How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal directs energy to your skin that penetrates the outer layer of your dermis to affect the pigment-containing hair follicles beneath. When these follicles absorb the light energy, they heat up and can no longer produce hair.
Because it’s the pigment in the follicles that absorbs the heat energy, laser hair removal is most effective on dark hair. White hair doesn’t respond to laser hair removal. Red or blonde hair is less receptive to laser removal as well.
What areas can be treated with laser hair removal?
While the Laser Center of Milford doesn’t do full-body laser hair removal, most places on your body that have unwanted hair can be treated. Men and women can choose laser hair removal for the following areas:
Back and chest
Inside the ear and nose
Legs and arms
Underarms
Upper lip and chin
Eyebrows
Where tattoos are present
You must be at least 14 for laser hair removal treatments and it’s recommended that you’ve passed through puberty.
How many treatments do I need?
The number of treatments depends on how your hair and skin respond as well as the area treated. Generally, 6-12 sessions achieve smooth skin — but sometimes you need more to get hair to stop growing. Hair grows in cycles, so multiple sessions ensure you get all hair when it’s in the growth period.
Most people feel warmth and prickling during laser hair removal, but tolerate the treatment well. Ice packs are provided after treatment to soothe treated areas.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
You must have the hair follicles intact to benefit from laser hair removal, so avoid plucking, tweezing, nair or depilatory creams, or waxing for about six weeks prior to treatment. Shaving is OK because it leaves the hair follicle in place.
Avoid the sun prior for a few weeks prior to treatment as tanned skin can compromise the effects of your laser session.
Let the office know if you are on any antibiotics or steroid medications, as some have light sensitivity or light toxic side effects. If you have any open sores or skin infections in the treatment area, please reschedule.
Is downtime needed after laser hair removal?
There is little to no downtime. The redness or folliculitis that some patients have is downtime following treatment. It doesn’t affect everyone, and it doesn’t happen every time. It varies person to person. They only need to avoid sun exposure for about 10 days following laser treatment. Avoid sun exposure for several weeks following laser hair removal; your skin is temporarily more sensitive to UV rays.
If you experience any lingering side effects to the treatment, let the office know as soon as possible.
For more information about laser hair removal and if you’re a good candidate, call the office of Laser Center of Milford today.
Request Appointment
