Medicosnext
People have been finding reasons to remove hair on the face and body since the beginning of time. It’s no wonder that people have come up with countless clever ways to get rid of unwanted hair—as depicted in some cave drawings of people using sharpened flint rocks as razors and seashells as tweezers, for example. Whether it’s for aesthetics or hygiene reasons, the fact is, there are parts of the body we just don’t want hair to grow.
Then again, shaving or tweezing may lead to ingrown hairs and irritation. Depilatory creams have short-term results compared to dermatological treatments and could be risky on sensitive skin. And, waxing is infamously painful. So, what’s the alternative then?
When laser hair removal technology came to be in the mid-1990s, it changed the way that we groom. And even though it’s been around for quite some time, people still have lots of questions about it. Here, we answer some of the most asked questions related to laser hair removal which we encounter commonly.
1) How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses technology in which a beam of light is applied to unwanted hair on various parts of the body. This light is a specific wavelength that targets the melanin—the pigment in the hair that gives it color—in the hair follicle. When the light enters the follicle, it is converted to heat energy that inactivates the follicle, preventing the hair from growing again. Because individual hairs are at different stages of growth at any given time, multiple laser treatments are required to target all of them.
2) Is laser hair removal safe?
Absolutely. When performed correctly by a skilled professional and use of machine approved by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), laser hair removal is both safe and effective.
3) Does laser hair removal hurt?
People experience pain differently, and some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. Some people won’t notice a thing; others may feel a slight warm or tingling sensation of the area. In Nirvana Skin Clinic, we use integrated cooling technology, thus making the procedure highly comfortable.
4) Are there any side effects to laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is an extremely safe procedure with limited side effects.This light-based procedure is non-invasive and uses light energy to safely travel through the skin without harming any surrounding skin tissue.The most common side effects patients may experience are temporary redness, itchiness, and swelling of the skin. These side effects should subside within a couple of hours following treatment.We recommend using aloe vera to soothe the skin.
5) Which areas of the body can be treated?
Just about any area of the body can be treated for hair removal with our laser technology. The only area we cannot treat is the eyelid. The most common treatment areas are the legs, arms, back, chest, upper lip, underarms, and groin area.
6) Who can get laser hair removal?
Anyone is a candidate for laser hair removal, men and women alike. Our advanced quadruple wavelength laser uses four different wavelengths to treat just about any skin type and hair color. However, patients with lighter skin and darker hair types will experience faster, more effective results.
7) How much does laser hair removal cost?
Prices vary depending on the size of the area covered and number of sessions booked. We recommend completing at least eight sessions of treatment on an area to see permanent results.
8) How many sessions of laser hair removal will I need to see results?
We recommend having at least eight sessions per area to give a long-term hair reduction of up to 90 percent. Ideally, they should be four to six weeks apart. However, depending upon your skin tone, hair color, and density, this may vary from a minimum of 6 to 12 treatments.This waiting period is necessary to target the hair follicles during their active growth stage. Our expert laser practitioners will be able to advise you on how many sessions will be needed.
9) Can I have laser hair removal over tattooed areas?
No, it is not safe to get laser hair removal over a tattoo, as it can potentially lead to burns, blisters, or skin damage.
10) Can men have laser hair removal?
Yes. One of the reasons laser hair removal is ideal for men is that it works equally well across the entire body and has long-lasting results. From a few unwanted tufts to an entire back, chest, or stomach, laser hair removal is efficient and effective.
11) How do I prepare before laser hair removal?
There are several things you should do to prepare for laser hair removal:
• Shave the area to be treated 12-24 hours prior to treatment.
• Do not apply any lotions, creams, or makeup on the area to be treated.
• Do not wax or tweeze the area to be treated.
• No tanning four weeks prior to treatment
12) What aftercare is needed after laser hair removal treatment?
Laser hair removal leaves the surrounding skin unharmed, however, there are a few things you should do to prevent irritation and increase comfort:
• Apply aloe vera gel for two-three days post treatment
• Avoid sunlight or sun beds
• Avoid hot baths, showers, or saunas
13) How long will the results of laser hair removal last?
Most patients remain hair-free for months, or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it is usually less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments after 6-12 months.
