Benefits of laser hair removal

Laser hair removal

You can consider laser when you feel dissatisfied with the results of shaving, plucking hair, or using wax to permanently remove unwanted hair. It is one of the common cosmetic procedures, as it focuses beams of light on the hair follicles, and the dye in the hair follicles absorbs the light that destroys the hair. Lasers can also be used to remove unwanted hair from all areas of the body, such as the face, legs, arms, underarms, and other areas.

Benefits of laser hair removal

There are many benefits of laser hair removal, and this method is superior to other traditional methods despite its high cost. Among these benefits:

• Efficiency: As the laser is considered one of the most efficient methods of hair removal, and its effect lasts in the long term. It can remove unwanted hair from all areas of the body.
• the speed: As the laser removes hair permanently in a relatively short time, according to the area that is being treated. For example, the lower lip area needs a few seconds, while the larger areas of the body, such as the legs and back, need about an hour.
• Effectiveness: Laser hair removal requires several sessions to ensure permanent hair removal, and does not exceed eight sessions.
• Simple feeling of pain: Laser hair removal is less painful than waxing or threading, and the skin is treated with an anesthetic cream before treatment because it may lead to a slight stinging feeling with every pulse of the laser.
• Skin smoothing: Removing unwanted hair with a laser smoothes the skin and increases its beauty, and the laser is safe for sensitive areas such as the area around the mouth and eyes.
• Rare side effects: Side effects of laser hair removal are rare and not permanent. The effects are redness, pain, or swelling, and these symptoms fade quickly. In order to reduce the incidence of any side effect, you must go to the specialized, reliable clinics, and receive treatment with trusted specialists.

Laser hair removal process

Laser hair removal takes place in three steps:

Prepare for laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure, and before undergoing it, you must check the credentials of the doctor or specialist performing the procedure, and take into account several things to prepare for this procedure, including:

• Protect the area to be treated from exposure to the sun for a period of at least four to six weeks, as this causes sunburn.
• Avoid bleaching, plucking, or waxing the hair four to six weeks before the treatment.
• Taking an antiviral before and after treatment in the case of a previous infection with herpes or what is called herpes (in English: Herpes).
• Do not take herbs or light-sensitive medications for at least 24 hours prior to treatment.
• Do not shave the area that you want to treat with laser for a period of three to eight days before treatment. For better results, it is recommended not to shave for one to two weeks so that the doctor can see the hair well on the day of treatment.
• Use sunscreen throughout the treatment period.

Things to expect during laser hair removal

The procedure begins with cutting the hair from the area to be treated several millimeters above the surface of the skin. The laser equipment is adjusted according to the color, density, and location of the hair, and according to the color of the skin as well, and special glasses must be worn to protect the eyes of the doctor and the person exposed to the laser, then a cold gel or a special cooling device is applied to the skin to protect the outer layer of the skin, and allow the laser light to penetrate the skin. The attending physician will shine a pulse of laser light on the skin, and observe the area that was exposed to the pulse for several minutes to ensure that the settings are correct and that no bad reaction occurs.

Post-laser hair removal procedures

After completing the laser hair removal session, ice packs, cold water, or anti-inflammatory creams are placed on the treated area to reduce the uncomfortable and disturbing feeling. The next session is scheduled, usually after four to six weeks, and these sessions are repeated until the hair is gone permanently. There are several tips that follow after treatment, including:

• Apply aloe vera gel (aloe vera) to the treated area from two to four days, and for darker skin, apply for a longer time.
• Apply ice packs to the treated area if the hot feeling persists for more than 24 hours.
• Do not use cosmetics or creams on the treated area and do not scratch or tamper with it in any way.
• Avoid cleaning the skin vigorously because it is sensitive at this stage, and avoid hot water, sauna, or intense exercise for two days after treatment.
• Avoid sunbathing for the first three days of treatment.
• Use a high-quality SPF 70 sunscreen when leaving the house.

Laser hair removal side effects

Laser hair removal is a safe option, but it can cause some damage, including:

• Burns in the skin due to exposure of the skin to the heat released by the laser, especially on dark skin because it absorbs heat more. Although they are light burns, it is undeniable that there are several cases of severe burns.
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
• Damage to the eyes, so the eyes must be protected during treatment.
• Skin redness and swelling around the hair follicles after treatment for a few days.
• Feeling of pain, tingling and numbness in the laser treated areas.
• Peeling and bruising, especially on sensitive skin, usually fade soon after treatment.
• A change in the color of the skin to tend to purple in the areas that were exposed to the laser, which are very rare cases.
• Infection occurs in very rare cases, so the area treated with laser must be kept clean.