Does Laser Hair Removal Have Any Side Effects?
Very few people enjoy the chore of hair removal, but it seems inevitable. Laser hair removal lets you forget about shaving, waxing, or plucking. This treatment provides long-lasting results and treats body and facial hair. Advanced lasers use targeted wavelengths of energy that minimize side effects and discomfort, so getting rid of unwanted hair is easier than ever.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive solution to eliminating unwanted hair. Essential Med Aesthetics uses Cutera xeo™ and excel® HR laser systems. These lasers minimize side effects and maximize the amount of hair removed with each treatment, resulting in fewer sessions. Laser hair removal targets the hair follicles, deactivating them so they can no longer produce hair.
*Individual Results May Vary.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Each hair on your body grows from a root inside a hair follicle. Laser hair removal works by heating the hair root until it damages the follicle. Hair roots contain a pigment called melanin, with darker hair containing more than blonde hair. Melanin absorbs the laser energy, generating heat inside the follicle. This heat causes damage to the treated hair follicle that prevents it from growing new hairs. The laser does not target skin cells, but the heat generated in the follicles can result in minor side effects.
Does Laser Hair Removal Have Any Side Effects?
Most people will experience minor side effects after laser hair removal for a few days. This should not keep you from returning to most of your usual activities, and most people find they are not bothered or inconvenienced. You may notice effects including:
- Sensitivity or soreness
- Light peeling
- Redness
- Swelling
You can minimize these side effects by avoiding the use of scrubs, glycolic acid, and retinoids for several days before and after your treatment session. You should avoid sun exposure and use sun protection to avoid UV damage. We will provide you with specific skincare instructions to ensure your skin heals quickly and without problems.
How Do You Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?
Good preparation helps you get the most out of each laser hair removal treatment. We recommend these steps to maximize the amount of unwanted hair removed.
- Avoid waxing, plucking, or any other method that pulls out the hair root
- Let bleached hair grow out for at least four weeks
- Do not use tan or use artificial tanners
- Talk to your team about medications and supplements
- Shave the area 24 hours before your session
- Arrive for treatment with clean, product-free skin
Since the laser targets melanin pigment inside the hair roots, it cannot treat follicles if the roots have been pulled out or the melanin has been bleached away. Sun exposure will make your skin more sensitive to the laser and increase the possibility of side effects.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal?
When people think of laser hair removal, they often think of areas like the legs or bikini area. While these areas are very popular, many people have this treatment for unwanted facial hair. Areas where you can use laser hair removal include:
- Face
- Underarms
- Back
- Chest
- Legs
- Bikini
- Arms
If you have questions about unwanted hair and whether you can have it removed, we recommend a consultation. Laser hair removal can be used almost anywhere.
What are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal can make your life easier in several ways, from shaving time off your daily routine to preventing uncomfortable issues. Some of the most important benefits of this treatment include:
Save Time
Hair removal is often one of the most time-consuming, tedious parts of a person’s self-care routine. Laser hair removal gives you back the time you used to waste on shaving, finding room for a waxing appointment in your schedule, or other annoyances.
Save Money
You may not think about how much hair removal costs every year, but it may be more than you realize. Laser hair removal eliminates the ongoing cost of supplies and appointments, letting you save money over time.
No More Ingrown Hairs
No matter how you remove unwanted hair, it eventually grows back. It can become trapped under the skin as it grows back, causing ingrown hair. If you find yourself with these painful red bumps every time you remove hair, we recommend laser hair removal. Without new hair growth, ingrown hairs become a thing of the past.
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Simply fill out the form on this page, and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.
How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need?
Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments to eliminate unwanted hair. Most people need six to nine treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. This schedule is based on the natural cycle of hair follicles.
Each hair follicle spends part of its life in an active phase, producing hair. It can be treated by the laser during this phase. The follicle spends the rest of its time in a dormant state with no hair growth, making it invisible to the laser. When you return four to six weeks after your last treatment, more follicles have entered their active phase.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
Laser hair removal provides long-lasting freedom from unwanted hair. However, most people will see the growth of an occasional stray hair. These hairs are usually fine, pale, and less noticeable than your usual hair. Many people enjoy months or years without seeing any hair at all. You can enjoy permanent hair removal with yearly maintenance to address the occasional pop-up hair.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is safe and effective for most people. Good candidates have reasonable expectations and are in good health. People with a strong contrast between hair color and skin color make the best candidates for laser hair removal, but your Essential Med Aesthetics providers are experts in treating most skin tones safely.
People with blonde, red, or gray hair are not typically good candidates for this treatment. These light hair colors do not contain enough melanin for the laser to target effectively. People with darker skin tones should take extra care in selecting a laser hair removal provider with the appropriate experience.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about laser hair removal, please call us at (210) 568-7555 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Essential Med Aesthetics is located in San Antonio, Texas.
