If you are considering laser hair reduction, you should consult a dermatologist since laser hair reduction is not suitable for everyone.
During the consultation, the dermatologist will evaluate your skin type and unwanted hair.Only after that our specialists could tell whether laser hair reduction is the right solution for you. The recent technological improvements in the laser devices, have made them safer for people with dark skin, including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics and those of mixed race to have laser hair removal. Gray or white hair cannot be treated effectively and light colored hair is difficult to treat as well, which increases the number of sessions needed and additionally, the desired result may not be achieved.
The amount of time treatment takes depends on the size of the area to be treated. The upper lip takes several minutes. Treating a large area such as the back can require more than one hour. Prior to treatment, the area to be treated will be cleansed. A gel may be applied to protect your skin. Many patients say that the laser pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band being snapped against the skin. You also may feel a cool spray. This is used to protect the skin from the heat created by the laser. Before leaving the office, you will be given post-treatment instruction. It is very important to follow all of the instructions. The instructions will include:
- Protect your skin from the sun for several weeks.
- Stay out of tanning beds and do not use other tanning devices.
Following your dermatologist’s instructions greatly reduces your risk of developing side effects.
Under a dermatologist’s care, the risk of side effects is small. Everyone has some swelling and redness on the treated skin. This is a normal reaction that goes away in one to two days. To reduce the redness and swelling, your dermatologist may recommend an ice pack, or topical medication.
Some people see the treated skin temporarily lighten or darken. The laser also may permanently lighten or darken a tattoo, remove freckles, or lighten a mole that is present on the skin in the treated area.
In skilled hands, serious side effects are rare. When this procedure is not performed or supervised by a dermatologist, serious side effects that can occur include burns, scarring and a permanent change in skin color.
Many people see long-lasting results as in some cases that is permanent hair reduction, but in general to keep unwanted hair under control, most people need maintenance treatments.
