If you’re tired of the constant hassle of shaving your armpits, laser hair removal may be worth considering. It is a widely practised medical procedure that employs a laser, a highly concentrated beam of light, to reduce or eliminate undesired body and facial hair. One of the key advantages of laser hair removal is its potential for long-lasting results, and in some cases, it can even be permanent when performed correctly.
However, it’s essential to understand the truth about its permanence and manage your expectations accordingly. While laser hair removal can deliver impressive and long-lasting results, claiming it as entirely permanent requires clarification. Let’s explore the reality and what you can realistically expect from laser hair removal.
How is the Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal effectively targets the pigment found in individual hairs by utilizing light. This light is directed down the hair shaft, reaching the hair follicle. The intense heat generated by the laser light is responsible for the destruction of the hair follicle, preventing future hair growth from that particular follicle.
It’s important to note that hair growth follows a distinct cycle, encompassing periods of rest, shedding, and growth. When a hair is in its resting phase and not visible to the laser technician, it may be necessary to wait until it regrows before undergoing the removal process. Typically, multiple laser hair removal sessions spread over a span of 2 to 3 months are required to achieve optimal results for the majority of individuals.
Is the Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Hair removal from a permanently destroyed hair follicle can indeed be considered permanent. However, individuals undergoing hair removal should expect some hair to regrow in the targeted area.
Over time, it is feasible to retreat the area to reduce the number of regrowing hairs, and In specific cases, complete elimination of hair may be attainable through laser hair removal. The regrowth of hair depends on various factors, including the hair type and the expertise of the professional conducting the hair removal procedure. Many people observe that regrown hair tends to be lighter and less noticeable compared to before, as the laser can damage the hair follicle even without completely destroying it.
If a hair follicle is damaged but not fully eradicated, the hair will eventually grow back. Achieving complete destruction of every single hair follicle can be challenging, leading to some degree of hair regrowth for most individuals. For regrown hair, retreatment is possible, allowing individuals aiming to remove all the hair to undergo multiple sessions. In certain circumstances, hair that is too light, too short, or resistant to treatment may pose challenges during the laser hair removal process. In such cases, alternative hair removal methods like plucking stray hairs may be chosen by individuals.
Benefits:
Laser hair removal is a versatile method for removing unwanted hair from various areas such as the face, legs, chin, back, arms, underarms, and bikini lines. Sometimes laser hair bleaching can be done with the hair removal procedure. The advantages of laser hair removal include:
- Accuracy: Lasers possess the ability to selectively target dark, coarse hairs while minimizing potential damage to the surrounding skin.
- Speed: During laser hair removal, each laser pulse typically lasts for a fraction of a second and has the capability to target multiple hairs simultaneously. In terms of coverage, the laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter in just one second. The treatment time for smaller regions like the upper lip is typically quick, usually taking less than a minute. On the other hand, larger areas such as the back or legs may require a longer treatment duration, which can extend up to an hour.
- Predictability: After an average of three to seven sessions, most patients typically observe a significant and long-lasting reduction in hair growth, often considered permanent hair reduction, through laser hair removal.
Follow-up Sessions:
To optimize the effectiveness of laser hair removal, follow-up treatments are necessary. The specific number of maintenance sessions required varies for each individual. According to the Tajmeels, most people typically undergo four to six laser therapy sessions.
These follow-up sessions are spaced approximately six weeks apart, resulting in a complete treatment cycle that can last up to 9 months.
After each session, you will likely observe a reduction in the number of hairs, and any remaining or regrowing hair will appear lighter and finer in texture and colour. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates an initial reduction of 10 to 25 per cent in the number of hairs after the first session. The rate of reduction will improve over subsequent sessions but may vary among individuals.
For optimal results, periodic maintenance sessions are typically recommended to prevent hair follicle regeneration. The frequency of maintenance sessions, usually once or twice a year, depends on individual needs and follows the completion of the initial round of laser treatment.
The duration of each maintenance session follows the same timeline as the initial laser hair removal treatment. The overall time required depends on the size of the treated area. If only small areas require touch-ups during maintenance sessions, the appointment duration may be shorter.
Procedure:
During laser hair removal, the procedure typically involves the following steps performed by a healthcare provider:
- Cleansing the area to be treated to ensure proper hygiene.
- They are providing you with protective glasses or goggles to wear throughout the procedure. The healthcare provider will also wear protective eyewear.
- Using the laser to treat your skin. You may experience a sensation similar to a series of stings, often described as a rubber band snapping against the skin.
- The duration of the procedure can vary depending on the size of the treated area, ranging from a few minutes to up to an hour.
- It is normal to detect the smell of smoke and burning hair during the procedure. This odor results from the hair being burned away by the heat of the laser.
Please note that it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized information and guidance regarding laser hair removal.
Get Your Laser Today!
Laser hair removal is a widely used method for removing hair, known for its effectiveness and long-lasting results. However, achieving optimal outcomes requires multiple initial treatments, typically around five or more, and it is crucial to adhere to the recommendations provided by your dermatologist.
