Considering Laser Hair Removal? Here's What You Should Know

If you’re affected by unwanted body hair, you know just how much it can interfere with your daily life. From clothing choices to daily activities, you might be self-conscious about your hair and attempts at removal. Or perhaps you’ve gotten tired of the never ending financial investment of waxing and other hair removal processes. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider laser hair removal.

There are a lot of options available for removing unwanted hair: shaving, waxing, tweezing, epilators, depilatory creams, and even at home laser hair removal systems. Most of these options provide very short term results and other can be costly for subpar results. If you want lasting results, professional laser hair removal is your best bet. This procedure can be performed on many areas including the face, arms, legs, underarms, and the bikini area.

What determines your results?
When undergoing laser treatment, the following factors influence the density of hair removal:

• The thickness of the hair
• Type and quality of laser used
• The color of the hair
• Competence and experience of the person carrying out the procedure

Laser hair removal can be performed on all skin types, but it’s not effective on all hair types. Because the laser targets the pigment in hair follicles, it’s more effective on hair with more pigment. So individuals with grey or blonde hair likely won’t see as dramatic results as someone with dark hair.

Benefits of Using Laser Hair Removal Procedure
One of the biggest benefits of laser hair removal is that the use of a laser allows for much more precision. Selectively removing hair without damaging the surrounding areas. This procedure is also very quick and typically requires anywhere from two to six treatments for most people to see permanent results.

How to Prepare For Laser Therapy
This simple procedure doesn’t require much prep on your part. You’ll primarily be avoiding some prior habits in order to ensure that your skin and hair are healthy and ready for treatment. Avoid sun exposure for up to six weeks before treatment and after, stop all other hair removal methods for four weeks prior, and check with your doctor about any current medications, such as blood thinners, that could cause complications.

What Happens During and After the Laser Treatment
Depending on what area is being treated, the area will be shaved and a topical anesthetic applied to reduce discomfort. A beam of highly focused light will damage the hair follicle, keeping it from regrowing new hair. For most patients, the treatment is quick and relatively comfortable. Any pain is slight and temporary, like a pin prick. This treatment is non-invasive, so you can go right back to normal activities once you’re done. There may be some redness or swelling, but this can be treated with over the counter medication like Advil and will pass quickly for most people. 

If laser hair removal seems like the best option for your unwanted hair, contact us at the Florida Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery to learn more.