If you’re looking for a long-lasting solution to unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be an option for you. Laser hair treatment is a medical procedure that uses a laser an intense, pulsating beam of light to remove unwanted hair. The laser beam damages the hair follicle, inhibiting hair growth. In this guide, we will discuss common treatment areas, risks, and preparation.

Common Treatment Areas

Laser hair removal can be used to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area of the body, except for the eyelid or surrounding area. Skin with tattoos should not be treated either. The most common treatment areas include:

• Legs
• Armpits
• Upper lip
• Chin
• Bikini line
• Options

The success of laser hair removal depends on hair color and skin type. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. A contrast between hair and skin color — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don’t absorb light well, such as gray, red, blond, and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.

Risks

The risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan, and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include skin irritation, temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling. Pigment changes are also possible, and laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring, or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin. Laser hair treatment isn’t recommended for eyelids, eyebrows, or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.

How to Prepare for Treatment

Before undergoing laser hair treatment, it is important to choose a doctor who is board certified in a specialty such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery and has experience with laser hair removal on your skin type. If a physician assistant or licensed nurse will do the procedure, make sure a doctor supervises and is available on-site during the treatments. Be cautious about spas, salons, or other facilities that allow nonmedical personnel to do laser hair removal.

At the initial consultation, the doctor will review your medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures. They will discuss risks, benefits, and expectations, including what it can and can’t do for you, and take photos to be used for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews.

The doctor will also offer specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal, which might include avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment, avoiding blood-thinning medications, and not using other hair removal methods such as plucking, waxing, and electrolysis at least four weeks before treatment. The treatment area should also be shaved the day before laser treatment options to remove hair above the skin which can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.

At the consultation, discuss a treatment plan and related costs. It is usually an out-of-pocket expense. The doctor will also offer specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal. These might include:

• Staying out of the sun. Follow your doctor’s advice for avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen.
• Lightening your skin. Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin. Your doctor might also prescribe a skin bleaching cream if you have a recent tan or darker skin.
• Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing, and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.
• Avoiding blood-thinning medications

Conclusion

In conclusion, laser hair removal is a popular method for getting rid of unwanted hair, offering a long-lasting solution with minimal discomfort. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects to consider. It’s crucial to choose a qualified doctor or specialist with experience in laser hair removal and to follow pre- and post-treatment instructions carefully to minimize these risks. With proper preparation, patients can expect positive results from laser hair removal, making it a viable option for those looking for a convenient and effective solution to unwanted hair in common treatment areas such as legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini lines.