Unwanted hair on specific body parts, including your legs, armpits, upper chin, and bikini lines, can be undesirable. Although hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams can help you get rid of hairs, they often leave your skin dry. For a smooth, glossy finish and extended period of delayed hair growth, laser hair removal Kingwood is the procedure for you. Below is a deeper look into the process.
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What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated light beam to destroy the hair follicles beneath your skin. A laser device emits heat light during the process that the melanin in hair follicles absorbs. The light energy is then converted into heat, which destroys or damages hair follicles, inhibiting or delaying hair growth. While laser hair removal slows hair growth for an extended period, the results are not permanent, and you may need subsequent treatments to maintain the results.
The procedure also works best for individuals with light skin and dark hair, but improvements in laser technology have made the process practical for all skin types. Specialists use laser hair removal to reduce unwanted hair in the following common locations; upper lip, chin, bikini line, legs, and underarms. However, it is possible to treat nearly any body part except the eyelids and surrounding areas.
Preparing for laser hair removal
If you consider laser hair removal, it is essential to choose skilled and board-certified personnel such as dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons. Be cautious of the numerous spas and salons which allow non-qualified personnel to perform the procedure. Working with amateurs puts you at risk of skin damage and burns. Before scheduling laser hair removal, consult with your doctor to determine whether this is an appropriate treatment. During an initial consultation, your doctor will likely review your medical history to check if you have a history of keloids and skin disorders like psoriasis.
Your doctor will also discuss the risks, benefits, and what laser hair removal can and cannot do. You may learn that the dangers of this procedure vary with hair color, skin type, and adherence to pre and post-treatment instructions. Side effects such as redness, swelling, and tenderness are possible after treatment, but these tend to fade away within several hours. Some people experience pigment changes whereby their skin may lighten or darken. These changes may disappear, or they can be permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects people who do not avoid sun exposure before and after treatment.
Before your appointment day, your doctor may give you several instructions to prepare for the procedure. For example, you may need to avoid products that darken your skin. If you have a recent tan, your doctor may prescribe a bleaching cream. You should avoid hair removal methods such as waxing and plucking since they disturb the hair follicle. However, you can shave or trim the treatment area the day before laser treatment. If you take blood-thinning medications like dietary supplements and aspirin, you may need to discontinue their usage temporarily.
If you have further questions about laser hair removal, contact your doctor today at Elite Dermatology.