Laser Hair Removal: Benefits, Aftercare, Risks Side Effects

April 15, 2024

If you are looking for a more permanent way to remove unwanted body hair, you may want to consider laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a safe and effective alternative to other hair removal methods such as shaving and waxing, and it can significantly reduce unwanted hair, especially when performed by a trained professional using a laser that is appropriate for your skin type. Once the treatment is complete, other hair removal methods will likely no longer be needed, and maintenance will be very simple.

Nonetheless, laser hair removal has its risks and side effects. These side effects include mild redness and swelling, as well as more rare complications such as darkening or lightening of the skin, herpes simplex, blisters, and scarring. It’s important to consider all the pros and cons before your first appointment. Read on to learn about the exact results of laser hair removal.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

As the name suggests, laser hair removal is the process of removing unwanted body hair using a concentrated beam of light (laser). It is an excellent option for people who have excessive body hair and wish to reduce or remove body hair from various parts of the body in a more effective and less painful way.

During the treatment, the laser emits a bright light to destroy the hair follicles, the small holes in the skin where hair grows. The laser light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. The energy is converted into heat, which instantly vaporizes the hair and destroys the follicle. This damage stops or delays hair growth.

Because the laser beam is attracted to the pigment in the hair, laser hair removal treatments are often the best choice for people with dark hair and light skin. However, laser hair removal is effective for people of all skin tones, including dark skin. Patients with only light-colored hair may not be able to achieve excellent hair removal results. Laser beams do not work well on non-pigmented hair.

What To Expect During the Laser Treatment?

Your Rmedy doctor will usually advise you on how to prepare yourself for the treatment. You should avoid sun exposure for a few days before the treatment, as laser hair removal cannot be performed on tanned skin. You should also avoid waxing and plucking, as laser hair removal cannot be performed on irritated skin.

If you are taking anti-inflammatory medication, your doctor will advise you to take a few moments off before the treatment to avoid the risk of bleeding. It is also a good idea to trim or shave areas that are ready to be exposed to the laser the day before the procedure.

During the procedure, your doctor will use a handheld laser device that is pressed against your skin. They may also use a cooling device or cold gel to protect your skin and reduce the risk of side effects. When the laser beam hits the hair follicle, you may feel discomfort, like being pricked with a needle, as well as cold from the cooling device or gel.

Most people can tolerate this pain, which is usually felt when the laser hits more sensitive areas such as the nose, chin, and temples. Treatments for small areas, such as the upper lip, last a few minutes but can take up to an hour for larger areas. Laser hair removal can be used on different parts of the body, including the back, arms, bikini area, legs, chest, shoulders, neck, upper lip, and chin.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

  • It is a longer-term solution to reducing body hair. Laser hair removal is not permanent, but it still has lasting results. It reduces the amount of unwanted hair in the targeted area, and when the hair grows back, it is smaller, finer, and lighter.
  • It requires less maintenance than other methods. If you have to shave your body hair, you will have to shave every few days, while the results of methods such as waxing and threading last for about four weeks. In contrast, laser hair removal usually requires four to six sessions and then occasional maintenance in the future.
  • It can also help with other skin problems. Laser hair removal also reduces ingrown hairs and prevents inflamed bumps and itching. And, because laser hair removal utilizes light to remove hair, there is no risk of nicks, cuts, or razor burns from shaving.
  • No downtime is required. While laser hair removal treatments may leave your skin a little red and swollen, you can return to your daily routine almost immediately after the treatment. Because it is non-invasive, there is no downtime required. The only thing you can’t do is go out in the sun right away or use a tanning bed or fluorescent light.
  • It saves money in the long run. Although laser hair removal costs more than purchasing a razor and shaving cream at first, the cost will pay for itself over time. Since laser hair removal greatly reduces unwanted hair, it doesn’t require the same regular maintenance as shaving and waxing, so once you’ve paid the initial cost, you won’t need to pay more.

How Long Do the Results Last?

One of the disadvantages of laser hair removal is that the results are not permanent. In addition, this treatment requires several treatments for complete hair removal. Depending on the size of the area being treated, you may need between three and eight treatments, with a wait of about six weeks between each treatment.

The treatment process is long, but the results are worth it, especially since laser hair removal also reduces ingrown hairs and skin irritation because the laser helps the hairs grow straight. Hair will not fall out immediately after the procedure, but you should see a noticeable reduction in hair over the next few days. At the end of the treatment, the hairs will be permanently lost, with most patients experiencing a 10% to 25% reduction in hairs after the first treatment.

Since hair loss treatments do not provide permanent results, you may need to have touch-ups every 4, 6, or 12 months, depending on your skin type. However, the hair that grows back is usually finer and lighter in color. Click to learn more.

Aftercare, Risks and Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

  • Laser hair removal aftercare

The treated area will look and feel sunburned for 1–2 days. Cool compresses and moisturizers may help. If your face was treated, you can wear makeup the next day unless your skin is blistered. Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, sun lamps, or any kind of indoor tanning equipment.

  • Side effects of laser hair removal

The treated hairs will fall out over the next month. For the next month, sunscreen is applied to prevent temporary changes in the color of the skin in the treated area.

Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or skin color changes are rare.

  • Risks of Laser Hair Removal

Blisters are rare, but people with darker skin tones are more likely to develop blisters. Another rare side effect is post-treatment hair graying or more hair growing around the treatment area.

Don’t let an unlicensed technician operate. Always go to someone who is trustworthy. Before undergoing laser hair removal, you should thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor or technician performing the procedure.

Quick Review

Laser hair removal is a very safe and effective medical treatment to remove unwanted hair from the face and body. In some people, laser hair removal produces permanent results after a few treatments, but others may need to continue with follow-up treatments. Some side effects of laser hair removal include mild redness and swelling. It is important to choose a board-certified medical professional skilled in the use of lasers to perform the treatment to minimize the risk of skin damage or injury.

Make an appointment TODAY for your Laser Hair Removal at Rmedy!

Laser Hair Removal: Benefits, Aftercare, Risks Side Effects