Laser hair removal is a permanent solution for people who want to reduce the amount of unwanted facial and body hair that they have. Not only can it be used to remove excessive amounts of facial or body hair, but it can also be used as an alternative for those who do not want to continue shaving, waxing, or using electrolysis treatments.
Laser hair removal has been around for a while, but it is still relatively new to the body and facial hair removal game. Understandably there are many questions about laser treatments that people want answered before they commit to one of these permanent procedures.
This article will go over what laser hair removal treatments are and what should happen after you get one done in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and Castro Valley.
What is Laser Hair Removal and How Does it Work?
Laser hair removal treatment is a process that uses laser technology to reduce the amount of hair on one’s body. It works by aiming a beam to the pigment in hair. When the laser hits these regions, it damages or destroys hundreds of hair follicles at a time in order to inhibit future growth. The longer wavelength of the beam allows it to surpass the skin, and penetrate deep to destroy the hair follicle, and not the skin.
This process can be repeated for a series of treatment cycles to achieve the desired affect of permanently reducing unwanted facial and body hair over time.
All lasers are not created equally and it is important to know which type will be used for your treatment. You will need to use the optimal laser to achieve desired results. Depending on your skin and hair, you may need to use lasers with varying wavelengths for the correct depth of penetration.
The types of lasers you will encounter include:
- Ruby- wavelength of 694nm, ideal for light hair color (blonde and red) and lighter skin color
- Alexandrite -wavelength of 755nm, ideal for darker hair and lighter skin color
- NDYag-wavelength of 1064nm, ideal for darker hair and can be used in all skin color types
- IPL-this is actually not a true laser, but a light device. Can use various filters to customize the wavelength, so it can be used for all different types of hair color and skin color type
What are the Risks? Does it Hurt?
Like any other medical procedure there is always some level of risk involved.
For laser treatments, this may include discomfort, redness and swelling during the recovery period as well as side effects that appear over time with continued use such as scarring, discoloration or hypopigmentation if used too frequently.
As stated earlier, it really depends on your unique skin pigmentation and the type of laser being used when deciding which option would yield your desired results.
You’ll also want to talk about post-treatment care for your skin after it is finished healing from laser treatments like moisturizing daily and avoiding harsh sun exposure.
Laser hair removal typically has mild-moderate pain associated with it. It is described as a rubber band snapping back and hitting the skin. You can opt to use a topical anesthetic cream to reduce the pain, but typically this is not required. This gets applied 45 minutes to an hour prior to the procedure.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Laser hair removal is permanent in most instances when the hair follicles are completely destroyed.
However, some skin and hair types will still face recurring hair growth. In this case, you may need to continue treatments on a regular basis or supplement with other hair removal options.
Typically, dark hair removal performs best when it comes to laser hair removal treatments. Blonde, lighter pigmentation hair and skin colors prove difficult for most lasers to detect.
After consulting with your dermatologist about your desired outcome and assessing your unique skin and hair pigmentation, you can decide on the best treatment options for permanently removing your unwanted hair.
How Long Does It Take For Laser Hair Removal to Work?
Laser hair removal can take time to work, depending on your unique skin and hair types.
Lasers destroy the root of the hair follicle so that it cannot grow again, though this can take multiple treatments to work fully.
The process can take anywhere between one month and up to six months, depending on how often you schedule sessions as well as side effects that appear over time with continued use.
Get Laser Hair Removal in Pleasanton
Unwanted hair growth isn’t something to be embarrassed about or to let get out of control.
If you live in the Tri-Valley area of Northern California (Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin or Castro Valley) consider consulting Dr. Lily Adelzadeh, a board-certified dermatologist in Pleasanton and the surrounding Tri-Valley area (Livermore, Dublin and Castro Valley) to learn more about laser hair removal and how you can permanently remove unwanted facial and body hair.
By speaking with a dermatologist, you’ll be able to establish the best treatment plan for your hair growth.