Laser Hair Removal Langley is a safe, relatively painless and permanent method for eliminating unwanted hair. It can also save time, money and stress by cutting out trips to the salon, shaving cream and razor bumps.
It works best on people with light skin and dark hair, as the contrast of pigments makes it easier for the laser to detect and destroy the hair follicle.
Millions of people struggle with body hair they don’t want or need. They spend valuable time and money shaving, waxing, plucking, and using depilatory creams that only last a short amount of time before the unwanted hair grows back. If you are tired of wasting your precious time and money on these temporary grooming solutions, laser hair removal is an outstanding solution that offers semi-permanent results.
Laser Hair Removal works by delivering heat to pigment-rich cells. Dark hair absorbs more than light hair, so it is the most effective target for laser treatment. The heating of the pigment causes damage to the follicles, so they can no longer grow hair. The follicles also need to be in their anagen, or growth, cycle for laser treatment to work. If the follicles are in the catagen or regression cycle, they will not respond to laser treatment.
For best results, it is important to follow a treatment plan that includes multiple laser treatments at least 28 days apart. The number of sessions needed to achieve the desired results will vary based on the area being treated and the color and thickness of the hair. Some areas, such as the face and bikini area, require more treatments than others, such as the legs.
After each treatment, it is important to allow the hairs that have been destroyed to shed naturally over a period of days or weeks. During this process, it can look like continued hair growth is occurring. This is normal and will be addressed during your next treatment session.
It is also a good idea to avoid any other forms of hair removal, including tweezing and shaving, for the weeks leading up to your first laser treatment. These methods can affect the effectiveness of your laser treatments, so you will not get the best possible results from them. You should also avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin after treatment. The most common side effects of laser hair removal are redness and swelling, but these symptoms should only last a day or two.
Side Effects
If you’re planning to get laser hair removal, it is vital to make sure that the practitioner you choose is licensed and experienced. Incorrect treatments can leave you with scarring and permanent damage to the skin, which means that you’ll need more sessions and more money to get your desired results.
A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is one way to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure, and to help you set realistic expectations. They can tell you if your hair and skin color are compatible, how many sessions you may need to reach your goals, and what your side effects will be.
Before the procedure, the dermatologist will clean the area you want to treat and apply a numbing cream, if necessary. You should avoid waxing and plucking the hairs in the treatment area for four weeks before your appointment. This is because these practices remove the surface of your skin and can disturb hair follicles, which are the targets of the laser. Also, you should shave the area 24 hours before your session, since it allows the laser to better locate hair follicles and reduce irritation.
Once the procedure begins, you’ll probably feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping or a sunburn-like sting. Then, the doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument against your skin. Some models of lasers have a cooling device or gel on the tip to protect your skin and lessen discomfort. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.
After the session, you’ll likely have some redness and swelling in the treatment area. This is normal inflammatory reaction and should subside within a few days. Icing the area and taking acetaminophen can help. It’s also a good idea to avoid using cosmetics or other skin-care products in the treatment area until it heals. Some people experience skin crusting, which usually isn’t serious but can be inconvenient.
More serious side effects, such as burns and blisters, are rare in the hands of a qualified practitioner. However, they can occur if the treatment is performed incorrectly or you use an at-home laser kit.
Getting Started
Laser hair removal is a safe and permanent option for anyone seeking to remove unwanted body hair. However, it’s not as simple as just walking into a salon and getting the procedure done. Before you start, you must do some research to find a reputable technician who has a valid license and certification. Then, you must follow the pre-treatment orders given to you by your technician. Failure to do so could cause complications and force you to reschedule for a later date.
For example, your technician will likely instruct you not to wax or pluck your hair in the treatment area before your first session. This is because these methods remove the hair follicle from its root, which hinders the laser’s ability to impact it for future treatments. Additionally, you should avoid significant sun exposure before your sessions as well because tanned skin is more sensitive to the laser light and can diminish results.
During your first laser hair removal treatment, you will likely experience some pain as the laser’s light reaches the deepest part of the follicle and impacts it. Many people describe the feeling as a rubber band snapping on their skin or a sunburn-like sting. While the sensation might be a bit uncomfortable, it is temporary. A topical anesthetic can be applied before your treatment for added comfort.
Once you’ve had your initial treatments, it may take several days or weeks for the treated hairs to fall out. Be sure to stick to the recommended amount of sessions to ensure long-lasting results. Then, you can enjoy the freedom of a hair-free lifestyle!
Results
Laser hair removal is an effective solution for people who want a permanent, long-lasting reduction in unwanted hair. The procedure destroys the pigment of the hair follicle and prevents it from growing new hair. Depending on the area of the body, it can take a few to several sessions for desired results.
The color and thickness of the hair, skin tone, and type of laser used all affect how well the treatment works. Generally, patients experience a 10-25% reduction in hair after the first treatment. However, it’s important to note that results vary from person to person, and you may require a minimum of six treatments before noticing a significant change in hair growth.
Before a laser hair removal treatment session, you should shave the area to be treated. This helps the energy from the laser penetrate the skin more easily. You will also need to avoid plucking or waxing the area. Additionally, you should limit sun exposure and use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s also best to avoid tanning beds, as the light from these devices can cause skin discoloration.
A topical numbing cream will be applied to the targeted area before the laser energy is delivered. Then, protective goggles will be placed over the eyes to shield them from the laser’s light. You may experience some discomfort, but it’s usually minor. During the treatment, you may feel a sensation like a rubber band snapping or a sunburn-like sting as the hair is vaporized. The procedure usually lasts for a few minutes, though larger areas, such as the legs and back, can take up to an hour or longer.
Immediately after the procedure, your treated skin might be red and swollen. This is a normal part of the healing process, and it can be minimized by applying a cold compress to the area for 24 hours. It’s also a good idea to avoid direct sunlight on your skin for the rest of the day and avoid tanning or using a self-tanner until the skin is fully healed.