Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal involves sending laser light through the hair pigment, converting light to heat, which damages the hair bulb and hair follicle. Since the procedure is targeted towards the hair roots, the result is long-term and close to a permanent reduction in hair growth.

Find out more important information you need to know first about laser hair removal in Ithaca NY by continuing to read below.

Choosing a Laser Hair Removal Specialist

Laser hair removal should be performed by a licensed medical doctor or a board-certified dermatologist to avoid burns and scars. Also, a state-of-the-art machine should be used for the best results. It helps to visit a trusted and reputable laser hair removal website to search for qualified and experienced laser hair removal professionals with advanced laser equipment.

Skin Preparation

Skin preparation is important before a laser hair removal treatment, and it helps to shave the area first. You also need to remove any makeup or any oily substance like lotion so that the laser won’t react with the hair on the surface of the skin as it may cause skin irritation and burnt hair smell. Keep your skin healthy before and after the treatment to obtain the best results.

Laser Hair Removal Benefits

Laser hair removal reduces hair growth and helps with irritating ingrown hairs. It promotes permanent hair reduction and clearer and smoother skin. The laser used in a hair removal treatment is safe for treating darker or pigmented skin tones. In most cases, people report permanent hair growth reduction, but hormonal changes can make your hair grow back, so you might need to top up treatments.

Laser hair removal can target small or large skin surface areas, including the following:

  • Face (including the chin and upper lip)
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Shoulders
  • Bikini area
  • Back
  • Chest

Pain Level

As is expected with most medical procedures, laser hair removal also involves a certain level of pain depending on your pain tolerance, skin condition, and the body part that needs treatment. If you have a low tolerance level, you can discuss possible solutions with taking pain medication or topical anesthetics.

Here are the things you can expect with a laser hair removal treatment concerning pain level:

  • The pain associated with laser hair removal is often described as quick and sharp pain.
  • Generally, it’s more painful on the skin near the nose, temples, and chin.
  • Pain can be aggravated if you have a higher body temperature, like after exercise or any strenuous activity.
  • The pain that’s usually felt by customers of laser hair removal treatments can be reduced with a cooling mechanism.

Performing Routine Activities

Laser hair removal is a fast process. A full face appointment may take only 20 to 30 minutes. While the treatment is non-invasive, you can’t go to the gym, sauna, or hot shower after the treatment because the laser stays on the skin for up to 24 hours. Otherwise, the warm environment promotes bacterial growth, giving you spots.

Here are the general recommendations after the treatment concerning activities:

  • Avoid sun exposure, like sunbathing before and after the treatment. Wear sunscreen to provide extra skin protection.
  • Check upcoming holidays or events with your dermatologist to schedule your appointments accordingly.
  • Avoid retinol creams, glycolic acid, and scrubs two days before and after the treatment.
  • Avoid chemical peels two weeks before and after the treatment.
  • Wait for one to two weeks before you use a fake tan.
  • Don’t wax, pluck, and bleach before the treatment because these activities can impede the hair removal process. You can go hairless during the procedure by shaving beforehand.

Desired Results

Not all people have the same skin, hair, and hair root structure. That’s why the desired results may vary. It helps to ask your dermatologist about your skin and hair condition, and the number of sessions you will probably need before you see the desired results.

Here are the general time frames for most clients:

  • It generally takes two to three weeks after the initial treatment to see the difference.
  • To see the full results, you might need about 8 to 12 treatments with the proper aftercare process.
  • You can start noticing real results after two treatments or eight weeks. Since your hair follicles are in different stages of growth, you need to make sure that each one gets zapped by taking regular treatments or strictly following your appointments.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of traditional hair removal methods like plucking, waxing, and shaving, laser hair removal provides a more permanent reduction in hair growth on most parts of your body. Follow the skin preparation and after-care tips to ensure you obtain the best results.