Laser hair removal is the removal method of choice for people who are tired of waxing, shaving or tweezing unwanted hair. Although home hair removal methods result in new hair growth in a few days or weeks, laser hair removal prevents new hair growth for months, years or even permanently by destroying the hair shaft.
Identification
A laser is a machine that produces a thin beam of light in a single wavelength or color. The light pulses produced by lasers are precisely targeted at very small areas of the body and can be used to cut, sculpt and cauterize various parts of the body and destroy hair. During the laser hair removal process, the laser targets the pigment in your hair shaft that gives the hair its color. The laser beam must be aimed precisely to avoid damaging the skin while destroying the pigment. The heat of the laser causes the hair follicle to become inflamed, resulting in a lengthy resting phase during which the hair stops growing.
Considerations
Because lasers target melanin in the hair, the procedure is most effective in treating unwanted brown or black hair. Lasers work better if you have dark hair and light skin. If you have dark hair and dark skin, the laser may not be able to focus as precisely on individual hairs, as both your hair and skin contain dark pigments. If you are African American or have darker skin, your doctor may choose the Nd:Yag laser for your treatment. This laser has a longer wavelength that is more suitable for treating people with dark skin. Laser hair removal may be less effective if you have blond, white, gray or red hair due to the reduced pigment in these hair colors.
Hair Removal Process
Before your treatment begins, you will be given goggles to protect your eyes from the effects of the laser. A cooling gel or local anesthetic may be applied to your skin to provide protection from the intense heat generated by the laser and provide pain relief. During the procedure, your doctor will hold the laser against your skin and activate the laser beam. When the laser beam is activated, you may feel a slight stinging sensation on your skin. Repeat treatments are usually necessary to treat hairs that are in various phases of the growth cycle, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Recovery
Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs can help reduce swelling and redness that occur as a result of treatment. Your doctor may also prescribe a topical steroid cream to reduce redness and swelling. In some cases, blisters may form on the skin. Applying antibiotic ointment will help these blisters heal more quickly. Sun exposure should be avoided after laser treatment, and a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 should be used if you can't avoid being in the sun.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of laser hair removal include bacterial infections, temporary lightening or darkening of skin around the treatment area, change in the appearance of tattoos and lightening of freckles or moles. Permanent skin pigment changes or scarring can occur in rare cases, according to the AAD.
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