The Laser Hair Removal Process
Any treatment involving lasers can be a daunting thought to begin with. This is why it's important to educate yourself as much as possible about what you can expect, the possible risks involved, and the results you will see. Here is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect from the laser hair removal process.
Your First Visit to the Laser Hair Removal Clinic
On your first visit you may be a little anxious, but remember that you are here to ask as many questions as you need, and you do not need to go ahead with any kind of treatment.
Many salons will offer a free consultation, which will help you to ask any questions and give the consultant a chance to let you know the number of treatments it may take. They will also let you know about the possible risks, what will happen during the procedure, and how you will be expected to pay for it.
If you decide to continue with laser hair removal then you may book your appointment at this stage.
Arriving for Your Treatment
It's understandable that you may be nervous about the treatment, even though you are armed with all the necessary information. Try to take your mind off what's going to happen, and ask a friend to come with you. You should already have your payment plan figured out by this stage.
The Procedure Itself
Before the procedure starts the consultant will prepare the area of skin to be treated. You will also be given safety goggles to protect your eyes from the laser. If necessary, the technician will choose to numb the area, though this depends on your skin colour and the area that's going to be treated.
The treatment starts after the technician has found the right laser settings for you. The beam is aimed towards the hair follicles in the area. These follicles will absorb the energy from the laser, and the darker the pigmentation of your hair, the more energy the follicle will absorb. There is always the chance that slightly more energy will be absorbed than is needed, which is what can cause mild to moderate discomfort through the treatment.
This energy is what forces the hair follicles to die and stop growing permanently. Some lasers are more targeted than others, making the procedure quicker and less painful.
In total the procedure will last for around half an hour to forty minutes. However, smaller areas can take as little as a few minutes. Your individual needs may also mean you need to go back for further treatments.
How the Process Will Feel
The feeling of laser hair removal has been described in many different ways, from a pinch of the skin to the feeling of sunburn. For some, the pain is extremely mild, and for others is a little more uncomfortable.
The level of pain you will experience depends upon the area, where some areas are naturally more sensitive than others. Your skin and hair colour ill also affect how much energy is absorbed, and the likelihood of overexposure causing pain.
Each person is different but it is possible to ask around previous patients who will tell you how they felt during the procedure. Also talk to the consultant, who will let you know if they think numbing gel is necessary.
After the Procedure
After the procedure you may experience some short-term side effects including redness of the area. The hair might feel thicker, but will die within a short space of time. However, you should not expect the hair to be completely gone, as there are usually follicles which may have been missed by the laser, requiring repeat treatments. After several visits your results will be more noticeable and you will start to see that your hair growth permanently stops.