Laser Hair Removal Langley is a simple and convenient way to reduce excessive hair growth. It can eliminate the need for shaving, waxing and plucking, which are time consuming and painful.

Hair follicles that contain dark pigment (such as brown or black) respond best to the laser light. White, gray or blond hair cannot be treated because they lack the necessary melanin.

Laser Hair Removal is a minimally invasive procedure to remove unwanted body hair with pulses of laser energy. The process is safe, effective and offers permanent results. It can be done on all skin types and areas of the body, including the face, back, legs and bikini area.

Laser hair removal works by using a laser to target the pigment (color) in the hair follicle. This heat damages the follicle, preventing it from growing hair. Hairs with more pigment absorb the laser light better, so they are easier to treat than lighter hairs. The procedure is most effective when the hair follicles are in their anagen, or growth, stage. Because the follicles go through different cycles at different times, you might need several treatment sessions to get the best result.

Patients might experience some mild discomfort during laser treatments, which feels similar to a sunburn. Some patients report redness or swelling, which can be minimized with cool compresses and moisturizers. Patients also might notice that some of the hair follicles have shed, but this process can take days or weeks.

During the procedure, doctors use a hand-held laser instrument to gently press against the skin. The tip of the laser has a cooling device or gel to protect the skin and reduce your risk of side effects. You might feel a warm pinprick, but the sensation will fade after a few minutes.

You might need 2 to 6 laser treatments to see results. Most people don’t have new hair growth in the treated area for months or years. When hair does grow back, it tends to be thinner and finer than before. Some hairs might grow darker after the treatment, but it’s uncommon for the hair to return as thick and dark as it was originally.

How does it work?

Laser hair removal involves using a light-emitting laser to remove unwanted hair from the skin. The laser beam is activated at a specific wavelength that targets melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. As the laser beam passes through your skin, it becomes absorbed by melanin and converted into heat energy. This heat damages the dermal papilla, which is responsible for growing hair and supplying nutrients to the hair follicle. The damaged follicle then enters the catagen phase, which is a short transitional period during which it stops producing hair and shrinks in size. Eventually, the follicle enters the telogen phase, in which it rests and is no longer active.

Laser Hair Removal is a safe, effective treatment for reducing or eliminating unwanted hair growth in most patients. The treatment is quick and painless, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Some patients may experience redness or swelling in the treated area, but these symptoms are temporary.

It is important to prepare for a laser hair removal treatment by shaving or trimming the area the day before your appointment. It is also necessary to avoid plucking, waxing, and electrolysis because these treatments disturb the hair follicles. It is recommended that you limit sun exposure before and after your treatment as well, as sunlight can make your skin more susceptible to side effects. You should also ask your doctor about any medications that can thin the blood, as these can increase your risk of side effects during treatment.

The most common side effects of laser hair removal are hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. These complications can occur if the wrong type of laser is used on a person with a darker skin tone or if the laser settings are not adjusted appropriately. Other less serious side effects can include blisters and burns.

How long does it last?

Laser Hair Removal is a long-term solution to unwanted hair growth, unlike temporary options like shaving and waxing. Many people need six to eight treatment sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart for best results, and occasional maintenance sessions are recommended to keep the unwanted hair at bay.

Before the procedure begins, you’ll be asked to come in with a clean, hair-free body. Depending on your comfort level, you may also be given the option of having a topical numbing gel applied to the area. It’s important to avoid skincare products that contain numbing agents or alpha-hydroxy acids (like scrubs) in the month leading up to your appointment, as these can cause damage to your skin barrier.

Your dermatologist will put on protective eyewear before applying the laser to your skin. Then, they’ll move the laser over your skin and pulse light into it. This feels similar to a warm pinprick, and it’s often less painful than other hair removal options.

The laser will target melanin pigment, which is what gives your hair its color. This is why white, gray, blond and red hairs won’t respond to the treatment; they don’t have enough pigment to absorb the laser light. The darker your hair is, the more melanin it has, making it easier to remove from the body with this treatment.

Once the treatment is done, you’ll be able to go about your day as usual. You’ll need to take precautions to prevent the area from soaking up too much sun and use sunscreen regularly, since exposure to sunlight can make your hair follicles more sensitive to the laser. You’ll also need to refrain from exfoliating the area physically with a scrub or chemically with a moisturizer for several days following your session.

What are the risks?

Laser Hair Removal uses light to destroy the hair follicles of your unwanted hair. This can cause redness or irritation to the skin, which will usually subside within a few hours. Some people also experience itching or tingling after treatment. These symptoms are normal and are due to the heat from the laser damaging your skin cells. Using cooling creams or ointments will help with this.

If you are experiencing severe discomfort, ask your dermatologist for a topical anesthetic before your appointment. This will make the process much easier on you.

Blistering is not uncommon after laser treatment, but this can be caused by sun exposure or incorrect use of a home-based device. Blistering is usually minor, but it may lead to infection in the skin if left untreated. This is why it is important to only use a doctor-led clinic and to never treat yourself at home.

Some people may also develop a slight change in their skin color, which will fade with time. This is a result of the laser causing histamine reactions in the skin to produce redness and irritation. This can also happen in those with darker skin, and is sometimes a sign of hyperpigmentation.

Some people’s hair will regrow after a series of treatments. This is because only the hairs that are in their growth phase are targeted by the laser. If you are concerned about this, talk to your dermatologist about going for maintenance treatments to keep your hair reduced. This will help reduce the number of hairs that are growing back, and can be done at regular intervals. It is a great option for those who do not want to deal with the hassle of dealing with unwanted hair all the time!

Who should get it?

Unwanted hair growth can be frustrating and embarrassing, especially for men and women with dark skin tones. Waxing and plucking are only temporary solutions to the problem, but laser hair removal is an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure that provides permanent or semi-permanent hair reduction. It is important to always receive laser treatments from a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC to ensure optimal results and prevent unwanted side effects such as scarring or hyperpigmentation.

Unlike traditional hair removal methods, which remove the visible surface of the hair, laser treatment permanently disables the hair follicle from producing more hair by targeting the pigment in the follicle. This treatment works best for individuals who have light skin and dark hair because the contrast between these two features makes it easier for the follicle to absorb the laser’s heat.

Individuals with psoriasis can also benefit from laser hair removal, as the treatment can eliminate the painful inflammation and reduce ingrown hairs and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by hair growth patterns. This treatment can help patients feel more comfortable in their skin and can improve their overall quality of life.

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often experience thicker and darker unwanted hair growth in the face and body, which can cause a lack of confidence and self-esteem. Laser hair removal can help individuals with PCOS to have more control over the appearance of their body hair and to reduce the frequency of ingrown hairs, which is a common symptom associated with this condition.

Although the average cost of laser treatment is more than what is typically paid at a med spa, it is worth investing in the treatment to obtain long-lasting, attractive cosmetic results. It is important to discuss all potential risks and benefits of laser hair removal with your dermatologist before scheduling a treatment session.