Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair.
During laser hair removal, a laser emits light which is absorbed by the melanin or pigment in the hair. The light is converted into heat energy which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the hair follicles. The damage delays or inhibits future hair growth.
Common treatment areas for laser hair removal include the armpits, legs, upper lip, chin, and bikini line although it can virtually be used anywhere on the body to remove unwanted hair with exception to the eyelid and surrounding area.
The skin type and hair color greatly influence the success of laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal can delay hair growth for long periods, it does not result in permanent hair removal. Initially, multiple treatment sessions are required to reduce hair growth, once it is achieved, periodic maintenance sessions may be needed afterward.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Benefits of laser hair removal include:
- Speed. Each pulse of the laser can treat many hairs in just a fraction of a second. It can take one second to treat an area the size of a quarter. It takes just a minute to treat small areas such as the upper lip and about an hour to treat large areas such as the abdominal or legs.
- Precision. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hair and avoid damaging the surrounding skin.
- Predictability. Most individuals have much less hair after several laser hair removal sessions.
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
If you are interested in laser hair removal it is important to choose reputed and qualified providers who have experience with laser hair removal for your skin type.
Preparing for laser hair removal involves limiting waxing or plucking at least six weeks before the treatment. This is because the laser targets the hair follicles which may be temporarily removed by plucking or waxing.
You should also avoid exposing the treatment area to the sun a couple of weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure can make the treatment less effective and increase risks after the treatment. Also, do not lighten or tan your skin to avoid complications.
Shave or trim the treatment area the night before the laser hair removal treatment. This is because by doing so the hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hair is eliminated but the hair shaft below is left intact.
The Procedure
Laser hair removal requires about two to six treatment sessions depending on the size and location of the treatment area.
During the treatment, everyone in the treatment room wears special goggles which protect the eyes from the laser beam.
Once the laser equipment has been adjusted, the service provider will press the hand-held instrument to the skin on the area being treated. A cooling gel or a cooling device on the tip of the instrument might be used to protect the skin and lower the risk of side effects.
The laser is then activated and the laser beam is passed through the skin to the hair follicles. The heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles thus inhibiting hair growth. During the treatment, you might experience a warm pinprick and a sensation of cold from the gel or cooling device.
Recovery and Results
For the first few hours after laser hair removal treatment, you might have some swelling and redness. Ice should be applied to the treatment area to reduce any discomfort.
Avoid the sun or tanning bed for the next week or as advised by your doctor but always wear sunscreen to protect your skin to minimize the side effects.
The hairs are shed over days or weeks and it may look like continued hair growth. Repeated treatments are required because the treatment works best when the hair follicles are in the new-growth stage. After a series of treatments when the hair regrows, it is usually finer and lighter in color.
Maintenance laser hair removal treatments might be needed for long-term hair reduction.
To Know More
Would you like to understand what options are available for Laser Hair Removal in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.
