Table of Contents
Introduction
Laser Hair Removal: Unwanted hair, just like scars and other blemishes, is considered undesirable in most women’s minds due to various psychological, social, and physical factors. Thoughts projected toward those with this condition tend to be embarrassing and demeaning. Considering the reasons for reducing or removing hair growth in various parts, one thing stands out: excessive hair growth can be inconvenient and unattractive.
Despite the mantra, “Embrace Your Body,” a hairless appearance tends to be idealized in popular culture and fashion ads. Thus, many women and men find themselves embracing this fad. Increasingly popular in the U.S., laser hair removal has also gained traction in Europe, Australia, and Asia. Indeed, this practice is catching on globally.
How does it Work?
The process entails emitting a pulsating beam through a handpiece. The melanin engages the light in and around the hair follicles. After this, the pigment is heated, damaging the hair bulb. Then hair grows in cycles, and the number of hair will decrease over time. The sum of hair follicles per square inch in treated skin areas could diminish by 50%, depending on the device and settings.
This practice requires that a person’s skin be in the best condition possible. Hence, they should not have acne, rashes, or any skin condition during the procedure. If they do, they should seek treatment to resolve it before undergoing laser hair removal. Under the right conditions, individuals can experience fewer to no side effects.
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Benefits and Side-Effects of Laser Hair Removal
As mentioned above, this technique is safe and effective, making it the preferred method for hair removal. It is a permanent solution to the problem of unwanted hair growth. In most cases, hair that was once removed will not regrow. Other benefits include:
- Less downtime
- Ingrown hair prevention
- Quick process of at most an hour
- Hair removal anywhere on the body
- High precision in targeting treatment areas
Laser hair removal is the clear winner when weighing these advantages against the cost of shaving and waxing. Are there side effects? Of course! Nonetheless, they vary from one person to another and are also based on the level of professionalism. Common outcomes include:
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Skin discoloration
- Itching
- Blisters
Most of these conditions disappear within a day and don’t pose any danger to the person. However, while rarely encountered, some severe side effects may manifest. In extreme scenarios, the skin could be burned or suffer permanent damage. Therefore, choosing only board-certified cosmetic dermatologists for laser hair removal treatment’ is imperative.
Laser Hair Removal Prerequisites
Before this treatment, a cosmetic patient should maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, including avoiding alcohol and foods that can aggravate the skin. Also, discontinue medications that may affect the procedure’s results, including retinoids and blood thinners. Avoid makeup, fragrances, oils, and lotions for about a week. Such products may block access to the follicle bulbs.
Trimming the target area 24 hours before the procedure is advisable to allow visibility, reduce discomfort, and keep the skin less inflamed. Avoid plucking or waxing the hair as it impedes proper treatment. In addition, keep the skin out of direct contact with sunlight to prevent discoloration. Ideally, this should be at least six weeks prior to laser hair removal.
Post-Treatment Care
After undergoing laser hair removal, cosmetic patients may need to take prescription pain killers and apply a cold compress and topical analgesic to the treated area to speed up healing. Since the downtime is minimal, they can resume normal activities almost immediately. Inform the dermatologist of any blistering or discoloration. The same applies to itching and swelling.
Considering the hair growth cycle, cosmetic patients may need up to six sessions to eliminate unwanted hair in targeted areas. Each of these procedures requires an interval of four to six weeks for optimal results. Kindly note that not all coats are at the same point in their life cycle, so the number of treatments needed depends on the density of hair in the target area.
Laser Hair Removal Cost
The procedure is affordable, and each session costs anywhere between $36 and $400, based on the location, size of the treatment area, and the practitioner’s expertise. Some clinics offer bundle packages for multiple sessions as a pocket-friendly approach to treatment. However, medical plans don’t cover laser hair removal.
Conclusion
The most effective way to permanently eliminate unwanted hair is to use a laser hair removal procedure. The process is safe, quick, and affordable. It is also considered to be long-lasting in most cases. However, the final decision rests on the individual. Thus, it’s vital to weigh the pros and cons. If it meets the need and is within the budget, then consider it.
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