There are plenty of options for hair reduction on the market today: waxing, epilation, threading, tweezing, at home laser hair reduction. But, laser hair reduction (if you are a good candidate) at a medical office is always the best decision. Laser hair reduction is a medical treatment that requires specific training to perform. Always make sure the provider you have chosen has been properly trained and has the correct credentials to administer treatment.
The Process
Laser hair reduction works through a process called selective photothermolysis. Which means the laser turns to heat in the hair follicle and stops the hair from forming in that spot again. Lasers specifically target the pigment in your unwanted hairs while not disturbing the surrounding skin. Laser hair reduction requires a package of 6-8 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and possibly a touch up treatment once or twice a year. The hair must be in the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair’s life cycle in order for the laser to kill the follicle. Only 30% of the hairs are in anagen at one time, thus the reason for a series of treatments. Laser hair reduction takes anywhere from 5-30 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.
Before your appointment
Before your laser hair reduction appointment, there are a few things you will want to do. Shave the area to be treated the night before. Thus ensuring the laser gets right down to the follicle for optimal absorption. A few things to avoid would be sun exposure, tweezing or any antibiotics two weeks prior to treatment. Sun exposure and antibiotics increase unwanted side effects such as hyperpigmentation or burns. Tweezing out the hairs before the treatment is detrimental because you are removing the target, the follicle. You want to leave hair follicles intact so the laser can be absorbed correctly.
Aftercare
After your laser hair reduction treatment, you will want to avoid a few things as well. No hot showers, saunas, overheating or sweating for the remainder of that day. Excess heat can cause irritation in the treated area, resulting in erythema or even a little edema. If you are experiencing any irritation after the treatment, hydrocortisone cream is always a safe go-to.
If you have been debating if laser hair reduction is a good option for you, go ahead and give our office a call!
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One of our staff would love to answer any questions you may have regarding the process. We can even set you up with a consultation to discuss in depth with the Doctor or Aesthetician.
