Is Laser Hair Removal For Face>The best technique to get rid of unsightly facial hair is through laser hair removal. When compared to less permanent techniques like waxing and plucking, laser hair removal is safer and more effective. Melanin, the pigmentation in skin cells that gives hair its color and protects against UV damage, is one of the most commonly targeted substances by lasers due to their high selectivity. The laser selectively removes this pigment, making it completely safe for use on any skin tone.
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. This is because it offers an effective, fast and pain-free way of reducing hair growth. Over the years, many different clinics and cosmetic experts have developed laser systems specifically created for laser hair removal. While these are great for treating larger parts of the body, it is not sufficient for treating hard-to-reach areas, like the face. Read on to learn more about Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent/Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt.
Is Laser Hair Removal For Face
Laser hair removal on the face works in the same way it does on other parts of the body. In the office, the procedure will generally follow these steps:
- You will have a brief consultation to verify what treatment is appropriate, and which locations on your face are to be treated.
- Your face will be prepped for the procedure. This may involve using a facial pencil for marking, shaving the current hair, or putting gel on the treatment area.
- You will be given eye protection.
- The hand-held laser device will be used systematically across the treatment zone.
- Your face will be cleaned, and you will be given post-treatment instructions.
So, can you do laser hair removal on your face?
Yes, and the treatment time is very quick. Most sessions take 10-15 minutes, with the actual laser treatment lasting only 1-5 minutes.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR FACE?
Laser hair removal is an effective method of removing hair on any part of your body; the number of treatments is dependent on the area treated in addition to your skin and hair type.
According to that massive study that began in 2005, facial hair was treated to a nearly 80% removal in an average of five treatments.
But, how is laser hair removal effective on face? Especially interesting is comparing this effectiveness to other popular hair removal treatments like electrolysis and waxin
A study published in 2001 in Dermatologic Surgery systematically compared three hair removal methods in thirty subjects. Hair removal from the face was one body area that the study chose to research using needle electrolysis, hot wax, and laser hair removal.
The results showed that laser hair removal yielded a significant amount of hair loss after only the first visit, as compared to electrolysis or waxing which showed no notable difference in growth.
HOW MUCH DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR FACE COST?
The truth is, laser hair removal with likely cost you less in the long term. Because the effects typically last longer than other removal methods like waxing or shaving, you will be saving money on repeated visits to the wax salon or expensive razors.
Most people need 6-12 sessions for laser hair removal on face areas to be effective. Here are average costs nationwide for a single session on a few typical areas:
- Neck $60 – $125
- Upper Lip $30-$60
- Chin $30-$80
- Sideburns $30-$85
IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL SAFE FOR THE FACE?
Yes, laser hair removal is safe for your face. Temporary side effects have been reported by a small number of patients.
Depending on your skin, you may experience mild redness or swelling for an hour or two after the session.
On very rare occasions patients experience temporary burning, scabbing, or skin tone change, but these are the exception and your laser professional will provide you with appropriate laser treatments and instructions designed to avoid any side effects with customization for your skin and hair type.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent
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.
Not all people experience pain the same way, so be sure to temper your expectations if a friend or family swears that it “doesn’t hurt at all” or “hurts tremendously.” A few factors that can influence your personal pain tolerance include:
If you’ve had a sufficient amount of sleep
If you’re hydrated
The current phase of your menstrual cycle (fun fact: You perceive less pain during your luteal phase.)
Because a lack of sleep and dehydration can increase pain sensitivity, try to stay hydrated and get a good night of sleep before your laser hair removal session. To further reduce discomfort, your Laser Bar and Spa provider may rub topical numbing cream onto your skin before your session. Depending on your personal pain tolerance and which area you are treating, you may not need the cream.
Which treatment areas hurt the worst?
In addition to the aforementioned factors, the area being treated by the laser also influences the level of discomfort you may feel. Some treatment areas are not as painful as others. Areas with thinner skin tend to be more sensitive, while areas with thicker skin tend to create less discomfort. Some of the more moderate areas include:
Legs
Stomach
Cheeks
Some of the more sensitive areas include:
Your back
Your upper lip
Your underarms
Your bikini line
You may find, however, that the discomfort is worth the long-term freedom from shaving and waxing.
What does it feel like after your session?
Laser hair removal is effective because it heats up your hair follicle. The heat damages your follicle, which prohibits hair growth. Because of the heat generated by the laser, you may notice that the treatment area is red afterward, and it may feel similar to a mild sunburn. Most side effects are mild and dissipate within 24 hours.
After your session, we provide you with post-care instructions that may include:
Staying out of the sun (your skin is more sensitive to UV rays after laser treatments)
Using sunscreen or covering up the treated area with clothing if you can’t avoid sun exposure
Exfoliate treated areas to reduce ingrown hairs
With laser hair removal, you feel flawless all the time. Other benefits of laser hair removal include increased self-confidence, freedom from razor burn and ingrown hairs, and no more painful waxing sessions.
THE FITZPATRICK SCALE
The Fitzpatrick Scale is a numerical classification based on the amount of melanin or pigment a person’s skin has and how it will respond to ultraviolet (UV) light. This classification is the standard among skin care professionals.
During your initial consultation with one of our expert Medical Providers, we’ll identify your skin type based on the Fitzpatrick Scale. This classification will help your medical provider choose the correct laser and settings for your skin type.
Classification Based on the Fitzpatrick Scale:
- Type 1: Ivory skin that burns and peels when exposed to the sun; never tans
- Type 2: Light, fair complexion that burns and peels often; rarely tans
- Type 3: Fair to beige complexion; may burn or tan
- Type 4: Olive or light brown skin that generally tans; seldom burns
- Type 5: Dark brown skin that always tans; rarely burns
- Type 6: Deeply pigmented, dark brown skin that tans quickly; never burns
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt
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.
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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.
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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.
How you prepare
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.
What you can expect
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.
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.
laser removal does cause discomfort, but it typically causes much less discomfort than other forms of hair removal, especially waxing. Many individuals describe laser hair removal as akin to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin.
You must be intrigued to know the workings of this procedure. So, basically laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures to remove unwanted hair from the body. According to Dr Nivedita Dadu, dermatologist, founder and chairman of Dr Nivedita Dadu’s Dermatology Clinic, laser hair removal works because the light of the laser beam can be converted to heat. The light is attracted to the pigment (melanin) in the hair. Now, this dark pigment absorbs the light and converts it to heat. The heat then affects the hair follicles to prevent hair growth.
In order to destroy a hair follicle, the bulb of the hair follicle where the blood supplies the hair with oxygen to grow, needs to be destroyed. Stem cells which are responsible for hair regeneration too must be killed. To be able to do this, a temperature of about 70 degrees needs to be reached. The darker and the thicker the hair, the more pigment it will hold, and the more light it will absorb.
This is why it is important that you don’t wax or pluck your hair before a treatment, because if there is no hair there, there is no way for the laser light to treat that hair follicle.
When the light is emitted, it is then absorbed by the pigment in the hair, and travels through the hair to destroy the root. That hair is destroyed and does not grow back.