Laser Hair Removal works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle, destroying it and keeping future growth from occurring. It works best on people with contrast between skin tone and hair color because this makes it easier for the laser to locate the follicle.

During the treatment, your doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. This may feel like a warm pinprick or a rubber band snapping against the skin. Contact IPL Langley for professional expertise.

Laser Hair Removal is a safe, effective way to remove unwanted hair. It works by using a laser to destroy the hair follicle so that it can no longer grow new hairs. The treatment is typically performed by a dermatologist or another qualified specialist. It is also considered minimally invasive and has no long-term side effects for most people. However, it is important to know that not everyone is a good candidate for this type of treatment.

Those who have light hair and skin can often receive a successful laser treatment, but those with dark hair and dark skin may need to undergo several treatments to achieve significant results. It is also important to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds before laser treatment. This can make it more difficult for the laser to penetrate the skin, making it less effective and potentially leading to irritation. It is also important to avoid waxing, plucking and tweezing before laser treatment.

People who have a sensitivity to pain or discomfort should not undergo laser hair removal, as it can cause painful stinging or burning. It is important to wear protective eyewear during laser sessions. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of infection after treatment, such as scabbing or redness.

In addition to providing clients with protective equipment, laser hair removal providers should also conduct periodic safety inspections of the laser treatment area. This includes checking the condition of all equipment, maintaining appropriate operating instructions and ensuring that all records are legibly written in ink. Additionally, all personnel who may come in contact with the laser should be provided with training on how to use and properly operate the device.

Effective

Laser Hair Removal uses pulses of light to target the pigment in hair follicles, which destroys them and inhibits future growth. The laser’s precision ensures that the surrounding skin and structures are not harmed, even though they are close by. Depending on skin color and hair follicle density, multiple treatment sessions may be needed.

Unlike shaving, waxing or other hair removal methods, laser treatment is quick and convenient. A small area like the upper lip takes minutes to treat, while larger areas may take up to an hour. It’s also much less painful than tweezing, plucking or threading, which can cause inflamed bumps and razor burn.

Some people experience redness and swelling after laser hair removal, and they should avoid direct sunlight for a few days to prevent sunburn. However, this discomfort is usually short-lived and can be eased with ice packs and soothing moisturizers. Some individuals experience skin crusting that can lead to scabbing if it isn’t treated promptly.

After a series of treatment sessions, most people are hair-free for several months or years. When hair does grow back, it’s often finer and lighter in color.

It’s important to talk with a physician before deciding whether laser hair removal is right for you. GBMC’s expert doctors have the training and expertise to provide safe and effective treatments. They always put patient safety first, and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about this procedure.

Minimally Invasive

With laser hair removal, you can eliminate unwanted body hair. Unlike other hair removal methods, such as waxing and shaving, you can eliminate most unwanted hair from the face, arms, legs, bikini line, and underarms without discomfort or irritation. You can also get rid of unsightly razor bumps and ingrown hair.

The procedure is quick and relatively painless. Depending on the size of the area being treated, it can take just minutes. For sensitive areas, your doctor may apply an anesthetic cream. This is particularly important if you are treating the upper lip or other sensitive parts of the face.

Some people experience mild redness and swelling after the treatment. However, this is rare and usually doesn’t last long. You can easily return to your regular routine after just a few hours.

Most patients need to schedule 2-6 laser treatments to achieve permanent results. Most hair will disappear completely after this, although some will regrow over time. When hair does regrow, it tends to be lighter and less noticeable than before.

If you are considering laser hair removal, make sure to select a medical professional who is board-certified in a dermatological specialty or cosmetic surgery. Avoid spas or salons that use nonmedical personnel to perform this procedure.

Prior to the procedure, limit plucking and waxing as it can interfere with laser effectiveness. You should also avoid tanning before your appointment as this can cause skin reactions. You should also stop taking any blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, for 6 weeks before your laser treatment.

Long-Lasting

Unlike some other laser treatments, such as skin tightening and facial rejuvenation, laser hair removal doesn’t involve any downtime. You can go right back to your day immediately after your appointment. However, your treatment specialist may ask you to avoid hot baths, direct sun exposure, sweaty workouts, and any other activities that could cause your skin to become irritated.

Most people who undergo laser hair removal find that it reduces the growth of unwanted hair for a long time, sometimes permanently. This is because the laser destroys the pigment of the hair follicle, which effectively shuts down the follicle and prevents it from growing new hair. However, it’s important to note that some hair will grow back, especially if the hair follicle was only damaged and not destroyed. This is why multiple laser treatments are recommended to get the best results.

You’ll also want to avoid plucking, waxing or tweezing the area that you’re having treated for six weeks before your appointment. This is because the laser needs to be able to target hairs that are growing in the anagen phase, which means it can’t reach them when they’re already been plucked or waxed.

Other factors that can affect how fast or slow your hair grows back include the length of time between sessions, your unique hair growth cycle (which varies from person to person), and hormonal fluctuations. For example, if you’re on birth control and your hormones fluctuate a lot, it’s possible that you’ll need a few more touchup sessions. However, most people find that they need to do semiannual treatments at most.

Affordable

Laser hair removal is one of the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the US. Compared to the cost of regular shaving, waxing or depilatories, it can save you money over time. However, it’s important to remember that laser hair removal is a procedure, so you’ll need multiple treatment sessions at four-to six week intervals to achieve optimal results.

The total cost of laser hair removal varies depending on the area of your body you want to treat, surgeon fees, and geographic location. You’ll also need to factor in touch up treatments, which are often needed for larger areas like the arms or legs.

It’s also important to note that laser hair removal is typically considered cosmetic surgery and won’t be covered by health insurance. The exception to this rule is if your doctor determines that the procedure is medically necessary to treat a condition, such as gender dysphoria.

If you’re considering laser hair removal, it’s important to find a reputable dermatologist or highly-trained aesthetician. Your provider will be able to help you with the process, from determining which type of laser to use, to scheduling your sessions. During your initial consultation, you’ll also be given the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how laser hair removal works.

Before your first session, it’s a good idea to shave the area that will be treated. This is so that the laser can target the hair follicle without targeting the surrounding skin. Additionally, you’ll need to avoid tanning or bleaching your skin in the weeks leading up to your appointment. This is because the laser will be less effective on tanned or dark hair.