Laser hair removal has emerged as one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, which uses focused light to eliminate unwanted hair. During the treatment process, the laser targets melanin in hair, converting light energy into heat, thereby destroying the hair follicles and weakening them from producing hair altogether, slowing future growth. 

In most cases, multiple sessions are required for laser hair removal, and maintenance treatments may also be necessary. This treatment is best for clients with light skin and dark hair, although recent technological advancements have made it applicable to every type of skin.

Why is it done?

It is done to reduce unwanted hair on various areas, which may include legs, underarms, upper lip, chin, and bikini line, among other body parts. Almost every body part can be treated except the eyelids and tattooed skin. The success of the treatment greatly depends upon the contrast between hair and skin color; black hair against fair skin yields the best results. 

Lasers emit beams specifically targeting hair follicles with minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Despite the increased risk, the success and efficiency of the technology have led to offering this treatment for people with darker skin tones. The lighter shades of hair remain difficult, with gray and blonde the toughest, though science is continually creating better results for all of these shades.

What can I do to prepare for the treatment?

Preparing involves several important steps to assure safety and effectiveness. First of all, choose a board-certified professional who is experienced in this treatment, someone who is especially familiar with your skin type. If the procedure is to be conducted by a physician assistant or nurse, make certain that an on-site-licensed, board-certified doctor oversees them. Avoid facilities that allow non-professional personnel to conduct the treatment.

A consultation will be scheduled. Your history and medications will be reviewed, along with your skin conditions and previous experience with hair removal. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you and share realistic expectations. Photographs will be taken for comparison.

To prepare, your doctor may provide specific do’s and do n’ts, such as avoiding the sun and using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. 

Avoid all tanning products, waxing, and plucking for at least four weeks before treatment is started. It is also advisable to stop blood thinners for some time before, and you should shave the area to be treated the day before the actual treatment to avoid complications.

What you should know?

Let yourself anticipate that you may need two to six visits after having laser hair removal in Sacramento for the full result. For fast-growing areas, such as the upper lip, your treatments will have to be scheduled every four to eight weeks. If your hair is growing slowly, like at the back, you will need the session every 12 to 16 weeks. 

For every treatment, eye protection will be put on your eyes in the form of goggles to shield them from the laser light. It is always easier if an assistant can trim the unwanted hair to enhance the shaving process. 

If you are worried about pain during the process, your doctor in the course of performing the procedure can apply an anesthetic ointment to minimize the sensation of pain in the area being targeted. It gives you the best experience during this process.

What happens during this treatment?

In this procedure, the doctor places a laser handpiece in contact with your skin to deliver an intense beam of light. There is some cooling either built into the laser or applied as a cool gel to make it safe for your skin and reduce side effects. 

When turned on, the laser emits light. The light penetrates your skin, delivering intense heat to the hair follicles, which in turn reduces the chance of further hair growth. 

There are good variations in sensations during the treatment, from a warm prickling sensation to cooling. Some treatments may take just minutes for small areas, such as the upper lip, while others may take over an hour for larger areas, such as the back.

Post-procedure care

After laser hair removal, redness and swelling are normal side effects that can be experienced by a few individuals for a short period, like a few hours. If you are experiencing pain, you can alleviate it by having ice on the area that was treated; for greater sensitivity, you may need a steroid cream recommended by the doctor to calm irritation. 

Maintain your skin as it heals by staying away from direct sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps for at least six weeks or as advised by your physician. Topical cream can be termed the utilization of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30, which can guard the skin in the future from UV rays. This, in turn, helps minimize complications and considerably speeds up the healing process.

How long do you have to wait to see the results?

Results are not instantaneous from this process because the hair will fall out several days to weeks after treatment. Sometimes this can make it appear like the hair keeps growing. In addition, several treatments are necessary due to the normal hair growth cycle. 

Laser therapy works best when the hair is in its new growth phase. Some people find months of reduced hair, and others find years of results. However, you can never be sure of permanent hair removal. The hair would grow back in a different configuration; in most cases, it is thinner and less pigmented, and you would need to return for maintenance treatments to maintain significant hair reduction.

If you wish to have this procedure done, search for a leading professional offering, such as “Laser hair removal near me.” Schedule an appointment with them today!