What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal
While there are different methods of hair removal for unwanted hair, many of them can be time-consuming, painful, and short-lived. Laser hair removal provides a different option that is more convenient, more comfortable, and more permanent. With this long-lasting treatment, you won’t have to worry about constantly trying to stay on top of your unwanted hair.
At Cosmetic Solutions Laser & Skin Care Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, we focus on delivering the highest standard of care for laser hair removal by using state-of-the-art devices that can provide results for individuals of many different skin types and colors. At our skin care center, your comfort throughout the process is important, so we aim to help you understand what to anticipate during, before, and after your laser hair removal service.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a method for gradually reducing hair growth on almost any area of the body. It is the most effective way to achieve permanent hair removal because it targets the hair follicles of the hair with minimal discomfort and keeps them from growing hair. The treatment uses laser technology to target the hair follicles without affecting the surrounding skin.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal works by using concentrated laser light to target and damage individual hair follicles. During treatment, the light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This heats up the hair follicle and disables its ability to regrow hair.
Before treatment, you should shave but not wax the area to prepare it for laser hair removal. Then a cooling gel is applied to your skin to make the treatment more comfortable. Numbing cream is sometimes used depending on the patient’s level of comfort.
Next, a handheld laser device is used to emit pulses of light energy that is converted into heat. While hair can sometimes regrow in the area after treatment due to hormone changes, the amount of hair is permanently reduced in the treatment area. Laser devices are customizable to be able to treat a wide variety of hair colors and textures, and people with many different skin tones can also benefit from treatments. Laser hair removal can treat legs, arms, chest, back, bikini area, face, and more.
Post-Treatment Expectations
Immediate After-Effects
Right after your laser hair removal treatment, it is normal to notice some redness and even swelling around the treatment area. This typically subsides within a few hours and does not cause a lot of discomfort. At this stage post-treatment, your hair will still remain in the treated follicles.
Measures for Protecting Your Skin
In the days following your laser hair removal treatment, it is important to be even more focused than usual on proper skin care. Your skin will be more sensitive following a laser treatment, so it will become sunburned more easily. Avoid staying out in the sun for long periods, and if you do go outside for any period of time, be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
For the best laser hair removal results, it is also important to avoid tanning beds and other forms of UV exposure. You can use soothing products like aloe gel or a gentle ice pack to cool your skin in the event of redness or swelling.
Hair Shedding and Growth
In the week or two following your treatment, you will begin to notice some laser hair removal results. Hair will begin shedding in the treatment area. At first, this can look like normal hair growth as the hair is pushed from the follicle, but you may notice the hair easily falling out when you brush your hand lightly on your skin. It is best to let this process take place naturally.
Long-Term Results of Laser Hair Removal
It is important to remember that not all of your hair will fall out in just one session. Because the laser in the device works by targeting the melanin in the hair, only hair follicles with actively growing hair will be able to be treated. Other follicles that may be in dormant or regressing stages of hair growth will need to be treated during a different session. Most people need between six and eight sessions to see the results they are looking for.
After your series of treatments, you will likely get to enjoy hair-free skin for a very long time. Occasionally, hormone changes in the body or other factors may cause a few hairs to grow back again. In this case, you can come in for a maintenance session to regain your hair-free skin.
Special Considerations for Bikini Laser Hair Removal
The bikini area can be treated very effectively with professional laser hair removal, and it can come with less discomfort than other methods that may cause razor burn or ingrown hairs. We may have additional post-care instructions for this area that can include wearing loose-fitting clothing and staying away from strenuous exercise or hot showers for the first 24 hours.
Considering Professional Laser Hair Removal Services for Treating Unwanted Hair
If you are looking for ways to get rid of unwanted hair, permanent hair removal can help you get out of the cycle of having to routinely wax and shave to keep your skin smooth. Regardless of where your unwanted hair is located, our gentle laser treatments can effectively remove the hair without damaging the skin. To learn more about our services at Cosmetic Solutions Laser & Skin Care Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, call us at (319) 774-4951 or fill out an online form.
