Get your laser hair removal at the Rocky Mountain Laser Center at Colorado Springs Dermatology Clinic, P.C. Safe, comfortable, and long-lasting results … for men and women.
Genetic composition, age, environment, medication, and hormone levels influence the hair’s growth rate. Hair is a natural way to regulate the body temperature from your surroundings. However, there is a need to remove unwanted hair from your skin. There are many hair removal methods, but laser is the best method for long-term hair removal.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal (LHR) is a cosmetic procedure that uses intense light beams to target and damage hair follicles. The melanin absorbs the light energy and quickly converts it into heat which damages hair follicles. It is worth noting the laser beams only affect the hair follicles and leave the skin without damage.
Laser hair removal is popular in salons, spas, and at home. LHR requires attention to detail, extensive knowledge, and practice by a board-certified dermatologist. Like many medical procedures, LHR can have complications after the session. Nonetheless, most side effects are avoidable by following an after-surgery routine or treatable using medications.
Typically, the operator may apply a topical anesthetic on the surface area for maximum comfort, though not a must. Wearing eye goggles help to protect your eyes from the light beam during the sessions. It is perfectly normal to feel a stingy sensation as the heat penetrates the hair follicles. Immediately after the process, the physician will apply coolant to reduce the heat on the skin. The surface may remain a bit red or tender for a day or two before settling back.
Rocky Mountain Laser Center
Colorado Springs Dermatology Clinic, PC
170 Parkside Drive
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910
Phone: (719) 471-8560
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?
It is possible to do laser hair removal on any skin tone. A while back, only people with light skin and dark hair could use the method. Nowadays, the procedure is possible for anyone. However, dermatologists must take necessary precautions when performing the treatment on other patients.
The ideal candidate for LHR has dark and coarse hair with pale skin. The contrasting color of the hair and skin makes it easy for the laser to target the melanin. Conversely, it is challenging to target brown hairs on dark skin or fine hairs on blonde skin color. Though this is the case, high advancements in technology and the right expertise can remove hair without tanning the skin.
One can apply LHR on near every part of the body. Nonetheless, the procedure is more effective on the underarms, legs, arms and back. However, the technique works fine along the bikini line, on the chin and upper lip.
The cost of using laser hair removal is relatively high. However, it is not comparable to the amount of money you will spend in the future on other methods of hair removal such as waxing, plucking, or shaving. With this in mind, the ideal candidate will attend multiple laser sessions to ensure the best results. Comprehending you require several sessions to eliminate unwanted hair makes you a good candidate for the procedure.
It is worth noting that results differ from one participant to the other. Some people will only attend one or two sessions, but others may require more than four appointments with scheduled touchups.
How Safe Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser is a safe method of hair removal only when administered by a board-certified dermatologist. Although many people rush to salons and spas for laser hair removal, the procedure can be devastating in the wrong hands. People with little or no medical training could lead to severe skin irritation, scars, burns, or permanent changes to your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatologist Association, a board-certified dermatologist is your best choice for effective and safe laser hair removal.
The process of administration is critical in mitigating the side effects of hair removal. Though the side effects vary from one individual to another, due diligence is vital. Taking note of the following things helps to avoid adverse effects of laser hair removal:
- Do not expose the area of treatment to the sun four weeks before the procedure.
- Exfoliate any fake tanning products three to four weeks before treatment.
- Shave the area of treatment 24 hours before the procedure. However, please do not use an electric razor since it leaves behind long hair.
- Shaving is the only option you have, so do not tweeze, pluck or wax the treatment area.
- Avoid the use of makeup, deodorant, and skin creams before treatment.
It is essential to avoid heat post the procedure. Stay away from the gym, hot showers, or sauna for 24 hours. This action prevents bacteria from multiplying, leaving behind dark spots. Exposure to the sun post-treatment limits the effectiveness of the procedure and leads to complications.
How Long Do the Results Last?
A laser hair removal procedure aims at destroying hair follicles. The main target is the anagen stage which is the growth phase of hair. It explains why it needs several treatments before all the hair gets destroyed by a laser. Laser hair removal is long-lasting only if all the follicles get wiped out. Any failure leads to hair regrowth on the treated area.
Hormones affect the rate of hair regrowth after a laser treatment. A spike in androgen hormones such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone will lead to the hairs growing back. Low levels of estrogen in women, especially during pregnancy or menopause, could lead to hair growth. The genetic makeup or medication may influence regrowth due to hormone fluctuations.
Laser hair removal lasts for many years without the need for a touchup. However, the duration may vary from one body part to the other. Some areas such as the chin and armpits may require a touchup once a year, while others may remain hairless for many years.
Wrong delivery of the procedure leads to poor results and hair regrowth. Laser hair removal requires precision and good timing for best results. A combination of short sessions, rushed timing between laser sessions, cheap amateurs, and less powerful machines results in hair regrowth. Hence it is vital to get the services from a recognized health facility to avoid such errors.