A Brief Overview of the Laser Hair Removal Process

People here in Gainesville, as anywhere else, are turning to laser hair removal to get rid of unsightly patches of body hair. The areas most affected are the upper lip, chin, underarms, legs and bikini line. Hair removal is not limited to just those areas, however; treatments can be applied to just about any part of the body. Laser hair removal is safe and works wonders for your self confidence and overall morale.
Laser hair removal is not intended to permanently eliminate body hair, however. What it does do is extend the periods of time in which you are hair free. Your hair free periods can last for months or even years with regular laser hair removal treatments. A laser light beam passes through your skin during the procedure. The beam targets the dark pigment present in hair, then hits and destroys the hair follicle.
Laser hair removal is most successful on dark haired, light skinned people, but can be used on those with darker skin tones. Laser hair removal treatments are unsuccessful on people having white, blonde, light brown or light red hair. Complications are almost nonexistent, but there are some side effects that you should be aware of. These side effects include incomplete removal or regrowth, skin darkening (usually temporary) or lightening of darker skin tones, blistering, scarring, changes in skin texture, temporary crusting or scabbing and changes in new hair growth. Any tan you currently have must fade before you undergo laser hair removal as your tan increases the probablility of side effects. Prolonged sun exposure must be avoided for four to six weeks prior to treatment, and tanning booths should be avoided altogether. Hairs should also be shaved short yet visible for maximum treatment effectiveness; do not wax or pluck or undergo electrolysis for at least three weeks prior to laser hair removal treatment.
During the laser hair removal procedure, the doctor presses a handheld laser instrument, with either a cooling tip or cooling gel, onto your skin. You will be provided with protective goggles to wear during treatment in the event of accidental exposure to the laser beam; that beam may also create a stinging sensation on your skin. Your doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to minimize the effect. Do not be alarmed at any slight odor of singed hair. This is normal and results from the charring of your hair stubble.
You will not need any bandages or medications following the procedure. Any redness or swelling will disappear after a few hours. Avoid exertion for the first full day after treatment to minimize sweat formation, sun exposure, skin waxing or plucking or any disturbance of the treated skin area for several weeks afterwards. Ask your doctor when you can resume shaving the area. Gentle soap and water are the only substances that should touch your skin.