Hair removal can be a big headache. It can be time consuming, tedious and laborious. So is there a method to postpone the re-growth of unwanted hair to a good number of days? Yes, and it is called Laser Hair Removal treatment.
Unwanted hair is a problem both for men and women and hair removal is done on areas like underarm, bikini lines, chest, arms, legs, chin, ear lobe, upper lip, shoulders, thighs, neck, back, abdominal area hands and toes.
Approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), laser hair removal has been commercially practiced in the US since 1997.It is widely practiced in florida,brooklyn,new york etc. In laser treatments a powerful pulsating beam of razor-sharp light, is passed through layers of skin.
A dark pigment called melanin is targeted. Hair follicles are the place where hair growth begins. The heat generated by light destroys hair follicles causing hair removal. There is no guarantee that hair will not grow back, but laser treatment does slow down the process and research done in Mayo clinic shows that there is a 40% to 80% reduction in hair re-growth after a laser treatment. Repeated sittings can further decrease the speed of the process of hair re-growth.
Laser treatment benefits over other treatments
- It is not a time consuming treatment. Unlike electrolysis, this treatment can treat large area at once.
- Laser treatment causes lesser pain than other treatments. There is discomfort and pain, but it can be solved through medications.
- It solves the problem of ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can be irritating and can cause red bumps.
Side effects of laser hair removal treatment
- Scarring, burns, blisters and even bleeding sometimes can occur. Though they are not usual, they can happen.
- Darkening (Hyper Pigmentation) or lightening (Hypo Pigmentation) of the skin can occur. Such conditions are usually temporary but could also be long lasting.
- It doesn’t happen in one sitting. At least 4 to 6 sittings are needed depending upon skin type and hair texture.
- Skin texture and hair growth pattern might change. Though this is rare, it may hinder the treatment
- The laser treatment is like a rubber band hitting the skin. This can uncomfortable. It is generally more in the first session.
During the treatment laser hair removal treatment
The required area is cleaned and an anesthetic cream is applied. Discomfort and slight pain might be there. Make sure the procedure is done by a trained surgeon as only he will know which cooling device or gel is needed for the skin depending upon the type of laser.
After the treatment laser hair removal treatment
There will the usual redness and bumps after the treatment. Hair can be seen growing back, but they will be shed as soon as they will come out of the skin. Post-treatment, shedding can be seen from one week up to four weeks.
Unwanted hair growth can be problematic. One way for postponing the re-growth of unwanted hair to a good number of days is a laser hair removal treatment. In laser treatments a powerful pulsating beam of razor-sharp light, is passed through the layers of skin. The heat generated by the light destroys the hair follicles thus causing hair removal.