. Repeated treatments are often necessary to achieve desired outcomes as hair growth and hair loss occur in cycles and treatment typically works best at the new growth stage in the cycles.
All patients should protect their skin from direct sunlight and UV rays of any type. Do not use tanning beds, sun lamps, lightening creams, or any tanning equipment/products.
Follow individual aftercare instructions for the best results.
Results
Hair color, hair thickness, area treated, type of laser treatment, skin condition, and skin color can affect results. For complete removal of hair, patients may need anywhere from 2 to 6 treatments for one area.
Even when hair regrows it is significantly less, lighter in color, and finer in texture.
After treatment, many patients report not seeing any hair on the treated skin for several months and even years.
Side effects
Most side effects are minor and disappear within a few days. Common side effects include discomfort/irritation, swelling, and redness.
Other less common effects include blistering of skin, outbreaks, infection, scarring, and area of skin lightening or darkening.
Laser hair removal is a perfect non-invasive and extremely effective way to achieve soft skin. This treatment works to prevent future hair from growing, meaning it can have long-lasting results for months to come and is perfect for looking your best this holiday season. Talk to us at Dr. K’s Med Spa today about our laser hair removal options.