In certain cases, people may feel less confident due to the presence of fine hair in certain areas, such as the upper lip, armpits, and feet. A few people prefer laser hair removal to alternative techniques like shaving or waxing to remove fine hair in these areas. What is the procedure for laser hair removal, and what are the necessary preparations?

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is an aesthetic procedure that eliminates unwanted hair using a powerful laser or intense pulsed light. The hair follicles on the skin layer will be heated and destroyed by this light source, which will also inhibit their growth.

This treatment is usually applied to the bikini line, face, chest, legs, arms, and armpits. This treatment is also suitable for women who experience excessive hair growth, known as hirsutism. Laser techniques typically do not provide permanent removal of fine hairs. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes, laser treatment should be performed a total of 4-6 times, with each session occurring every 6-8 weeks.

Why should you consider laser hair removal?

According to WebMD, the advantages of laser hair removal include:

• Properly removing hair

With the laser technique, even very fine hair can be safely removed from specific locations without hurting the skin around the treated area.

• Fast procedure

Laser hair removal is a more efficient procedure in comparison to shaving or waxing. With each laser discharge lasting only a fraction of a second, numerous hairs can be removed simultaneously. It takes less than one minute to remove hair from small areas, such as the upper lip, but 30 to 60 minutes to remove hair from larger areas, such as the back or thighs.

• Predictable future hair growth

Within 6–8 weeks of laser treatment, thin hair often begins to grow back. Predictable hair growth allows you to tailor your routine to your specific skin type and care requirements.

Preparation for laser hair removal: tips and tricks

Laser hair removal is a safe way to improve the look of your skin. Before choosing to go through with treatment, you should talk to a doctor about the pros, cons, and steps involved. Here are some things you can ask your doctor:

• Do qualified doctors provide this treatment?
• How many laser sessions are needed?
• What are the laser treatment results?
• What are the necessary preparations?
• What are the potential side effects of this medication and how to manage them?

From the AAD and Mayo Clinic, there are numerous preparations that can be made before getting laser hair removal:

• Sunbathing should be avoided several days ahead to treatment as it can irritate skin
• Before engaging in outdoor activities, always use sunscreen
• Avoid from shaving or using tweezers to remove hair
• Exfoliation and other activities that cause skin irritation should be avoided
• Avoid from consuming anticoagulant medication

Throughout the treatment, the doctor will point a portable laser device at your skin. The laser light will enter the skin and go to the hair follicles. Hair follicles damaged by the laser beam's extreme heat will not grow hair. The sprayed cooling gel could cause you to feel cold or prickle.

Following the treatment, you may experience a sensation of skin burning that might last for a period of 1-2 days. To relieve it, you can use cold compresses and moisturizers. According to your doctor's advice, you shouldn't wear makeup the following day. Additionally, direct sunlight, tanning beds, and any indoor tanning equipment should be avoided.

Although laser hair removal is a safe procedure, a consultation with a dermatologist is highly recommended. If you have questions about skin care, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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