Is Laser Hair Removal For Sale Hingham – Laser hair removal is an elective cosmetic procedure that removes body hair permanently. Various laser technologies are used in varying combinations to achieve permanent hair reduction, including fractional lasers, long-pulse lasers and newer, nanosecond pulsed devices. Some lasers remove hairs by selective photothermolysis, using either very short bursts of high energy which cut individual hairs as they pass through the beam or continuous wave lasers which destroy darker pigment cells in the skin.
Laser hair removal for sale Hingham. Before you overlook laser hair removal or think it’s only for celebrities, know that it can be a safe and effective method of depilation. Most other methods of hair removal carry risks of increasing skin aging, discoloration, scarring, and even infections. Laser hair removal is the go-to method of depilation in today’s world of laser beauty treatments. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get rid of the unwanted facial or body hair, especially those who want a lasting effect on their skin. Read on to learn more Permanent Hair Removal/Laser Hair Removal Spa.
Is Laser Hair Removal For Sale Hingham
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair.
During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively delays hair growth for long periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal, and maintenance treatments might be needed as well. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types.
Why it’s done
Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and the bikini line. However, it’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area, except the eyelid or surrounding area. Skin with tattoos should not be treated either.
Hair color and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. The basic principle is that the pigment of the hair, but not the pigment of the skin, should absorb the light. The laser should damage only the hair follicle while avoiding damage to the skin. Therefore, a contrast between hair and skin color — dark hair and light skin — results in the best outcomes.
The risk of damage to skin is greater when there is little contrast between hair and skin color, but advances in laser technology have made laser hair removal an option for people who have darker skin. Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don’t absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.
Risks
Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours.
- Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
Laser hair removal isn’t recommended for eyelids, eyebrows or surrounding areas, due to the possibility of severe eye injury.
Permanent Hair Removal
Hair is a normal part of our bodies, but for those who seek to rid it, you’re not short on options. Between waxing, shaving, sugaring, laser, electrolysis, and IPL (phew), we’re often stuck facing a sea of methods to choose from. And to be honest, it can get real confusing, real fast. Whether you’re a shaver or waxer looking for a more permanent solution or you’re a die-hard laser hair removal or electrolysis fan, we’re breaking down the methods of hair removal that are known to last longer than your usual shave. To get some intel, we consulted with three industry experts, Hamish McNair of Candela Medical, celebrity esthetician Lisa Giudi of SKEN by Erase Spa, and celebrity esthetician and author JoElle Lee. (Plus, our pro’s are also speaking to permanent hair removal at home.)
Is Permanent Hair Removal Possible?
Unfortunately, permanent hair removal—whether it be on the face or body—isn’t really possible (sorry, folks). According McNair, there’s no one method that’ll remove all unwanted hair permanently. “Rather, the correct term is ‘permanent hair reduction,” he says. “The majority of hair growth is driven by hormones, so if the balance of hormones changes, this can lead to stimulation of hair follicles resulting, in new hair growth.” That said, things like electrolysis, laser hair removal, and IPL are the next best solutions to achieving smooth, ‘semi-permanent’ hair-free skin.
Types of Long-Term Hair Removal
Below, find out everything you need to know about long-term hair removal methods: electrolysis, laser hair removal, and IPL.
Electrolysis
“Electrolysis uses a fine needle and an electrical current to heat up individual hair follicles,” explains McNair. “This can be a time-consuming procedure as each follicle is treated individually, but electrolysis is particularly effective on individual grey hairs.” The Food and Drug Administration considers electrolysis a permanent hair removal method because it has the best overall results.1 This means electrolysis can get rid of hair for long periods of time or even a lifetime. However, it’s important to note that electrolysis doesn’t give everyone these permanent results. You won’t know exactly how it will work for you in a specific area of your body until you try it. Still, if your goal is to never see hair in your target area ever again, this may be your best bet.
In terms of ouch-factor, Giudi notes that “Electrolysis is known for being more painful than traditional laser hair removal. The side effects of redness and tenderness are usually just temporary, but are common.” Electrolysis does require multiple sessions, which can get pricey depending on the electrologist’s prices and the size of the zone. On the bright side, it doesn’t require a certain hair color or skin tone for effectiveness (like laser hair removal).
Laser Hair Removal
“Laser technology uses a single wavelength (color) of light which can be used to match the single chromophore and generally would treat just one condition or skin type,” explains McNair. While it’s a safe option for most people, those with light skin and blonde hair might not see the best (if any) results. According to Lee, darker skin tones or people of color can have effective laser hair removal or reduction results with the 1064 YAG laser.
While some laser centers market the idea of permanent hair removal after a certain number of visits, it’s important to understand that there is no laser hair removal equipment that has been approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. What they have approved, though, is laser hair removal machines for permanent hair reduction because they’re effective after consistent, multiple treatments.2 “Results are always based on the consistency of your appointments,” notes Giudi. “If you stop after two or three sessions, you will only have results for a short duration.”
Hair growing back at some point is still possible—whether it’s a reduced amount, a finer version, or a combination of both. “For lighter skin colors, an average of 80% reduction in hair can be achieved with high quality systems after four sessions,” says McNair. “Following a full course of treatments, the results can last for many years, and regrowth is only seen if, for example, the hormone balance changes.”
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on Accutane, have been exposed to the sun, or have other medical conditions, you may not be a candidate for laser hair removal.
IPL
Also known as intense pulsed light, IPL uses a high-powered controlled handpiece to deliver an intense, visible, broad-spectrum pulse of light. When using electrolysis or light-based systems—such as laser or IPL—McNair points out that these methods only affect the anagen phase of hair growth (the active growth cycle). “This is why it is necessary to have a series of treatments to permanently reduce the hair growth,” he says. “Different parts of the body have a different percentage of anagen hair.” As such, the time between treatments are shorter—four to six weeks for underarms and bikini, and eight to 12 weeks for other areas.
Electrolysis can permanently remove unwanted hair. Once your hair is gone, you won’t need maintenance treatments. It works on all hair types, including light-colored hairs, which lasers cannot remove.
If you’re interested in laser hair removal, choose a doctor who’s board certified in a specialty such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery and has experience with laser hair removal on your skin type. If a physician assistant or licensed nurse will do the procedure, make sure a doctor supervises and is available on-site during the treatments. Be cautious about spas, salons or other facilities that allow nonmedical personnel to do laser hair removal.
Before laser hair removal, schedule a consultation with the doctor to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option for you. Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Review your medical history, including medication use, history of skin disorders or scarring, and past hair removal procedures
- Discuss risks, benefits and expectations, including what laser hair removal can and can’t do for you
- Take photos to be used for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews
At the consultation, discuss a treatment plan and related costs. Laser hair removal is usually an out-of-pocket expense.
The doctor will also offer specific instructions to prepare for laser hair removal. These might include:
- Staying out of the sun. Follow your doctor’s advice for avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment. Whenever you go out, apply a broad-spectrum, SPF30 sunscreen.
- Lightening your skin. Avoid any sunless skin creams that darken your skin. Your doctor might also prescribe a skin bleaching cream if you have a recent tan or darker skin.
- Avoiding other hair removal methods. Plucking, waxing and electrolysis can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided at least four weeks before treatment.
- Avoiding blood-thinning medications. Ask your doctor about what medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, to avoid before the procedure.
- Shaving treatment area. Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before laser treatment. It removes hair above the skin that can result in surface skin damage from burnt hairs, but it leaves the hair shaft intact below the surface.
Laser Hair Removal Spa
Laser hair removal usually requires two to six treatments. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the location. On areas where hair grows quickly, such as the upper lip, the treatment might be repeated in four to eight weeks. On areas of slow hair growth, such as the back, the treatment might be every 12 to 16 weeks.
Possible side effects in skin of color especially are redness, swelling, scarring and blisters. Permanent scarring and discoloration are very rare. The incidence of side effects is lowered significantly by the expertise and experience of the laser operator.
Lasers emit non-ionizing radiation so it doesn’t harm the fetus, growing children etc. However, we always err on the side of caution, we don’t perform laser procedures on pregnant women or children.
Laser hair removal is repeated every 4 to 6 weeks, for 8 to 10 sessions. A few people might require more and a few others less sessions.
For each treatment you’ll wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the laser beam. An assistant might shave the site again if necessary. The doctor might apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to reduce any discomfort during treatment.
During the procedure
The doctor will press a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip of the instrument or a cool gel might be used to protect your skin and lessen the risk of side effects.
When the doctor activates the laser, the laser beam will pass through your skin to the hair follicles. The intense heat from the laser beam damages the hair follicles, which inhibits hair growth. You might feel discomfort, such as a warm pinprick, and you’ll likely feel a sensation of cold from the cooling device or gel.
Treating a small area, such as the upper lip, might take only a few minutes. Treating a larger area, such as the back, might take more than an hour.
After the procedure
You might notice redness and swelling for the first few hours after laser hair removal.
To reduce any discomfort, apply ice to the treated area. If you have a skin reaction immediately after laser hair removal, the doctor might apply a steroid cream to the affected area.
After laser hair removal and between scheduled treatments, avoid sunlight and don’t use a tanning bed for six weeks or as directed by your doctor. Use a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen daily.
Results
Hairs do not fall out immediately, but you will shed them over a period of days to weeks. This may look like continued hair growth. The repeated treatments are usually necessary because hair growth and loss naturally occur in a cycle, and laser treatment works best with hair follicles in the new-growth stage.
Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it’s usually finer and lighter in color.
You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.