Ipl Laser For Acne Before And After>We all suffer with acne, and the current treatments can be time-consuming and costly. As a result, we were thrilled to learn that acne could be treated with an IPL laser. For Intense Pulsed Light, see IPL. Although this method of treating acne has been around for a while, it has only recently gained widespread acceptance. To aid in skin clearing, it utilizes light energy, which kills microorganisms and reduces inflammation.
IPL laser therapy has far less risks and complications than alternative procedures like chemical peels. Many of our clients have tried alternative treatments for their acne without success before finally turning to IPL laser therapy. Customers who have utilized this therapy report phenomenal improvements, as evidenced by the before and after pictures that follow.
Acne shouldn’t be a problem for regular individuals. It’s quite annoying and humiliating to have bright spots on your face. They have the potential to make you feel inadequate. But there is a way out, I assure you. It may take some time and energy, but you won’t be sorry you did it in the end. Read on to learn more on ipl acne treatment benefits and ipl treatment for acne scars.
Ipl Laser For Acne Before And After
We all experience acne at one point or another, typically in our teen and young adult years, and for most of us, these acne issues go away. But some of us are left with acne problems that last much longer than we would like, leaving us to deal with anywhere from mild to severe acne conditions that can bother us for years.
At Walk-in Dermatology, we recommend the IPL photofacial treatment for patients who need help with their acne. This laser-based treatment is best at targeting the causes of acne under the skin while keeping the top layer of the skin completely safe. In this article, we discuss exactly how IPL photofacial works and how acne can be treated with it.
What is IPL Photofacial? What Does It Do?
IPL (intense pulsed light) and photofacial are occasionally used interchangeably, but these terms do not exactly mean the same thing. Photofacial is the general term for skin treatments that utilize light-based technology. There are two major photofacial types – LED photofacials for light-emitting diode technology, and IPL photofacials for intense pulsed light technology.
So what is the difference between the two? IPL photofacial uses high-intensity pulses, meaning the treatment can lead to more visible changes. LED photofacial is a much gentler and lighter treatment therapy that is used for patients who want to boost collagen levels in their face and neck.
As IPL treatments can treat a greater range of conditions than LED, most doctors and clinics refer to IPL photofacial when talking about photofacial treatments.
Understanding How IPL Photofacial Works
The science behind light-based treatments is simple, although most patients may find it confusing the first time. IPL photofacial utilizes the body’s natural healing processes to create significant changes to the targeted area.
The laser technology emits quick pulses of intense light to the targeted area. IPL is the preferred type of photofacial because it uses a broad-spectrum light source, making it an applicable treatment for a variety of skin problems, including acne, age spots, rosacea, acne scars, and more.
Unlike the typical laser procedure which utilizes just a single light wavelength, IPL treatment releases a set of different pulsed light wavelengths, similar to the flash of a photo. This makes the pulses less focused and more scattered than what you would achieve with typical laser devices. Scattered intense pulsed light can penetrate to deeper layers of the skin beneath acne and fine lines without causing damage to the top layer.
When the pulses touch the skin, the energy is absorbed by pigment cells and turns into heat. This heat beneath the surface of the skin can destroy spots, freckles, hair follicles, and the bacteria that may be causing the patient’s acne. While IPL can be used on any part of the body, it isn’t recommended on uneven areas.
Is IPL Photofacial a Good Treatment for Acne?
If you have acne and you are looking for the best solution to get rid of it, then IPL photofacial is the solution you need. More and more doctors are recommending IPL photofacials for patients with severe acne or acne scarring, as well as other conditions like sun spots and age spots (through targeting blood vessels), and fine lines.
With just a few sessions, IPL treatments can clear up even the most extreme cases of facial acne and/or acne scarring. With alternatives like oral antibiotics that can be harmful to some patients, IPL therapy is a safe and easy option for acne removal.
When dealing with acne, IPL photofacials treatments generally utilize three filters or wavelengths: 420 nm or blue light, 560 nm of yellow light, and 590 nm of red light. These three filters provide their own properties:
- 420 nm (blue light): Destroying certain acne bacteria
- 560 nm (yellow light): Tending swollen acne lesions
- 590 nm (red light): Paralyzing overactive oil glands in the skin
What is the Typical IPL Laser Treatment for Acne?
The exact treatment needed will depend on the severity of the patient’s acne condition. The typical skin treatment course should be about 4-6 sessions, each session a few weeks apart. Sessions can last anywhere from 15-20 minutes or up to an hour; this depends on how much skin needs to be treated.
Each treatment begins with a protective cooling gel being applied to the targeted area. This will help keep the top layer of the skin safe from the heat without preventing the IPL flashes from penetrating the skin.
Afterwards, the IPL device is pressed to the treated area and a flash of light is emitted into the skin. The doctor should then move the tip along the skin, emitting a flash at every different point. This process can be repeated with each filter if desired by the doctor or technician.
The treatment ends with the skin being wiped clean and the patient given a post-treatment product to help with the healing process.
Healing and Recovery: How Long Does IPL Take to Heal?
A great advantage of IPL treatment is that it causes minimal damage to the top layer of the skin, meaning healing and recovery is quicker than with other types of skin and acne treatments.
After each treatment, patients should feel like they have a mild sunburn on the treated area; this can last anywhere from 4-6 hours. Side effects may also include slight bruising and reddening for a day after the treatment, and some peeling after the first few weeks. No serious side effects should be expected.
Patients can expect to see some improvements after their first treatment, but full results won’t start to become visible until after the first few treatments are done and they are several weeks into their treatments. To maximize your recovery, follow the following tips:
- Use lotion to moisturize the skin daily
- Wash the face a few times a day with cleanser
- If the skin is in pain, don’t apply makeup
- Always use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 if you plan to go outside to avoid sun damage, as sun damage is very harmful to the skin
IPL Photofacial Acne Treatment: Your Top Acne Solution at Walk-in Dermatology
At Walk-in Dermatology, acne is one of the most common skin care problems that first-time patients seek to treat. We have treated countless patients with acne problems, from mild to severe cases, and we recommend IPL photofacial acne treatment for patients looking for an easy yet effective solution.
With IPL photofacial treatments, your acne, sun spots, and other skin conditions can be significantly reduced in just a matter of weeks. Call us or book your appointment through our website to learn more about IPL treatment and professional skin care.
Ipl Treatment For Acne Scars
Now there’s a new alternative to treating acne scarring: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which involves a series of short pulses of light. This light then targets the affected skin cells and thereby lessens the appearance of acne scars.
Acne scars often develop in noticeable places, and they can be an added source of insecurity for patients who struggle with acne. At U.S. Dermatology Partners, we offer multiple solutions to diminish the appearance of acne scars and other types of scarring, including intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments. According to Dr. Young McMahan of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Waco, Texas, “It can be frustrating for patients who have finally gotten their acne under control to have constant reminders of their breakouts in the form of acne scars. Many people think that the only solutions are invasive or painful dermatologic procedures, but intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a conservative and comfortable treatment option to address acne scarring.” Keep reading to learn more from Dr. McMahan about how to treat acne scars with IPL.
Why Do Acne Scars Form?
Scarring occurs as a result of the body’s natural healing response to any kind of trauma. When the skin is cut, burned, infected, or otherwise damaged, the body begins to produce collagen to repair the injured area. Increased production of collagen is usually considered a good thing. Collagen helps the skin retain moisture and gives it a smooth, firm, youthful appearance. When the skin is damaged, over-production or under-production of collagen will lead to scarring. According to Dr. McMahan, “Acne scars are typically raised or pitted. Raised acne scars occur when too much collagen is produced and pitted acne scars develop when there isn’t enough collagen produced after the skin is damaged.”
If you’ve struggled with acne, you likely already know that not all pimples lead to scarring, so it’s important to understand why acne scars develop. In most cases, acne scars will develop in one of the following situations:
- A pimple becomes infected
- A secondary breakout begins before the current breakout clears up
- Patients have cysts and other forms of pimples that develop deeper in the skin
- A patient has a history of irregular scarring or response to injuries
- A patient pops or picks at pimples
What is IPL?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments use waves of light to address a range of skin concerns like acne scars, active acne breakouts, rosacea, skin discoloration, broken capillaries, and hyperpigmentation. You may hear this treatment referred to as an IPL photofacial or IPL photorejuvenation. Many patients with acne schedule IPL photofacials when they are experiencing active breakouts with numerous, deeper pimples (papules, pustules, cysts) and these patients are thrilled to hear that the quick, comfortable treatment can also be used to reduce the appearance of acne scarring.
According to Dr. McMahan, “It may sound counterintuitive, but to improve the appearance of scarring, we actually use IPL to create a controlled version of the inflammatory healing response in the body that caused the scar in the first place. When skin is scarred, the new collagen and skin cells have a different shade or texture compared to surrounding skin, so IPL photofacials and other treatments for acne scarring trigger a healing response in the body that removes the existing collagen and produces new, smoother layers of skin. There are a number of different treatments like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and dermaplaning, that physically exfoliate the skin to stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells. However, these options may sometimes cause discomfort during treatment and require time for recovery after. IPL treatments can trigger the same healing response without discomfort during treatment and healing.”
How is IPL Used to Treat Acne Scars?
IPL treatment is often mistaken for a laser therapy. Both procedures use light energy to stimulate new skin growth, but the treatments work in different ways. Lasers are concentrated rays of energy focused on a single wavelength of light. IPL photofacials use numerous wavelengths of light delivered in a short pulse. The difference is in how the light impacts the skin. Different types of skin cells and components of tissue absorb light in different ways. A laser only uses one type of light, and it can only effectively target a specific group of skin cells and tissues. The multiple wavelengths of light from the IPL treatment mean that a larger number of skin cells can be targeted for a more impactful treatment without the need to use multiple lasers to address various layers of skin and types of cells and tissues. For this reason, traditional laser treatment can be very complicated. Patients who have an acne scar that is pitted and has created discoloration will need at least two different treatments to address the collagen production issue as well as the hyper or hypopigmentation issue caused by the scarring. IPL treatments address both types of skin damage from acne scars simultaneously.
In addition to the multiple wavelengths of light energies, IPL treatment uses short pulses that offer maximum effect for the targeted tissues while minimizing negative impact outside the treatment area. According to Dr. McMahan, “A single treatment that can address skin redness, texture issues, active breakouts, and scar tissue sounds like it shouldn’t be possible, but IPL photofacials give dermatologists the ability to carefully address a wide range of issues associated with acne in shorter visits that are very comfortable. It’s really an innovative and effective treatment option I recommend for many of my patients.”
The procedure itself is relatively short. Depending on the treatment area, most patients are treated in under an hour at the dermatologist’s office. A handheld device is used to direct the light at the targeted area, and patients describe the sensation that accompanies the IPL light application as being like a warm pinprick. With only mild side effects that diminish in a few hours, patients can also return to their daily routine immediately after their appointment.
Am I a Candidate for Treatment with IPL?
According to Dr. McMahan, “Because IPL is non-invasive and uses multiple wavelengths of light energies, it’s really a good option for just about any patient who wants to reduce the visibility of scarring or skin discoloration as well as for those who generally want to create an even skin tone and texture.” While IPL is effective for most patients, very dark-skinned patients are at risk for hyperpigmentation after treatment, so they should discuss options and possible adverse responses with their dermatologist before beginning IPL treatment. Additionally, patients who have light-sensitive skin, especially those with sensitivity caused by the use of certain medications, including recent Accutane treatment for acne, may not be good candidates for IPL photorejuvenation.
Have you ever noticed red (sometimes painful) bumps on the skin, usually a few days after shaving? If you answered yes, you’ve most likely experienced ‘folliculitis’! Folliculitis is a skin condition caused by an inflammation of the hair follicle. It’s often confused with ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris, however differs in cause & biology.
The most common areas to experience folliculitis is on the underarms, legs, pubic area, and arms. This is because the hair is generally thicker and therefore causes more irritation when the hair is removed. It’s a common occurance in both men & women, at any age. ‘Shaving bumps’ on the face, neck, and scalp are similar in appearance, however are referred to as ‘Pseudofolliculitis‘.
Folliculitis isn’t dangerous. However it can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing – especially if it’s on your arms or legs! Regardless of its appearance, we recommend treating it ASAP to prevent it from spreading and developing into a more severe infection.
Why am I getting folliculitis?
Folliculitis is caused by bacteria entering damaged follicles. Therefore it usually occurs after hair removal procedures. Regardless of whether you are waxing, shaving, or epilating, you’re still damaging the follicle. Consequently, you are still at risk of getting this bothersome condition.
Whilst not as common, it can also be caused by the friction of your clothing. If the friction is strong enough to damage your hair follicles, it can then cause the infection.
This skin condition is not usually contagious, however some forms of it can be. So we recommend avoiding skin to skin contact or sharing towels until it has completely cleared.
Try not to worry – mild cases will alleviate on their own!
How can I treat it?
There’s no such thing as ‘folliculitis removal’, however it will generally clear by itself (assuming you have a mild case). However if it’s developed into a severe condition, we recommend visiting your GP who will prescribe you with relevant medication.
To speed up recovery of mild cases and to prevent future folliculitis, Laser Hair Removal is the answer!
How?
The laser beam generated by the Candela GentleLase travels to the infected follicle, destroying the bacteria causing the skin condition. By destroying the bacteria, your symptoms should relieve within just a few days post-treatment!
Will it come back after laser hair removal treatments?
You’re likely to experience folliculitis even after laser treatments, if you do not complete your course of treatments. Laser hair removal (LHR) works by damaging your hair follicle until it is damaged enough to stop hair production. Although you’ll notice thinner regrowth after your first few treatments, it will return to its original state if left untreated.
The recommended course of treatments for each folliculitis-prone areas are:
- Pubic hair folliculitis (including folliculitis on anus) – 9-12 treatments
- Underarm folliculitis – 9-12 treatments
- Folliculitis on arms or legs – 6-9 treatments
- Folliculitis on face, neck, or cranium (scalp) – 20+ treatments
In your LHR consultation, your skin therapist will assess your suitability for treatment and explain the treatment process. If you’re not suitable for LHR, your therapist will provide alternative hair removal procedures and preventive measures.
Ipl Acne Treatment Benefits
Intense pulsed light can tackle the causes of acne and its lasting side effects, like scarring. This procedure also kills harmful bacteria and reduces redness and inflammation. Repeated IPL photofacials encourage the skin to shed and renew its outer layer, a process that gradually eliminates scar tissue.
Do you feel like your skin needs a fresh start? If exfoliation and topical creams aren’t giving you a blemish-free glow, it might be time to consider professional skin resurfacing. Skin resurfacing treatments, like the IPL photofacial, can help people of all ages achieve better skin tone and texture.
How IPL Photofacials Work
IPL stands for “intense pulsed light.” During an IPL photofacial, a light-emitting device is precisely calibrated to target specific skin concerns or to deliver comprehensive full-face rejuvenation. When the pulses of light emitted by this device are absorbed by the melanin (pigment) and red blood cells in the skin, heat is generated. This heat emulates a superficial injury, but unlike a burn, it won’t cause any lasting damage. The IPL device is designed to activate the skin’s natural healing processes without actually harming delicate dermal tissue. IPL therapy will should not cause scarring, infection, or other complications when administered by a qualified professional.
As your skin attempts to repair itself, it will shed its dull, damaged outer layer and form supple, vibrant new skin. During this process, skin-firming proteins (like collagen and elastin) are produced in abundance, mitigating some of the effects of age-related collagen loss. The light emitted during IPL therapy also breaks down the dark pigment inside age spots and freckles, creating a more even skin coloration.
10 Benefits of the IPL Photofacial
With so many options for skin resurfacing currently available, it can be difficult to select the best treatment to meet your needs. If you’re wondering how photorejuvenation compares to similar treatments, like chemical peels, reviewing the unique benefits of the IPL photofacial is a great place to start. Alternately, you can arrange a consultation with our experts to discuss if IPL Photofacial is the best option for you. Ten of the top reasons our patients choose the IPL photofacial are outlined below:
1. Having a photofacial is one of the best ways to treat sun-damaged skin.
When it comes to aging, the sun is your skin’s worst enemy: Most of the changes in skin conditions we associate with getting older are a direct result of exposure to UV radiation. Sunlight breaks down the collagen in our skin, making it weaker and more susceptible to wrinkling and sagging. Sun damage also causes dark “age spots” to form on highly exposed areas (like the hands and face) and gives the skin a lined, leathery, weathered look. If you think you look older than your actual age, habits like intentional tanning or spending a great deal of time outdoors may be to blame.
The IPL photofacial combats the effects of UV damage in two ways: First, it penetrates and draws out discolored cells that have formed deep in the dermis. By dissolving these cells, intense pulsed light gets rid of dark age spots and excessive freckling to restore an even, dewy complexion. After this stage of deep exfoliation is complete, the skin begins to generate a significant amount of new collagen, which replaces collagen stores that have been destroyed by the sun. As a result of this healing process, the skin becomes stronger and more supple. Wrinkles and fine lines disappear may be lessened, and many patients also see some reduction in facial sagging. These effects are subtle and will not compare to more aggressive treatments such as a facelift.
2. Photofacials can treat stubborn acne.
Intense pulsed light can tackle the causes of acne and its lasting side effects, like scarring. This procedure also kills harmful bacteria and reduces redness and inflammation. Repeated IPL photofacials encourage the skin to shed and renew its outer layer, a process that gradually eliminates scar tissue.
Before you have an IPL photofacial, you may need to stop using topical and systemic acne medications for up to six months. Generally, skin resurfacing is only recommended for patients who aren’t experiencing a substantial reduction in acne symptoms through the use of medication alone.
3. Intense pulsed light is an excellent way to eliminate visible veins and capillaries.
Because intense pulsed light is absorbed very efficiently by red blood cells, the IPL photofacial is one of the best treatments available for visible blood vessel abnormalities. Our patients use the IPL photofacial to dissolve broken capillaries and spider veins for a more even, youthful complexion. This procedure is also ideal for treating conditions that cause diffuse redness, like rosacea.
4. Having regular photofacials can prevent premature skin aging.
Intense pulsed light is unique in its ability to actually change the structure of skin cells, making them behave more like young cells. A 10-year study conducted by Stanford University in California demonstrated that having two to three photofacials per year for a decade can positively alter the genes of dermal cells. The genetic expression of aged skin cells treated regularly with intense pulsed light resembles that of young, healthy skin cells. As such, researchers think intense pulsed light can prevent (and not just treat) many of the superficial signs of aging.
To make the most of the IPL photofacial’s age-fighting properties, it’s essential that you avoid sun exposure, especially in the weeks before and following IPL treatment. (All skin resurfacing procedures make the skin temporarily more sensitive to UV radiation, so applying a SPF 50 sunscreen is a must.) You should also keep your weight stable, because weight gain and loss distorts the skin, and avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Taking these steps will preserve the collagen and elastin in your skin.
5. Photorejuvenation can be performed on multiple areas of the body.
Though the IPL photofacial is most frequently used for facial rejuvenation, it can also renew the neck, upper chest, shoulders, hands, arms, and legs. If you have signs of sun damage on multiple parts of your body, treating them all with intense pulsed light may give you a more uniformly youthful look. When you visit Faces for a consultation, our specialists will let you know whether or not this approach is right for you.
6. The IPL photofacial pairs well with other non-surgical treatments.
The gentle lifting and revitalizing action of the IPL photofacial can be complemented with other non-surgical procedures, especially injectables like BOTOX® and dermal fillers. BOTOX® can reduce wrinkles in areas photofacials can’t treat, like the region around the eyes. Dermal fillers enhance the lifting effect of IPL therapy by replacing facial volume that’s been lost with age. These compounds can also fill in any very deep creases that aren’t alleviated by skin resurfacing alone.
7. IPL treatment offers deep rejuvenation with very little downtime.
The IPL photofacial is powerful enough to access the deeper layers of the dermis but gentle enough that it won’t cause excessive swelling, redness, or lasting irritation. The pulses of light emitted during IPL therapy are less concentrated than a laser beam, so IPL treatment is much less risky than laser skin resurfacing.
Most people who have a photofacial can apply makeup immediately after their appointment and return to work within 24 to 48 hours. If any side effects occur after this procedure, they’re usually limited to very mild redness and skin sensitivity. This lack of downtime makes photorejuvenation an appealing alternative to deep chemical peels, which can produce symptoms of redness and flaking for up to two weeks.
8. Photorejuvenation is quick and convenient.
IPL treatments typically take under half an hour to complete, so you can easily schedule your procedure around other commitments. Most patients experience mild discomfort during the treatment- similar to being popped with a rubber band. Some individuals will benefit from a topical numbing cream for some more sensitive areas. Three to six of these quick treatments spaced one month apart, create beautiful results for most people.
9. The IPL photofacial is very affordable.
Though the cost of the IPL photofacial varies depending on your location and how experienced your care provider is, this procedure is one of the most affordable methods of skin rejuvenation. The photofacial costs less than other laser treatments, while also being safer and more convenient. An IPL treatment can cost as little as $700, whereas laser skin resurfacing usually costs about $2000- $3000.
10. Intense pulsed light can remove unwanted hair.
People with lighter skin and dark hair can use intense pulsed light to painlessly eliminate unwanted face and body hair. Like laser hair removal, IPL can remove hair from large areas very quickly.
IPL hair removal works by targeting the melanin in hair follicles, causing hair shafts to heat up. This heat damages targeted hair follicles, preventing hair growth.
Are There Any Downsides to Photorejuvenation?
Though the IPL photofacial’s ability to target melanin is useful for many applications, it presents a challenge for tanned patients and those with naturally dark skin. When applied to darker skin, light therapies can cause skin lightening or hyperpigmentation. Patients with tanned skin, dark skin, or melasma should consider having a chemical peel instead of photorejuvenation. If you’re concerned about the downtime associated with chemical peels, our specialists can use a mild peel formula to ensure rapid, painless healing.
People with certain skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, may not be good candidates for intense pulsed light therapy. Patients with these conditions should choose skin treatments that won’t cause any inflammation, like our comprehensive facial. IPL treatment is not recommended for use on pregnant women or people with chronic health conditions.
Finally, if you’re interested in hair removal, you should know that hair removed with IPL may grow back more quickly than hair removed with a targeted laser. However, IPL hair removal produces little pain or irritation during treatment, so it remains an appealing option for pain-sensitive patients. IPL treatments can also be safely repeated (as necessary) to keep unwanted hair growth at bay.
Whilst this condition is sometimes inevitable, there are some things that you can do to prevent future folliculitis infections:
- Don’t touch the area after your hair removal procedure with unclean hands. As folliculitis is a bacterial infection, it’s very important to keep your skin as clean as possible.
- Shower after the gym. Sweat build up may cause folliculitis if your sweat sits on the skin for too long.
- Avoid tight clothing. As mentioned above, the irritation of your tight clothing may damage your hair follicles.
- Shave less. Shaving is a common irritant to the skin, even if you don’t suffer from folliculitis. The less you shave, the better.
- Wash your clothes and bath towels frequently. Wearing clean clothes and using clean bath towels will help prevent any damaged follicles become infected.
- Use an antibacterial soap. Particularly within two weeks after any hair removal procedure (including shaving).
- Laser Hair Removal. Laser is the only hair removal method that will not only prevent but also treat folliculitis.
Where do I start?
If you’ve followed our recommendations and are still suffering from folliculitis, it’s time to have a chat with us!
Our skin therapists are available for skin consultations Tuesday-Saturday. In the consultation, we will assess your skin and discuss your current skin and hair regime. We will then be able to advise product and treatment recommendations to further assist your condition.
Hair didnt fall out after laser
Many people expect to see their hair fall out instantly following a laser hair removal session. But this is an untruth: unwanted hair will not fall out automatically the following morning after the laser hair removal treatment.
Why isn’t hair falling out following the laser removal process? In one treatment, the laser may only treat about 15% of the hair removed by itself, later on, approximately five days after the procedure. This process depends on the individual and their age and skin type hormones, as well as the natural processes for hair growth.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Before you can figure out the reason hair doesn’t fall out following laser hair removal, it’s essential to look at three major cycles of hair growth hair follicles experience:
Anagen: is also known as the growth cycle, and it’s the best phase that the laser treatment can be effective. Anagen is the stage when hair appears on the skin’s surface, which lets the laser stay in place and transfer heat down the hair strand and to the hair follicle.
Catagen: The catagen phase in the cycle of hair, happens the one that occurs before the hair is shed naturally and not due to the laser. In this stage, laser hair removal will not be as successful as hair is already dead and pushed out of the hair follicle.
Telogen: is the stage in which hair is not growing or developing beneath the skin. Also known as the resting phase, Telogen is not suitable for laser hair removal as there isn’t any hair showing on the skin’s surface.
Why Didn’t My Hair Fall Out After Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that permits patients to temporarily put off the necessity to shave, wax or pluck unwanted hairs. The procedure makes use of strong light from the laser device to focus on the pigmentation in dark hair and lets the skin absorb the heat to kill hair follicles. However, it’s not permanent, and a new hair follicle will eventually grow.
After one session of laser treatment, your hair’s bulb is expected to break out over a seven to 30-day time span. At this point, bumps and redness could occur as your body pulls dead hair out of your hair follicle. Ingrown hairs could get stuck beneath the skin. People may believe that it’s hair growth, but it’s your body pushing hair upwards to the surface and pulling the hair away from your skin to remove it.
Some patients may be concerned because not all hairs within the treatment region were shed following the treatment. It is crucial to remember that every hair follicle may not necessarily have the same growth cycle as the hairs surrounding it. Lasers can kill hair only during the anagen stage. However, only about 15 percent of the hair will be present in this phase at the time of one laser session. That means that only 15 percent of hair follicles will be destroyed, and those hairs will fall off five to 14 days following treatment.
The growth cycle is the reason why it could take between 6 and 8 sessions before the hair follicles have been destroyed. Each treatment area has its own unique growth cycle, and hair growth in the upper lip can be four weeks, and the cycle for the legs can take between 8 and 10 weeks. A cosmetic surgeon would spread the time within your treatment schedule by six weeks to keep up the growth of hair.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Laser Hair Removal
If you’re concerned about your hair not dropping out, do not be worried. The rate of loss and regrowth is mainly dependent on the person; skin types, hormones, hair type, skin color, and treatment areas are just a few of the many circumstances that impact the process. While you wait, you should know the do’s and don’ts to be aware of:
Do not remove hair after the Laser Treatment
The most important thing to remember is to remain patient. Do not tweeze, wax, pick up, pluck, thread, or squeeze hair from your skin because this can eliminate the hair follicles targeted with the laser and cause skin irritation. It’s better to keep them in place until they are gone; when you go through the laser hair removal procedure, the dark and thick hairs will become thinner and easier to get rid of.
Exfoliate Frequently.
While you shouldn’t be able to pull hair out forcefully, you’re free to cut or scrub the hair in order to speed up the shed process. Rub the treatment area with a circular motion with a loofah or gentle washcloth for removing dead hair.
Don’t Miss the Next Treatment.
While unwanted hair may appear to be gone, however, they could have entered their telogen stage and hidden under the skin. Be sure to follow your treatment program and return to the clinic at the scheduled time. In the long run, waiting too long between hair cycles can result in you missing the growth of your hair.