Shaving is a hassle, and sometimes it can be a downright pain if you consider knicks, razor burns, and ingrown hairs. So why do we put ourselves through if it? If the constant need to shave and avoid stubble is making your body care more frustrating, then it might be time to find a different body hair maintenance solution. At ShineMD Medspa & Liposuction Center in Houston, TX, we know that laser hair removal is one of the best ways to treat yourself to a simpler hygiene routine.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is an energy-based treatment that utilizes the power of laser energy to slow or prevent hair growth. This laser treatment is ideal for those who want to simplify their body hair routine since it produces long-lasting results. To be perfectly clear, this treatment doesn’t completely halt hair growth – it does, however, slow hair growth and significantly thin out hair that does grow back.
Slowing your hair growth is one of the easiest ways to avoid constant shaving, skin irritation, and ingrown hairs. Compared to waxing, tweezing, or even using creams like Nair, this laser treatment is a simple, painless, and effective solution.
How Does This Treatment Work?
Laser treatments to remove body hair all work in similar ways. In general, these lasers are programmed with technology that is only active when darker pigment is detected on the skin; this means that the laser treatment is only active when it detects a hair follicle on the skin. This is a huge boon, since it means that your skin will not be damaged by the laser energy.
The type of laser used for this treatment is refined for the purpose of essentially stunning the hair follicle to create just enough damage that hair begins to grow more slowly. Over time and after repeated exposure to laser energy, this treatment will inhibit the natural function of the hair follicle and you will have to deal with less body hair overall.
Where Can You Use This Treatment?
This treatment can be used on virtually every area of the body where you have unwanted hair. From the upper lip to the top of your toes, this laser treatment can effectively thin and stunt your hair growth. Some common areas where you can use this treatment include:
- Legs
- Bikini area
- Stomach
- Underarms
- Chest
- Back
- Face
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
You will need to have several consecutive treatments to achieve your desired results. Most people need between six and eight treatments, spaced about two to four weeks apart, to achieve significant results. After your initial round of treatments, you will likely need to have maintenance treatments a couple of times a year to continue enjoying reduced hair growth. Many patients have maintenance appointments every six or so months to maintain results.
What Happens If You Miss a Treatment?
If you miss a treatment, the worst thing that happens is that you will be back to square ones in terms of hair growth reduction. It’s very important that your initial round of treatments happens on schedule, as missing even one appointment will give your hair follicles enough time to restart normal hair growth behaviors. If you want to achieve your results as quickly as possible, then you should not miss any of your initial treatment appointments.
How Should You Prepare for This Treatment?
Because this is a laser treatment that will expose your skin to elevated light wavelengths, you will need to take certain precautions before your appointment to protect your skin. One of the most important things you will have to do is wear SPF graded 30 or higher for at least two weeks prior to your first appointment. You will need to avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, and self-tanning products, as well.
You will also need to avoid waxing or tweezing your body hair at least one week before your appointment. However, you will be asked to shave at least one to three days before your appointment to make the laser treatment easier and more accurate.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
After your treatment, you should continue to wear adequate sun protection, particularly when you are planning to be outside during the day. Wearing SPF after your treatment will ensure that your skin is not damaged by any UV rays and will prevent any skin discoloration after laser exposure. You must also avoid any unnecessary exposure to excessive heat, including hot water, saunas, hot tubs, and heating pads for a few days after your treatment.
Many patients find that keeping their skin moisturized after a laser treatment is important since the thermal energy of the treatment may cause minor skin dryness. Using products like aloe vera or simple moisturizers that do not have active ingredients like Retinol are the best options for maintaining moisture. If you aren’t sure about what moisturizer you should be using, please let us know so we can make recommendations.
What Are the Advantages of This Treatment?
There are a few advantages of this treatment, such as how long the results last and how simple the treatment is overall. Another advantage of this treatment is the fact that it will help correct any ingrown hairs, since the laser energy essentially re-teaches the hair follicle how to grow hair in straight. Many people also benefit from better skin tone and texture following laser treatments.
Who Is This Treatment Right For?
Laser treatments to remove body hair are generally good options for most people who want to spend less time shaving or dealing with body hair maintenance. This treatment is appropriate for men and women, with the exception of women who are currently pregnant. You may be a good candidate for this type of laser treatment if you want to:
- Reduce hair growth
- Shave less
- Avoid ingrown hairs
- Enjoy smoother skin
Say Good-Bye to Ingrown Hairs With Laser Hair Removal
Ingrown hairs, razor burn, and the itch of hair regrowth are some of the worst things about shaving. But laser hair removal treatments are good options to reduce hair growth and simplify your body hair maintenance routine.
