Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, and it's no wonder why. The procedure uses intense heat from a laser beam to damage hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. While it's not a permanent solution, it can delay hair growth for months or years. But what should you expect before and during a laser hair removal session? When you arrive for your appointment, you may feel a warm prick or a cold sensation due to the cooling appliance or gel.
You'll also be given a white eyeliner pen so you can draw where you want the laser hair removal to start and end. During the procedure, you may feel some discomfort, but it should be minimal. It's important to note that laser treatments can only treat hair follicles that are in their anagen or “growth” phase. Therefore, it's best to avoid waxing or shaving prior to your session. You can cut, trim, shave, or use depilatory creams up to two days before your next appointment. After the session, you won't see immediate results.
The hairs don't fall out right away and the hair loss process can sometimes feel like continuous hair growth. It's important to leave your hair on your hair shafts for laser hair removal to work. Today, laser hair removal is a treatment option for patients with fair hair and skin and for patients with dark skin. However, there are a few things you will be told to speed up your recovery after undergoing laser hair removal. The treated area will lose hair during this time, specifically affected hairs that were in their anagen phase.
But there will be some follicles left that haven't yet “woken up” and grow hair in the coming weeks. The best way to know if laser hair removal is right for you is to go to LH Spa & Rejuvenation for a consultation. Other possible side effects are rare when laser hair removal is performed by a dermatologist or under the direct supervision of a dermatologist. Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for months or years, it usually doesn't result in permanent hair removal. However, it can be an effective way to reduce unwanted body and facial hair.
