Laser hair removal is an efficient and permanent way to reduce unwanted body hair. It has been known to reduce growth of unwanted strands up to 90% more effectively than waxing or shaving alone. Laser treatments work by sending a light beam through your skin that converts into heat and damages the base of the hair follicle, inhibiting further growth.
How it Works
Laser hair removal is an incredibly efficient procedure that can save you hours on shaving, waxing and plucking. Not only will it make you feel smoother and more confident, but it also ensures that unwanted body hair never returns on your skin again. The procedure involves using a laser to destroy the hair bulb at its base, known as the bulb. This works by targeting melanin or dark pigment within your locks and protecting nearby skin from any harm.
Your doctor will apply a hand-held device to the skin and activate the laser. It may have either a cooling device on its tip or be filled with gel to reduce discomfort during the session. Once activated, the laser beam is directed toward the area you wish to have your hair removed, focusing on its roots. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the follicle and prevents future hair growth.
Your treatment should take about 30 minutes, though longer if there are larger areas to be treated. Your session is likely less painful than waxing since your doctor can reduce the intensity of the laser if you experience discomfort during application. It is essential to know that multiple treatments will be necessary for maximum results. This is because hair grows in cycles, including resting, shedding and growing periods.
Preparation
Laser hair removal works by sending precisely controlled pulses of light energy to the base of a hair follicle, where it’s destroyed. It’s a safe and effective method for permanent hair reduction that works on all skin tones – from fair to dark. Treatment courses typically consist of two to six sessions, depending on the area being treated. After performing a patch test to confirm your skin is suitable for laser hair removal, an expert will advise how many sessions are necessary and the frequency of appointments.
Prior to your first laser hair treatment session, it’s essential that you cease plucking, waxing or bleaching your hair for at least six weeks. Doing this helps protect the follicles in the treatment area from being damaged by excessive heat generated by the laser; thus resulting in less effective treatment results. During your treatment, a specialist will use a handheld device that emits intense laser beams onto your skin. You may feel this as an elastic band snapping against you; however, everyone experiences this sensation differently.
Treatment
Laser hair removal is a safe and efficient way to reduce the appearance of unwanted body hair. It can be used on nearly any part of the body, including the face, arms, legs and bikini line. Treatments utilize a specialized medical-grade machine which has been clinically proven both safe and effective. This technology was created through years of trials and research into how best to deliver light energy safely for different skin types.
At the treatment, a certified specialist uses a device to direct light directly onto unwanted hair. This causes the light to be absorbed by the dark pigment (melanin) in your locks, turning it into heat that destroys the root of the follicle – stopping further growth and providing up to 90% reduction of newly sprouted locks. Treatment of each follicle may require multiple sessions, as each has its own distinct growth pattern. As a result, some follicles may require less effort than others for successful treatment.
Before your laser hair follicle treatment, it is recommended that your skin be as light as possible – this will enable the laser to target and destroy any existing hair follicles. Furthermore, you should refrain from any tanning, both real and fake, for at least four weeks prior to the procedure. Treatment should be administered by an experienced practitioner who is both trained and registered with a professional body. This ensures they meet established standards for education, skill, and insurance coverage.
Aftercare
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after hair-removal treatments today, and for good reason: it’s effective and safe on virtually all skin types and hair colors. Plus, it’s much safer than other methods like waxing or plucking which may cause pain or cause dermatitis or infection.
At London Aesthetic Beauty, we use a medical-grade laser called Cynosure Elite to eliminate unwanted body hair. The light is attracted to pigment (color) in your follicle and converts it to heat that damages it and inhibits further growth. Treatment typically requires multiple sessions for full results.
Before your laser treatment, it is recommended that you shave the area to be treated in the morning or day before to prevent hair from absorbing its energy. Doing this will prevent thermal damage to the surface of the skin and enable any injury to heal properly.