Laser hair removal is becoming more popular among men. The procedure can remove unwanted body hair. Some men choose to have the procedure on the face to eliminate shaving problems. However, the process does not work on women. If you are considering this procedure, there are a few things you should know before getting started. If you have dark skin and blonde hair, laser hair removal will probably not be for you. If you have fair skin and dark-colored or light-colored-hair, laser hair removal may not be for you.
To avoid side effects, laser hair removal requires a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, Rachel Maiman, MD. The professional will help you choose the right treatment for you. Before getting laser hair removal, you should refrain from using skin products on the day of your appointment. The lasers used in this procedure use pulsed light that snaps against your skin. You can expect to feel a slight stinging sensation, but lower leg zaps may be more painful than those on the upper thighs.
Although laser hair removal usually reduces hair growth immediately after treatment, it can cause new hair follicles to grow back. This is due to the fact that not all hair follicles respond the same to the laser, so you may see a reduction of about 10 to 25 percent of the total amount of your body hair in a single session. Then, you may have to go for three to eight touch-up sessions a year to maintain the results.
During laser hair removal, a highly concentrated beam of light pulsates into the hair follicles. This heat permanently destroys the hair follicles. The laser is specially designed to penetrate the pigment in the hair and prevent damage to surrounding tissue. This process is comfortable and requires only a few treatments. A series of 10 treatments is recommended for most patients, with about four to six weeks between each session.
Laser hair removal is a nonsurgical procedure and requires only a few sessions to achieve desired results. Most patients need three to seven sessions of treatment. Each session is scheduled for one to two hours. The first session should last about one hour. The second session should take a few weeks to see noticeable results. After three to seven sessions, permanent hair loss is the goal. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, which is normal for the procedure.
Most patients have little or no downtime after laser hair removal. The procedure can be painful, but it is relatively painless and can be performed by anyone. Most treatments are painless and safe. Some patients experience some sensitivity to the heat and may drive home after undergoing the procedure. A cooling device will help to minimize discomfort. A patient may need to drive themselves home afterward. If the treatment is painful, a patient should avoid wearing makeup for a few days afterward.