Razerlaze Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area, while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Common areas on which laser hair removal is performed are the chin, upper lip, underarms, bikini line and legs.
Although there are many temporary treatments, including tweezing, shaving, using depilatory creams and waxing, to remove unwanted hair, patients seeking permanent hair reduction and less irritating/painful methods are frequently good candidates for laser hair removal. Through what is a safe and usually painless procedure, hair can be removed from nearly any area of the body (the eye area is an exception because of the possibility of serious eye damage).
Candidates for Laser Hair Removal
Because the laser beams used to remove hair target its melanin (pigment), the best candidates have dark hair and light skin. Conversely, those with blond, red, gray or white hair and dark skin are usually not good candidates. Recent technological advances have made laser hair removal for those with dark skin more successful, while techniques for using lasers to effectively remove light-colored hair are being investigated.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
There are many benefits to having unwanted hair removed through the use of laser therapy. They include the following:
- Hair is precisely targeted
- Procedure is quick
- Results are a permanent reduction
For many patients, laser hair removal is painless, although some experience minor discomfort, usually described like a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Laser hair removal is performed while the target area is covered with cold ultrasound gel. A hand piece that delivers intense laser pulses is moved across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles.
Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective laser hair removal takes place during the anagen (full growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. Because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually eight, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, are necessary.ย Annual maintenance is also required.ย Generally, the length of treatment depends on the texture and location of the patient's hair.
Recovery from Laser Hair Removal
Redness, soreness or swelling may occur immediately after laser hair removal, but they almost always disappear within a few days. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible for several days after laser treatment.
Complications of Laser Hair Removal
The most common complication of laser hair removal is the regrowth of unwanted hair. Frequently, however, the hair that regrows is finer and lighter than the hair that was removed. Usually, regrowth can be addressed with maintenance treatment sessions. Other rare complications after laser hair removal include skin irritation such as blistering and crusting, changes in pigmentation or texture of the skin, and scarring at the removal site. Our laser technician, Holly, has over 15 years of experience at laser hair removal and is highly trained to avoid complications.