Woodstock patients ask what to expect from safe and effective laser hair removal near me
Posted by Dr. Vikram Khanna
How laser hair removal works
Laser hair reduction procedures have dramatically risen in popularity. As a precise procedure, the laser energy targets hair follicles. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, so the hair is then destroyed. Hair growth occurs in cycles with some hair in different growth phases than others. Some hair may be actively growing while others are in a latent phase. Only hair in an active growth phase can be targeted by the laser. Because of this, more than one treatment is needed to ensure the unwanted hair is treated. Laser treatments are safe, effective, and precise. Nearly any area of the body can be treated.With the increase in popularity in hair reduction procedures, unsupervised and dangerous laser offices are popping up regularly. However, as a medical device, laser treatments should be performed or overseen by a medical professional. The treatment is more detailed than just treating a few excess hairs. It requires extensive training and should be performed in a medical office.
What to expect
A medical professional provides instructions for before and after the procedure as well as information on what to expect during the treatment. Before treatment, patients need to avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for 2 weeks. These activities remove the roots temporarily. Without the roots in place, the laser cannot target and destroy it. Shaving before treatments is fine because it leaves the roots intact. While undergoing laser treatments, it is important to avoid sun exposure or tanning procedures. Not only can this irritate the skin in the treatment area, but it also complicates the laser hair removal procedure. Laser energy targets melanin, the color in the hair. Melanin is abundant in dark hair and dark skin. Unfortunately, when the skin is tan, the laser cannot determine which melanin to target. The melanin in the hair shaft absorbs the energy, but the melanin in the skin may absorb the energy or cause burns. For this reason, lower laser settings are used for darker or tanned skin. As a result, more treatments may be necessary for darker skinned or tan patients.
On the day of the appointment, hair in the treatment area is prepped so it rises just above the skin. The laser treatment protocol is customized for each patient to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The laser settings can be adjusted based on the skin color, hair color, hair thickness, and treatment area.
Adding to the safety of laser procedures, the technician, medical personnel, and patient wear protection throughout the treatment. Eyewear protects the eyes from the light energy. Depending on the exact laser used, either a cooling device or a gel is used to protect and cool the outer layers of the skin. This also ensures patient comfort. As the laser head is passed over the treatment site, pulses of light energy quickly penetrate the skin targeting and destroying actively growing hair.
Following the procedure, the skin may appear sunburned. Patients who experience discomfort may use ice packs, cold water, or anti-inflammatory products if needed. Although patients notice results after a single treatment, a series of treatments is necessary to achieve optimal hair reduction. Treatments are usually scheduled every 4-6 weeks.
Between treatments, the hair begins to shed and fall out in the treatment area. This is only true of hair follicles that were in the growth phase during the treatment. Hair that was not active during the appointment will regrow before the next appointment.
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Safe and effective laser hair removal
Patients value time and convenience. With short treatments scheduled every six weeks, time and convenience are two of the biggest perks of laser hair reduction procedures. Additional benefits include:- Speed
- Short treatment time
- Effective
- Safe
- Any area of the body
- Permanent
- Cost-effective
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