Laser hair removal is a procedure to remove unwanted hair by exposing the follicle to pulses of laser light. This treatment has been around for twenty years, first performed experimentally and later commercially. This procedure has a number of benefits, but there are a few side effects that you should be aware of.
Precautions before laser hair removal
When considering laser hair removal, there are a few important precautions that you should follow. For starters, you should limit your use of plucking and waxing before laser treatment. Because laser beams target hair roots, hair removed this way can cause problems during the procedure. You also should avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after the procedure.
Some medications can interfere with the laser treatment, and they can also make the skin more sensitive to it. Before laser hair removal, you should inform your healthcare provider of any recent medications you are taking. Antibiotics and topical products that contain Retinol may make the skin more sensitive to the treatment.
Side effects of laser hair removal
If you are considering laser hair removal, you need to know the risks and side effects. The risks and side effects vary depending on the skin type, color of hair, and pre and post-treatment care. The best way to avoid unwanted side effects is to consult with a dermatologist first. The what to expect in a laser hair removal treatment in vancouver doctor will determine if your skin and hair are a good match for laser treatment. He or she will also discuss the risks and benefits.
The treatment usually takes a few minutes for small areas and an hour or more for large areas. During the procedure, you may experience redness, swelling, and a burning sensation in the treated area. Applying ice or cold compresses can help alleviate the discomfort. In the days and weeks following the procedure, you should avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and exercise. You should also wear sunscreen for at least six weeks.
Treatment results
Laser hair removal is a procedure that can effectively remove unwanted body hair. The treatment takes several sessions and can result in permanent hair loss or semi-permanent hair reduction. The first results are usually seen within a few weeks after your first appointment. The results continue to improve with each subsequent treatment. Usually, you can expect to see significant reduction in hair growth after four to six sessions.
Some people may experience some sensitivity or redness after the treatment. This is normal and is not a sign of a serious complication. However, you should call a doctor if you experience severe side effects. You can use ice packs to reduce the pain and swelling. During the first few days after the treatment, your skin will appear red or swollen, but most patients are able to return to their regular activities immediately.
Recurrence rate of laser hair removal
The recurrence rate of laser hair removal is an important factor to consider when choosing a treatment. This procedure only removes hair that is in the anagen phase of its growth cycle, which means that multiple sessions are needed to eliminate all hair. Most patients need between two and six total treatment sessions, depending on the size of the treatment area and the rate of hair growth.
Laser hair removal is not painless, and most patients will experience discomfort during the procedure. However, a topical or local anesthetic is typically applied to the area prior to the procedure. Patients should also expect a temporary side effect, known as periflucular erythema. This reaction is generally temporary, and may last for a couple of hours.