Is Laser Hair Removal On Face Safe? There are many pros and cons to laser hair removal, but in most cases, face is the place that has much higher risk to this procedure. Since it’s the most sensitive area of your body, there is much more risk of harm from a laser treatment. Before you call your local clinic for a consultation, here are some things you should know about it.
The answer is yes, but it depends on what kind of laser you’re using. If you’re using a pulsed dye laser, like IPL, it can be safe to use on your face because the high-intensity pulses are designed to target melanin in the hair follicle and not your skin. If you’re using a high-powered CO2 laser, however, there is a chance that the intense heat from the light could cause damage to your skin.
Read on to learn more about Is Laser Hair Removal On Face Safe, Preparing For Laser Hair Removal On The Face and What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal?
Is Laser Hair Removal On Face Safe
Laser hair removal on the face is a noninvasive medical procedure that uses a beam of light (a laser) to remove hair from the face.
It can be done on other parts of the body too, like the armpits, legs, or bikini area, but on the face it’s used primarily around the mouth, chin, or cheeks.
There was a time when laser hair removal worked best on people with dark hair and light skin, but now, thanks to advancements in laser technology, it’s a suitable procedure for anyone who has unwanted hair they’d like to remove.
It’s a very common procedure. Data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery showed that in 2016, laser hair removal was one of the top 5 nonsurgical procedures in the United States.
How much does laser hair removal on the face cost?
One session of laser hair removal will typically cost anywhere between $200 and $400, and you’ll likely need at least 4 to 6 sessions, spaced about a month apart.
Because laser hair removal is an elective cosmetic procedure, it will not be covered by insurance, but you should be able to return to work immediately.
How does laser hair removal on the face work?
Laser hair removal works by sending a light into the hair follicle via laser, which is absorbed by the pigment, or melanin, in the hair — this is why it originally worked best on people with darker hair.
When the light is absorbed by the pigment, it’s converted to heat, which is what actually damages the follicle.
After the laser damages the hair follicle, the hair vaporizes, and a full round of treatments later the hair will stop growing back.
Laser hair removal may help prevent ingrown hairs and will save time typically spent waxing or shaving.
Procedure for laser hair removal on the face
Before the laser hair removal procedure begins, your face will be thoroughly cleaned and a numbing gel may be applied to the treatment area. You’ll be given goggles to wear, and your hair will likely be covered.
The practitioner will aim the laser at the specified area. Most patients say the sensation feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin, or a sunburn. You may smell the scent of burnt hair.
Because the face area is smaller than other parts of the body, like the chest or legs, laser hair removal on the face will generally be pretty quick, sometimes done in as little as 15–20 minutes.
Targeted areas for treatment
You can get laser hair removal anywhere on the body, and it’s safe for most people. However, it’s advised the pregnant people don’t get laser treatments of any kind, including laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the face including the:
- chin
- upper lip
- forehead
- temples
- cheeks
Preparing For Laser Hair Removal On The Face
Your doctor should tell you in advance exactly how they’d like you to prepare for your laser hair removal treatment, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Avoid sun exposure in the days before treatment, as laser hair removal doesn’t work well on tanned skin.
- Avoid peels or other chemical treatments in the week leading up to your procedure, which may irritate skin.
- You may be told to shave or wax the area beforehand.
- If possible, arrive at your appointment with clean, makeup-free skin.
- Try to arrive with a low body temperature (i.e. don’t power walk to your appointment). If you’re warm to begin with, the laser may feel more uncomfortable.
- Avoid aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal remedies that may increase bleeding.
- Reschedule your appointment if you have a cold sore or other open cut on your face.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal?
UNDERARMS
Another area of the body that is often exposed to laser treatments to remove unwanted hair is the underarms. Women in particular have spent years shaving or waxing under their arms, only to have to deal repeatedly with razor burn or ingrown hair. Fortunately, it is extremely safe to use a laser on the skin under the arms, and in fact, it’s an area that literally takes only about a minute to complete, for both underarms.
BACK
Increasingly, men are seeking out hair removal or thinning options for their back hair. Laser treatment is perfect for this use because if someone doesn’t want to remove all their back hair, they either have to pluck out the hairs they want removed, or they can undergo laser sessions to thin it out. Waxing and shaving don’t allow for thinning at all. However, if you want to remove all back hair, this is possible with a laser as well.
CHEST
As with the back, men are trying to remove or thin their chest hair more often these days. Laser treatment is able to target specific hair follicles so that only the hair that the patient wants to be removed is targeted. This results in a thinning effect that is permanent. People who want to remove all their chest hair can definitely undergo laser treatments as well, so they can stop shaving and waxing this sensitive area of the body.
ABDOMEN
Unwanted hair on the stomach can cause you to be self-conscious, especially if you want to wear a two-piece swimsuit or go shirtless. Have no fear, because laser treatment can successfully remove hair from this area of the body. If you just want to thin out the hair on your abdomen, this can also be done with a laser because it is so precise that it can target some parts while leaving other parts untouched, creating a thinning effect.
ARMS
Arm hair isn’t the most common hair removed by a laser, but it certainly is an area that can be treated effectively. Women who have dark hair on their arms or men who want to thin the amount of hair on their arms can get fantastic results from laser treatments. Of course, if men want to remove all their arm hair, they can do that as well with a laser. Silky smooth arms can be a reality with laser treatment!
BIKINI AREA
This is a very sensitive area of the body, so it’s no wonder if people worry about getting laser hair removal treatment in their bikini area. However, as with most parts of the body, it is completely safe to remove hair from this area.