If you are tired of regular shaving, tweezing, or waxing, you may be happy to know that your reliable board certified family medicine Yonkers offers laser hair removal, an option worth considering. It is a popular cosmetic procedure in the US that uses a concentrated light beam to destroy unwanted hair. The light emitted by a laser device is converted into heat energy that damages hair follicles beneath the skin. Consequently, hair growth is delayed for a more extended period, but it does not result in permanent hair removal. Usually, specialists recommend multiple laser hair removal for initial hair removal, and maintenance may also be necessary.
Why is laser hair removal done?
As the term may suggest, laser hair removal is done to remove unwanted hair; the procedure can be used in nearly all body areas except the eyelid or surrounding area. But the most commonly targeted areas include the upper lip, chin, underarms, bikini line, and legs.
How does laser hair treatment work?
During laser hair removal, your specialist focuses a laser light onto the hairs; the melanin in the hair absorbs the light energy, which is converted into heat that damages hair follicles, inhibiting or delaying hair growth. The basic principle is that the hair pigment and not skin pigment should absorb the light. Therefore, the laser should only damage hair follicles and not the skin. Since the pigment in the hair (melanin) absorbs the light, this procedure is most effective when there is a contrast between hair and skin color. For example, light skin and dark hair result in the best outcomes.
Little contrast between skin and hair increases the risk of skin damage; however, advances in laser technology have made it possible for nearly everyone to benefit from laser hair removal regardless of skin color. However, since the melanin in the hair is responsible for light absorption, the procedure continues to lock out people with hair colors that don’t absorb light well. For example, laser hair removal may not result in the best outcomes in people with red, blond, gray, and white hairs. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair are in development.
How safe is laser hair removal?
The procedure is safe when you work with a skilled doctor who is board certified in a specialty such as dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Therefore, you should be cautious about salons and other facilities that allow nonmedical personnel to do the treatment. The risks and side effects also vary depending on an individual’s adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care, so you should consult your provider to know how you can prepare for laser hair removal.
Common side effects after laser hair removal include skin irritation; the treated area is red, swollen, and feels tender. These signs and symptoms usually subside within several hours. The treated skin may also darken or lighten, and these changes might go away or may be permanent. Your risk of skin lightening is higher if you don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment or if you have darker skin. Although rare, laser hair removal can cause blistering, scarring, crusting, and other changes in skin texture
Book a session with your specialist at Juvanni Medspa® for laser hair removal for smooth, glossy, and hair-free skin.
