Laser hair removal is a quick, easy and painless way to remove unwanted body hair. It’s one of the most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States, and many people are happy with its results. However, you should be aware that laser hair removal isn’t permanent, and you may need to come in for several treatment sessions.
Before laser hair removal, a medical specialist cleans the area that will be treated. Then, a healthcare professional applies numbing gel to the surface of your skin. This is to prevent you from experiencing discomfort during the procedure. You may also be given a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. Once the numbing agent kicks in, the laser is aimed at the hair follicles, which absorb the light energy. The follicles are then destroyed and no longer grow hair. Depending on your skin type and hair color, you might need six to eight treatments to achieve your desired result.
Your hair grows in cycles, and the laser treatment focuses on your hair’s new growth phase. That’s why you might need to schedule touchup treatments every four, six or 12 weeks after your laser hair removal session. During these sessions, you’ll notice that your hair is much lighter and thinner than it was before your first treatment.
You might experience some minor redness laser hair removal Memphis TN and swelling after your laser hair removal treatment. This is normal, but you can reduce these symptoms by applying a cold compress to your skin. It’s important to avoid exposing the treated area of your body to sunlight, and you should use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen whenever you are outdoors.
If you experience any side effects, you should contact your doctor right away. Your doctor might suggest a different type of treatment or prescribe a cream to treat your symptoms. You shouldn’t take a skin bleaching cream or any medications that can darken your skin or cause genital herpes, as they might interfere with the effectiveness of the laser treatment.
The results of laser hair removal are not immediate, but they are long-lasting. It might be a few months before you notice your hair growing back again, but it should be finer and lighter than it was before the treatment. You can maintain the results by using a skin care regimen that includes exfoliation and moisturizing.
You should also make sure to avoid tanning beds or natural sun exposure before laser hair removal, and you should not wax or tweeze the areas that will be treated. This is because the laser beam targets pigment, which means it won’t be able to target and destroy the hair follicle if you have a tan or dyed skin. You should also stop using sunless skin products that darken your skin or lighten it, such as bronzing creams.