Laser hair removal is a hair removal technique that provides long-lasting results reliably. It is a safe, comfortable treatment offered at Deja You Medical in Navarre, FL. Today, our aesthetic experts are taking an in-depth look at this treatment, including what it is, how it works, who it is right for, and more.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is the most effective hair removal technique on the market. It efficiently, effectively, and reliably removes all of the unwanted hair in the treatment area, and the results are long-lasting.
Where Can This Treatment Be Used?
This treatment can remove unwanted hair from virtually anywhere. Women usually seek this treatment to remove unwanted hair from the upper lip, underarms, legs, back, and bikini region. However, this treatment can also be used to remove unwanted hair from such areas as the:
- Chest
- Chin
- Arms
Where Can’t This Treatment Be Used?
Regardless of where your unwanted hair is being removed from, you will receive special eye protection before your treatment begins. However, it is not advisable to have the laser flashing very close to your eyes. Therefore, you may not use laser hair removal to target unwanted hair around your temples or upper cheeks. Also, this treatment may not be used to remove unwanted eyebrow hair.
How It Works
The treatment works in 3 different stages: Anagen, the growing phase, Catagen; the regressing phase, and Catagen; the resting phase. Initially the hair follicles are heated to eliminate the active hair follicle that is in the active growth stage. In response to being damaged, those targeted follicles will fall out over the course of the next month. This treatment only targets hair so surrounding tissue is not at risk for damage. Laser hair removal is done in upwards of 6-8 sessions depending on hair location, type, and thickness.
How Quickly It Works
Our highly innovative lasers can destroy an active hair follicle in just a thousandth of a second. Therefore, if you are treating a small area, like your chin or underarms, your treatment may take under five minutes. However, you should keep in mind that before your treatment can begin, we must inspect the treatment areas for irritation. We also need to calibrate the laser to your skin tone for maximum efficacy and safety.
How Many Treatment Sessions Are Required
While the treatment sessions don’t take long, even if you’re treating several large areas, you should understand that you will need several treatment sessions to achieve your desired results. Generally, these sessions are scheduled four weeks apart. It is essential that you come in for multiple appointments if your goal is hair-free skin because in any given area, different hair follicles are in different stages of the growth cycle.
Since the laser can only target hair follicles in the active growth phase, you will have to wait several weeks for other hair follicles in the targeted area to transition into the active phase. Note, once the treated hair follicles release the hair they were growing, your skin will be free from hair until other follicles in the area start to grow hair actively. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to need between two and six treatment sessions.
Who Is This Right for?
This treatment is right for most adults who want a long-lasting hair removal solution. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, this treatment is not suitable for individuals who are taking medications that cause photosensitivity. Also, this treatment is not appropriate for women who are pregnant or nursing. To determine whether you qualify for this treatment, you must attend an initial evaluation to discuss your health and goals.
Note, it is also imperative that you follow all pre-treatment and post-treatment care guidelines and have realistic expectations about the treatment results.
How To Prepare for This Treatment
To prepare for your laser hair removal session, you need to protect your skin from UV rays. Specifically, you can’t use a tanning bed or go outside without sunscreen. In addition to preventing UV damage, it is important that you do not use tanning lotions. The greater the contrast is between your skin and hair, the more effective this treatment is.
Note, your skin must be free from irritation at the time of treatment. Wearing sunscreen will prevent sunburn. However, you also need to prevent other types of skin irritation, such as irritation following waxing or plucking. The use of depilatory creams should also be avoided in the days leading up to your appointment.
The Bottom Line
Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved hair removal technique that can be used virtually anywhere, including the bikini region and lower face. It works by targeting the extra pigmentation in active hair follicles. Once the laser hones in on its targets, it emits beams of light energy that burn the follicles so they can no longer grow hair. It is right for virtually any adult who wants long-lasting hair-free skin.
