Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that utilizes a laser (a concentrated beam of light) to eliminate unwanted hair. Several laser hair removal treatments and maintenance routines are required to achieve a desirable outcome. Moreover, this hair removal procedure works best for people with dark hair and a light skin tone but can still work effectively for other skin types. Read on to learn more about laser hair removal as offered through lifestyle preventative medicine in Katy, TX.
How Is It Done?
The doctor will place a hand-held cooling device on the tip of the laser instrument next to your skin or a cooling gel to help lower the risk of side effects and protect the pigment of your skin. Once the laser is activated, the beam will penetrate your skin into the hair follicles. The intense heat from the beam will destroy all the hair follicles to prevent future hair growth. Usually, you will feel a warm pinprick-like and cold sensation from the gel or the cooling device.
During your laser hair removal procedure, a laser is used to emit light energy that is absorbed by the melanin in your hair. Heat energy from the hand-held laser is used to destroy all the tube-shaped sacs (hair follicles) underneath your skin to delay or prevent future hair growth.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before undergoing any laser hair removal procedure, make sure to consult with your doctor who will:
- Pick a suitable treatment plan for you.
- Discuss the various benefits, risks, and expectations associated with laser hair removal.
- Review your medical history, medication use, and previous laser hair removal procedures.
Your healthcare provider will also advise you to do the following before your hair removal procedure:
- Avoid shaving the treatment area
- Avoid taking blood-thinning medications
- Avoid frequent exposure to the sun
- Lighten your skin (in some cases)
- Avoid waxing, electrolysis, and plucking
Post-Procedure
In most cases, you will notice swelling and redness around the treatment area for the first few hours after the procedure, but you can easily solve this by applying something cold to the treated area. If you develop any skin reactions post-treatment, your healthcare provider will treat the area with a steroid cream. Furthermore, you will be advised to avoid exposure to sunlight after the procedure. Remember to schedule frequent laser hair removal procedures for optimum results.
Why Is It Done?
Laser hair removal procedures are mainly performed to get rid of unwanted hair. Some of the main targeted areas for this treatment include:
- Upper lip
- Bikini line
- Legs
- Chin
- Armpits
However, this procedure cannot be used to treat unwanted hair on skin with tattoos, the eyelid, and any surrounding area. The basic principle that influences the success of a laser hair removal procedure is the color of your hair and the pigment of your skin. The laser should only damage the hair follicle and not the pigment of your skin.
Conclusion
Do you want to get rid of unwanted hair? Then you should visit Serendipity Lifestyle & Wellness Spa, where Dr. Sharita Warfield, MD, and her medical team offer innovative and effective treatments for laser hair removal. To learn more about our services, book an appointment online or simply call the office in Katy, Texas.
