Laser Hair Removal Langley is a safe, effective way to reduce or remove unwanted hair. It can be performed on large or small areas and is a popular minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment.
The heat from the laser light destroys the hair follicle so it cannot grow again. However, since hair follows a growth cycle and goes through resting or shedding periods, some of your hair may regrow.
Laser Hair Removal is a safe and effective procedure for permanent reduction of unwanted hair. The laser’s light energy heats the pigment melanin in the hair follicle, which damages the follicle and destroys it so that the hair cannot regrow. A laser hair removal session is relatively painless. Depending on the patient, topical anesthetic cream may be applied for comfort. The treatment can be performed on the face, legs, arms and chest. It is an excellent alternative to traditional hair removal techniques such as shaving, waxing and plucking.
The science behind laser hair removal is that melanin – the color of your skin and hair – is highly reflective and absorbs light. A laser’s light energy passes through the top layer of your skin and into the dermis, where it is absorbed and converted to heat. The melanin in the hair follicle is targeted and heated by the laser, which destroys the follicle, leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Laser hair removal is most effective for people with dark hair and light skin because the contrast between skin and hair pigmentation allows the laser’s energy to be absorbed and focused on the follicle, without damaging the surrounding skin.
If you are considering laser hair removal, your dermatologist will review your medical history and discuss any medications that you may be taking. You should also avoid tanning or using sunless skin bleaching products for several weeks before your laser treatment. You should also shave the area that you will be treated before your session.
A licensed practitioner cleans the treatment area, and then applies numbing gel to the skin. You will be given protective eyewear to wear during the procedure. The laser is then aimed at the desired treatment area. The laser’s pulses of light cause only slight discomfort, which has been described as a warm pinprick or a rubber band snapping against the skin. The duration of your session will vary; small areas can be completed in a few minutes, while larger areas may take an hour or more.
Depending on your hair growth cycle, you will need to attend regular treatments until your hair has ceased to grow. Generally, you will need to attend sessions every 4 weeks for the face and 6 weeks for the body.
What to expect
If you’re tired of scrubbing and waxing away unwanted hair that grows back, laser hair removal might be right for you. But before you decide to try it, there are some things you should know.
First of all, you should never go to a treatment without reading the guidelines that the technician provides. These are meant to help you prepare for the treatment and get the best results possible. They will include things like shaving the day of your appointment, avoiding sun exposure and spray tans, and not plucking or waxing the area for six weeks before and after treatment. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll find that the treatment is less uncomfortable and that it works more effectively.
The treatment itself is relatively painless, and it’s not long at all. The technician will put protective eyewear over your eyes, then the laser will pulse on the treatment area. You may feel a slight sensation, similar to a warm pinprick, but most patients don’t find it to be particularly uncomfortable. Depending on your skin tone and the color of your hair, the technician will adjust the laser settings to ensure you receive optimal results.
After the treatment, it can take up to two weeks for damaged hairs to fall out of your treated area. This happens because the laser treatment damages hair follicles, and these follicles need time to heal before they can grow new hairs. It’s important to avoid plucking or waxing the hairs as they come out, because it can cause hairs that are not damaged by the treatment to start growing again and distort your results.
You’ll probably notice some hair loss within a few weeks, but the full effect of laser hair removal will become apparent as you continue to undergo treatments. In fact, most people require multiple sessions to achieve the desired hair reduction, and those sessions should be spaced out at least six weeks apart.
It’s a great way to eliminate the need for shaving, which can cause cuts and ingrown hairs, or other more invasive methods of hair removal, which can be painful and embarrassing. Many people also find that laser hair removal is less costly than regular waxing, and it can save you money in the long run.
Side effects
Laser hair removal is safe and effective when performed by a qualified provider. However, like all cosmetic treatments, it does have potential side effects. These side effects typically include temporary redness and swelling of the treatment area. In some rare cases, they may also include scarring and burning of the skin. The risks of these side effects are greatly reduced by choosing a medical professional that has extensive experience using medical lasers and is knowledgeable about different skin types. It is also important to follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions.
Before the treatment begins, the provider will clean the skin and then apply a cool gel or cooling device to reduce the risk of irritation. They will then press the laser against your skin and emit pulses of light that target the hair follicles. Depending on the location of the hair follicles, the pulses of light can feel like a rubber band being snapped against the skin or warm pinpricks. The treatment is usually over within a few minutes, but it can take longer for the provider to get the right settings on the machine.
It is important to remember that laser hair removal does not permanently remove hair. Hair will grow back after the treatment, but it will be finer and lighter than before. Many people require multiple treatments before they notice significant results. It is also possible that your hair will not respond to the procedure at all, so it is important to discuss this with your specialist before you have the treatment done.
Some people may notice that their hair grows back more quickly after having laser treatment than others. This is because the hair follicles may be damaged by repeated laser treatment and begin producing new hair faster than usual. This is a common occurrence, but it is usually not permanent and can be easily resolved with additional treatments.
Many people who undergo laser hair removal are happy with their results and find it is a relief to be free of unwanted hair. It is particularly beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal imbalances, as it can help to control symptoms of excess hair growth.
Cost
Laser hair removal is a costly procedure. However, it is more cost-effective than traditional hair removal methods such as waxing or shaving in the long run. It’s also a safe, effective way to permanently reduce the amount of hair on your body.
Depending on the area being treated, laser hair removal costs can vary significantly. Small areas such as the upper lip and chin are typically less expensive than larger areas such as the legs or back. Additionally, hair color and skin tone can affect the total cost of laser treatment. For example, dark hair and skin will require more sessions than lighter hair and skin. It’s important to consult a professional for pricing information specific to your needs.
The average laser hair removal cost ranges from $250 to $600 per session. Some large areas such as the legs and back demand a higher price tag due to their size and the number of sessions needed. However, there are ways to cut the costs of laser treatments by attending clinics that offer package deals or flexible payment plans.
In addition, the location of the clinic plays an important role in the cost of laser hair removal. Prices are often higher in major cities and coastal regions. It’s also possible to pay for laser treatment with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account, if you qualify.
It’s important to note that laser hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery and most private insurance companies don’t cover the cost of this procedure. There are some exceptions to this rule, so if you have a medical condition that requires the use of laser treatment, check with your doctor or insurance company for more information.
The best way to prepare for a laser hair removal appointment is by following pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions. This includes avoiding sun exposure and not plucking or waxing your hair between appointments. Additionally, you’ll want to shave before your appointment. In most cases, the laser practitioner will apply a cooling gel or cool air spray to your skin before starting treatment.