We all have body areas that we wish were hairless. From the legs to the underarms and face, we spend hours of our lives getting rid of the hair. Hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, and threading have been there long, but their results are usually short-lived. If you are unhappy with the routine shaving or waxing, you will be pleased to know that laser hair removal Westport delays hair growth for an extended period. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about shaving your armpits every week.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated light beam to damage hair follicles beneath your skin, inhibiting or delaying hair growth for an extended period. The melanin or dark pigment of the hair absorbs light converted into heat energy that destroys hair follicles. The basic principle of laser hair removal is that the hair pigment and not the skin should absorb light. Nearly all body areas can benefit from laser hair removal, but this treatment can cause severe eye injury when used on the eyelids and surrounding area. This procedure is mainly used to remove hair on the legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini line.
Who is a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is best suited for individuals with dark hair and light skin; this allows the hairs to absorb the light, and there is no pigment in the skin that would compete for the light. Therefore, the best outcomes result from the contrast between hair and skin color. Individuals with dark skin are at risk of skin damage during laser hair removal since the melanin in their skin can absorb light. But thanks to advancements in technology, almost everyone is now eligible for laser hair removal, including individuals with darker skin.
Because melanin in the hair is essential for light absorption, people with light-colored hair may not be a good candidate for the procedure. For example, you may not attain the best results if you have blond, white, red, or gray hair.
What are the risks of laser hair removal?
The risks of laser hair removal vary based on hair and skin color and compliance to pre and post-treatment instructions. For example, skin damage is more significant in people with darker skin. Temporary or permanent skin lightening primarily affects people who expose their skin to the sun before or after treatment.
Common side effects after laser hair removal include pain, swelling, and redness on the treated areas; this is usually temporary and subsides within a few hours. Although rare, laser hair removal can cause scarring, crusting, and blistering on the treated areas. There is also the risk of excessive hair growth around treated areas and graying of treated hair.
If you are considering laser hair removal, ensure that you are working with a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon experienced in the treatment. Today, many salons, spas, and other facilities allow nonmedical personnel to perform laser hair removal, so you need to be on the lookout. It is also essential to discuss with your physician before laser hair removal to understand how the risks apply to you.
Reserve a session with your provider at Westport Medispa for laser hair removal for smooth, glossy, and hair-free skin.
