Before and after laser hair removal
Before laser hair treatment, the hair in the treated area is often trimmed with scissors. The patient is also given special glasses to protect the eyes from the laser beam. Anesthetic is usually applied to the skin to minimize discomfort.
A hand tool that emits a laser beam is pressed against the skin. Usually it comes with a cooling device or a cooling gel applied to protect the skin. When the laser is turned on, the beam travels through the skin to the tiny hair follicles where growth begins. They are damaged by extreme heat, which inhibits hair growth. Some discomfort is present and the patient experiences a cold sensation from the cooling gel or device.
After completing the procedure, noticeable redness and swelling appear within a few hours. Discomfort can be reduced by applying ice to the treated area. For patients with a skin reaction after laser hair removal, a steroid cream is prescribed to treat the affected area.
After treatment, the patient is advised to stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun both naturally and through tanning treatments. Once the skin has healed, patients can go outside by applying generous amounts of sunscreen. There is a possibility of hair loss in the next few days after your permanent hair removal treatment. This is completely normal and should not be mistaken for hair regrowth.
Recovery and risks
The treated area will look tanned a few days after laser hair removal. Cool compress and moisturizer soothe sore skin. If there are no blisters on the skin, you can apply makeup the day after the procedure.
Hair on the treated area continues to fall out over the next month. The patient should use sunscreen to avoid discoloration of the treated skin. Blisters rarely form in patients but are more common in patients with a darker complexion. Other possible side effects are redness, swelling and scarring, but these are never permanent and the skin color does not change.
Several sessions increase the duration of hair loss, which can be up to several years. However, regrowth is still possible and for best results, four to six sessions can be scheduled with six weeks between each session. In addition, preventive visits are required annually or twice a year, depending on the patient.
The results of laser hair treatment vary from person to person, depending on the area being treated, as well as the type of skin and hair.
