Laser Hair Removal Maryland
What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
Every
day we are faced with the hassle of removing unwanted
hair. Well, now you can say goodbye to razors, chemicals,
and waxing forever with laser hair removal. This process
uses lasers to produce a beam of light that is absorbed
into the skin so that that it can destroy the targeted
hair follicle with the heat that it creates.
This fast and easy process quickly removes unwanted
hair and is less painful than some other hair removal
methods. Since you want to target the hair itself
without damaging the surrounding skin, different types
of lasers are used, depending upon the thickness of
hair and the color of skin. Our hair grows in cycles,
and can only be removed during the growth phase; so
while you may have a full session, covering all target
areas, you will still require a minimum of 6 treatment
sessions in order to remove the unwanted hair.
What areas on the body can be treated with laser
hair removal and who is an ideal candidate for laser
hair removal?
Anyone who wants to be rid of the annoyance of shaving
or waxing to remove unwanted hair is a candidate for
laser hair removal. Legs, armpits, upper lip, chin,
and the bikini line are the most common treatment
areas on the body, however, other areas can be treated
just ask your doctor and enjoy the benefits of smooth
skin free of razor burn and stubble.
People of all skin tones and hair colors have found
success with laser hair removal, however the ideal
candidates for laser hair removal have lighter skin
tones and dark hair (brown or black). The pigment
contrast creates a better target for the light beam
emitted by the laser.
How can I prepare for a laser hair removal session?
It is important to discuss your medical history,
as well as, what areas you wish to have treated. You
should also discuss any concerns and what benefits
you hope to gain from your laser hair removal treatments.
Any patients with a tan from sun exposure or sunless
tanning should wait until the tan completely disappears.
A tan can increase your chance of side effects (blistering
or discoloration). It is important to prepare the
skin by completely removing the hair with a razor
the morning of or the evening before your treatment.
You should avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis
for at least three weeks prior to treatment.
What is a laser hair removal session like?
During a treatment session you will wear protective
goggles to avoid any accidental exposure of laser
light to your eyes. As the laser is directed onto
the target area you will feel a stinging sensation
(compared by many to feel similar to a rubber-band
snap). For those sensitive to pain your doctor may
apply a local anesthetic. As the hair follicle is
heated you may notice a strong odor of singed hair,
this is a normal occurrence.
Your doctor will use a special wand to direct the
laser and cooling device to keep you as comfortable
as possible during your session. After your initial
treatment session your doctor will create a treatment
schedule so that you may receive optimal results.
Remember you must treat your hair follicles during
the growth phase so it will take multiple sessions.
What happens after laser hair removal?
Following a laser hair removal session there is little
to no downtime, and no medications or bandages are
needed. For some patients, redness and swelling are
experienced for the first few hours following their
treatment. Stinging can last for 24 to 48 hours and
for some a slight crusting of skin can occur (if you
notice this just keep the area moist with petroleum
jelly-Vaseline).
Your doctor will give you post-procedure recommendations.
You should avoid exercise and exertion for the initial
24 hours following your treatment because perspiration
can increase irritation that may have been caused
by the laser. For several weeks you should be sure
to use limit sun exposure and avoid tanning booths.
Ultraviolet light damages the skin. Sunscreen is essential
following your treatment. Do not wax or pluck between
sessions. You also need to treat the treated areas
gently; do not pick, rub, or scrub. You may wash the
area gently with a mild soap and tepid water.
Are there any risks or side effects to laser hair
removal?
Laser hair removal is a safe procedure with complications
occurring rarely. In a very few cases bleeding during
laser treatment is possible. Although extremely unlikely,
infection resulting from laser treatment is also possible.
Side effects are rare but may include temporary darkening
of the skin, or hyper-pigmentation (in rare cases
found to be long lasting or permanent). Lightening
of the skin (hypo-pigmentation) can also occur- this
is concern for patients with darker skin. Blistering,
scarring, changes in skin texture, scabbing, or crusting
are possible, although very rare. As new hair grows
in it may be finer and lighter in color, and in some
cases the new growth is in areas adjacent to the treated
areas. This is easily treated with additional laser
treatment sessions.
For more information regarding Laser Hair Removal
Treatments..
Give Pura Vida MedSpa a call today to set up a consultation
for Laser Hair Removal Maryland or any of their other
non-invasive medical spa procedures. You can also
request a Laser Hair Removal consultation online by
clicking here.
