Laser Hair Removal Treatment
By: Param
Heredity and ethnic background are factors for unwanted hair. In women, hormonal causes such as pregnancy, menopause, hormonal problems, and taking certain male hormonal supplements, for birth control, weight loss/muscle firming, or at menopause are common.
Traditional methods such as shaving, plucking, depilatories, waxing, and electrolysis and more recent advances such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Laser treatment are using to be free from unwanted hair.
Laser Treatment:
The process takes from several minutes to several hours, depending on the area of the body involved. Laser hair removal uses a low-energy laser. The laser energy passes through the patient's skin, being absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. A percentage of the follicles are instantaneously and permanently disabled with each treatment. In most cases, no anesthesia is necessary.
Intense Pulsed Light and Lasers heat the area at the base of the hair where hair is formed, and the resultant damage reduces hair regrowth. Treatment feels like the snap of a hot rubber band, lasting only a few seconds. Surface anesthetic cream can be used before the procedure.
What kind of results can I expect?
Most patients receive well to excellent results with long lasting reduction in the amount and coarseness of hair growth. Some patients, may have less satisfactory results because of hormonal factors, skin or hair type, or because an optimal treatment series was not completed.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair must be treated during a specific phase in its growth cycle, the active or anagen phase. Because hair grows in staggered growth cycles, multiple treatments are required so that all the hairs are treated during their growing phase. The number and frequency of treatments vary by body site and for each individual.
Does it hurt?
Results:
These methods should be considered long lasting rather than permanent hair removal. The length of time that the hair is gone and the completeness of removal vary. The hair that re-grows may be lighter in color and finer in texture.
Immediately after the procedure:
Redness or bruising may occur either around the hair follicle or in larger areas, lasting for a few hours to a few days. The hair may be bleached or singed.
Side effects of IPL or laser hair removal:
Intense Pulsed Light and Laser hair removal are most effective and safest for dark hair on light skin. For that reason it's important to avoid intentional sun or tanning bed exposure to the area to be treated for one month before each treatment, and to use a broad spectrum sunscreen to areas not covered by clothing. Certain medications increase light sensitivity and need to be discontinued briefly before treatment. Always check with the prescribing physician before discontinuing any medication. Side effects of treatments can include discoloration, temporary redness or swelling, and rarely scarring in the surrounding skin.
Benefits:
• A non-invasive, gentle technique that eliminates undesirable hair from all parts of the body.
• Leaves skin looking smoother and silkier.
• Treats larger areas effectively because it removes more than one hair at a time.
• Minimal discomfort.
• Replaces waxing, electrolysis and razors.
• Immediate return to normal activities.
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