Whether or not body hair is unsightly varies from person to person. While we have come a long way in accepting our body hair, we understand that permanent hair removal is the goal for some. If you have tried hair removal methods like shaving and waxing, you know how their effects are short-lived. Additionally, they may result in side effects like ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Fortunately, Dr. Wendy Long Mitchell performs hair laser hair removal, a medical procedure that uses laser energy to destroy hair bulbs or follicles.
If you have been considering laser hair removal, it is vital to do your research since there is a lot to consider. Below are facts you should know before laser hair removal.
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It is not unbearably painful.
Laser hair removal works by focusing laser light on your hair; the pigment or melanin in the hair absorbs the light. The light then converts to heat, destroying the hair follicles and bulbs beneath your skin’s surface. During treatment, you may feel a quick, sharp pain, like a warm pinprick. It may be more painful on thinner skin near the chin, nose, and temples. Some lasers have a cooling device on the tip; this can help reduce discomfort. Most people can tolerate the pain during laser hair removal.
You require patience
Following laser hair removal, results do not appear right away; you must wait two to three weeks after your initial treatment session to detect a difference. Providers advise repeated sessions, at least 8–12 treatments, to achieve the best benefits. Because the stages of growth in your hair follicles vary, you should keep all of your visits. You want to make sure each hair has a chance to be blasted because the laser only targets hair that is actively growing. If you don’t keep your appointments, your hair will regrow. After the initial treatment, your hair might seem finer and less visible, but a series of treatments is necessary for the best results.
You have got to shave the area before your appointment.
The laser can react with hair on your skin, causing irritation and sometimes that dreaded burnt hair smell. For this reason, providers recommend shaving the hair 24 hours before treatment. Shaving is the only method that doesn’t interfere with hair follicles; other methods, like waxing, plucking, or tweezing, can cause skin irritation. You also want to avoid using electric razors as the hair is typically left too long. Remember, you should prep properly before each visit for maximum optimum results.
It is a fast process
An entire appointment takes as little as twenty minutes; you don’t have to take the whole day off work for treatment. However, larger areas like the back might take up to one hour or more.
You will need to avoid sun exposure.
Your dermatologist will give your pre and post-treatment instructions, but you may need to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds as much as possible before and after treatment. If you have a tan, you will need to wait till it fades away before laser hair removal. If you are tired of constantly shaving, plucking, waxing, or tweezing, book an appointment with your dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology for laser hair removal.
