Laser hair removal is a non-intrusive procedure where unwanted body hair is either removed or reduced. Today it is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments people prefer to be done on their bodies. It is one of the most effective ways of removing unwanted body hair be it from large areas or smaller ones.
The Most Frequently Targeted Areas on The Body
The most frequently targeted areas of the body where laser hair removal is performed are the back, chest, arms, shoulders, neck, legs, bikini area, chin, and upper lips. Probably because these areas are quite exposed that people want the hair on them to be removed. It is also done with the intention of avoiding the daily hassles of getting them removed frequently.
The Laser Hair Removal Procedure
The concentrated light is focused on the hair-dense areas to affect the hair follicles there. The hair follicles are small pockets in the skin, from where hair grows soaks in the laser rays. The melanin pigment in the hair attracts the laser and vaporizes the hair immediately. The darker the hair the more effective is the laser hair removal technique. So, this naturally makes people with light skin colour and dark hair the ideal person for the procedure.
In this regard, it is important to note that dark skin requires special lasers for treatment because the hair has to be first detected in the dark skin to be removed. And dark hair makes laser hair removal a success story because good quantities of the pigment allow the laser to focus well on the area.
The Risks Involve with Laser Hair Removal
There are many risks associated with laser hair removal and the risks are dependent on various factors. Your skin types, the colour of your hair, plan of treatment and tenacity to stick to the pre-treatment and post-treatment care are some factors that will decide the risks.
But the most common risks associated with laser hair removal are irritation of the skin and pigmentation and its changes. When you speak of irritation they are generally associated with redness, temporary discomfort and swelling for a few days and so on. They generally subside within a few hours of the treatment.
The skin on the treated areas might either lighten or darken depending on your after-treatment care and routine; it also depends on the skin types and colour. It is best to avoid going out in the sun after the procedure to avoid lightening of the skin. The changes may either be temporary or permanent. Therefore, one needs to be prepared accordingly before planning.
The Laser Removal Procedure
A doctor presses a handheld instrument on the skin. But depending on the laser in use a cooling device or a cooling gel might be used to cover up for the heat so that the skin remains shielded from the heat and reduce side effects.
The laser beam passes through the skin right into the hair follicles to damage the hair with the intense heat. This also prevents further growth or decrease the growth. Hair might not totally get eradicated from the areas under treatment. It may take a few more sessions or follow up sessions may be required from time to time. And the time of treatment depends on how big the area is.
The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is beneficial in removing very dark and coarse hair with the surrounding skin undamaged. It is done precisely. Also, the process is not at all time consuming. It takes a quarter of a second to remove a hair. The session is completed in three to five sessions with permanency in most patients. But some experience just the opposite.
But if you are planning on laser hair removal then make sure that you consult an expert. Otherwise, there are chances that you might suffer unwanted side effects or failure of the procedure.
